Meet the Trainer

Maran O'Neill

It all started with a lab rat named Jupiter. 

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I studied at Hollins University from 2011-2014 and received a BS in Psychology. During that time, I worked with lab rats to understand animal behavior and learning theory. At the end of my studies, I took my lab rat, Jupiter, home with me. We spent several semesters learning from each other. She ignited my passion to learn from animals and hopefully teach them a thing or two along the way.

After college and with Jupiter still in tow, I took my first job at a kennel training facility. I became an assistant trainer and worked in dog and cat boarding, individual dog training, and puppy classes. I gained experience under an amazing positive-reinforcement trainer. She taught me how to listen to dogs and how to be patient. She also helped me grow my own confidence as I nurtured confidence in the dogs I trained. 

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Eventually, I moved away from my  assistant trainer role and began a career in mental health, working with children, teens, and adults in various settings. Throughout that time, I continued to work with animals. I volunteered at local humane societies, a seeing eye dog training facility, and a mental health therapy dog group. 

With the current shift in human-animal culture moving away from pet "ownership" and toward pet parenting, I realized that I no longer had to juggle my professional roles between human mental health and pet training. I can use my people skills and my animals skills to help build strong, healthy relationships between you and your pet.

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Continuing my own education is important to me. I've attended seminars with trainers including Victoria Stilwell, Ian Dunbar, and Karen Pryor. I've also completed courses on dog emotion and cognition. I have experience facilitating pet loss support groups through our local hospice company. I am a Certified Family Dog Mediator.

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I live in Winston-Salem with my partner, our cats Monroe and Mischief, a spider named Lilith, and our blue heeler named Willow. Feel free to contact me here with any questions. I'd love to meet you!