Interested in pursuing a Dog Trainer or Canine Behavior Consultant career?
Professional Mentorships
Join our Apprentice Program and gain hands-on experience in the world of professional dog training. You’ll learn to read canine body language, understand learning theory, and apply practical, modern, and humane techniques to change behavior and teach new skills. Whether you're starting a new career or expanding your knowledge, this program will give you the foundation to succeed.
Email us for more information!
Mary@BeyondTheBark.net
Professional Mentorship Testimonials
Karen O & Moe
Doggone Coach
“Mary was instrumental in helping me manage my dog's reactivity. Beyond that, she also inspired me to pursue a career as a dog trainer myself. She is a fantastic mentor who is deeply dedicated to her work.
I would not trust my dogs, or any dog with reactivity or aggression issues, with anyone else.”
Zoe P & Calvin
Nosework Instructor
“I have been working with Mary for the entirety of my puppy’s time with me.
Mary is delightful. She is kind, empathetic, super smart, and understands dog body language and behavior better than anyone I’ve ever met. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for support.“
Margaret B, & Her Pack of Hellhounds
(right to left)
Deimos, Kratos, Cassandra, Leonida, & Perdita
Capracam Photography
“For starters, I am a pet photographer. The number one thing people always ask me is "how do you get all five of your dogs to pose for pictures?" The short answer: treats. The long answer: Mary has helped me raise four of them from puppies to adulthood. She also helped me behaviorally modify the Dalmatian (Perdita) I rescued and added to my pack and the Aussie (Leliana, not pictured) I rescued and trained for my parents. Perdita has gone from being an incredibly fearful and reactive dog to a dog who knows it's ok to be scared of things and makes the choice to focus on me. She trusts me not to put her into a situation that would overwhelm her and our relationship is pretty solid. Leliana, meanwhile, is living her BEST life with my parents in Florida.
Not a week goes by that my mom isn't telling me about how Leliana and my dad are off on some adventure. Mary definitely helped me through the worst of my own anxieties about handling their behavior. I honestly can't imagine my life without Perdita while my dad is enjoying life with his partner in crime.
As for the rest of my hellhounds, the most negative thing I can say is that my dogs would all abandon me for Mary in a heartbeat. Outside of their readiness to abandon me for their favorite treat lady, I have a rock solid foundation with them. They love going on hikes (and don't chase wildlife!), going to the beach, vet appointments (they are VERY enthusiastic blood donors), car rides, and photography. I'm pretty sure if I told them we were going into outer space, the pack would be like "YAY SPACE!" and happily jump in the rocket, as long as I'm there.
The long and short of it is that I have a strong, very goofy, very loyal, and incredibly chaotic bond with my dogs and it's all because of Mary's guidance. I may grouch and complain about the inconvenience of my dogs loving me too much (it does get to be quite cumbersome when they decide to chew on their stinky chews on my head) but I wouldn't trade my experience with them for the world. “
Brittany B & Wilma and Wonka
So Cue Me LLC & Warren’s Wascals
“Mary Crawford is a gem. I have known Mary for over a decade in a dog training capacity. From my first interactions with Mary as a pet owner, I was impressed by her knowledge and confident approach to effective reinforcement dog training. I’ve since had the pleasure of working with Mary as her subordinate professional dog trainer, as well as a peer when I got started on my own. I consider Mary Crawford a mentor and training innovator.
When I get requests for training for difficult aggression cases, Mary is the Trainer who came to mind— it takes a secure, patient, and well-rounded dog professional to evaluate complex behavior cases and develop effective training and behavior modification plans and that describes Mary to a T.
Mary‘s extensive professional experience from the world of animal control to private commercial training is a huge asset when it comes to selecting the right person to work with you and your dog. Mary goes above and beyond for her clients and our passionate dog community.
Mary is an expert in aggression cases. If you are a pet owner navigating solutions to aggressive dog behaviors, Mary is the trainer for you. Mary uses science based training methods and creative approaches to challenging cases. Mary’s training yields results— she understands underlying causes for aggressive behavior and how to coach her clients to implement behavior modification plans.
I have sought Mary’s advice for my own difficult cases and I highly recommend Mary to anyone in need of behavior modification training, particularly with an emphasis on aggression.”