Hello — and thank you for being here.
My name is Maria, founder of DOGuidance — a structured canine behaviour and human leadership system designed to create real, lasting change.
I specialise in working with dogs and owners who are facing challenges such as reactivity, anxiety, disobedience, or behavioural patterns that feel overwhelming or difficult to resolve.
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23 customer reviews
Yogi
Dog Training
I want to say a big thank you to Maria for helping our cavapoochon Romeo to leave the house. The last couple of months have been difficult as he refused to go out. With Maria's help and guidance she successfully helped Romeo. We booked 10 sessions with Maria and this helped us in so many ways. Maria is a fantastic dog trainer and I would highly recommend her to anyone. I am happy to say our dog loves to go for walks now which is a big relief! Thank you so much Maria!! More...
Reply from DOGuidance
Thank you so much, Yogini. The pleasure is mine and I'm so happy to know that your relationship with Romeo improved so much - allowing you both to enjoy experiencing the world together. 🙏🙏🙏
David
Dog Training
Maria was great with our German Shepherd and he's much better behaved and controlled. Highly recommended.
Reply from DOGuidance
Thank you so much.
Jack Blair
Dog Training
Amazing went so well maria has taught us and the dogs so much, the difference in their behaviour is unbelievable thank you
Jo & Jack (Bailey & Maggie)
Reply from DOGuidance
Thank you so much! It really means a lot to me to know that with the right guidance your efforts and practice were an amazing success!
J Fox
Dog Training
Maria has provided 3 sessions of puppy training for Morris- a now 5 month staffie- mainly covering basic obedience. She has a wealth of knowledge & advice, was generous with her time, answering our many questions, and genuinely cares about the puppy and helping create the best relationship between the puppy and their family.
Reply from DOGuidance
Thank you kindly, J. Fox. I fully appreciated the dedication towards understanding and improving your relationship with Morris. Thank you.
Irina
Dog Training
I wish to say a huge thank you to Maria for lovingly guiding our 6 dogs (and us, the parents) towards the happy and peaceful coexistence, with many extremely useful practical tips, as well as plenty of insights into dog's philosophy and manners.
Very grateful indeed.
Irina
Reply from DOGuidance
Thank you so much! It was my absolute pleasure to be able to allow the knowledge and experience that I have be of use to such a wonderful, powerful, multilayered family. Thank you all for making this period one of the most amazing experiences!
Lee Cooper
Dog Training
Maria is fantastic, an angel in disguise. She managed where other trainers had failed to get our 18mth very excitable, bouncy boxer under control within 2 weeks.
He actually listened and understood what she was saying to him.
Dexter loved her and still looks out the window on what would have been training days.
We have carried on training and he continues to make good progress
Thank you Maria
Natalie & Lee xx
More...
Reply from DOGuidance
Thank YOU so much. I miss all of you. You are awesome and Dexter would have not been able to improve so well & fast without your prompt cooperation & practice. ❤️
Lauren Mondey
We’ve just finished the 12 week training programme with Maria for our almost 2 year old Jack Russel X Bonnie. Our focus was on lead pulling, recall and patience and even within the first week we noticed a huge difference in Bonnie’s behaviour on the lead! Maria has so much knowledge and has helped us to understand Bonnie’s behaviour, especially giving us insight into her breed and how to best meet her needs and deal with her behaviour - which we feel we never really understood before meeting Maria. Maria created an amazing bond with Bonnie and immediately made us feel comfortable about leaving her. Bonnie’s focus on us has improved massively and is much less distracted on walks. Bonnie will definitely miss her walks with Maria! Would highly recommend! More...
Reply from DOGuidance
Thank YOU Lauren! I am incredibly grateful that you took the time out to leave this review. I can share that working with Bonnie was one of the most rewarding experiences I have shared, which would not have been possible without the perfect blend of collaboration, effort and love shown from both yourself & Jack. Thank YOU for making all of this possible!
Jane Higginson
Dog Training
Maria is working with my dog Riley at the moment. She is very knowledgable and has made a vast improvement on Riley’s anxiety already. Riley would bark hysterically whenever anyone entered the house no matter how much we showed her that it was someone we knew but this has now calmed down and she hardly barks at all. Maria is now working on calming her fears when she is outside walking.. would highly recommend Maria. More...
Reply from DOGuidance
Thank YOU very much Jane for the warm recommendation. For sure Riley has improved a lot due to our combined efforts. For all of that - THANK YOU!
Glenda McLean
Dog Training
In fact I would like to give this lady ten stars! She has completely transformed our three ‘dog reactive’ rescue dogs and worked a miracle in the space of six weeks. She is kind but firm and the dogs love her. We now have a much better understanding on how to progress with the training and feel so much more relaxed. We can not thank Maria enough. More...
Alan stonestre
Dog Training
I have posted a review. I would like to add if anyone would like my phone number please ask ma I would be happy to recommend her in person to anyone. My dog has changed so much for the better. Looking forward to her future visits More...
Alan stonestre
Dog Training
A fantastic trainer. I look forward to her visits. Doing a perfect job with my cocker spaniel.
Neil Atkin
Dog Training
Maria took on our unruly 3 year old. He is now obedient and a pleasure to walk. She has done a fantastic job, highly recommended.
Deena
Dog Training
Ma is brilliant. She has been training Bentley for a few weeks now and the family and I have noticed the difference in him so much. He is much calmer now and much easier to take him out for a walk as well. He is also understanding commands and obeying them. She has done wonders and I would highly recommend Ma if anyone needs a dog trainer. She also gives good tips as well which have worked for me this is my first dog and Ma is really helping me. 10/10. 👍 More...
Reply from DOGuidance
thank you Deena. Much appreciated
Alan stonestreet
Dog Training
From the moment Maria met my 7 month cocker there was an instant bond I have found her manner towards my pup and myself professional and is making our lives easier to train and enjoyable, Maria is always on time, has the time to explain why she is doing things so I am able to follow her lead. I will recommend her to anyone that needs guidance. I also look forward to her future visits knowing that Maria is helping and making my future with my dog a very happy one More...
Reply from DOGuidance
thank you Alan, very happy help!
Ellen Jameson
Dog Walking
Ma is friendly, knowledgeable and reliable. She clearly loves dogs and I’m very happy to have found her.
Reply from DOGuidance
Thank you, Ellen, Happy to help!
Joanne Matthews
Dog Training
Very efficient and helpful. Excellent work
Reply from DOGuidance
Thank you, Joanne, Happy to help!
Dawn
Maria has only been with us for a week. She is lovely, great with my dogs. I would totally recommend her.
Reply from DOGuidance
thank you very much, Dawn! Much appreciated Maria
Nikki
Dog Walking
She was very good with my greyhound, making me feel extremely relaxed about leaving her. Mo is obviously very knowledgeable about dogs and their welfare. She is extremely polite and very organised. Highly recommended. More...
Reply from DOGuidance
thank you, Nikki Nothing makes me happier than knowing that I can bring a little joy to the dogs and their owners Maria
Beryl Alexander
Dog Walking
Ma is reliable and polite. She is caring towards my dog and does her very best to make the dog walk a safe and happy time. My dog is excited to see her every day. More...
Reply from DOGuidance
thank you very much
Beryl Alexander
Dog Walking
A very polite and helpful lady who takes a delight in making the dog walking experience a positive time for my pet.
Reply from DOGuidance
thank you very much
Helena
All just I sad before but forgotten to press the 5 star
Reply from DOGuidance
Thanks Helena, much appreciated
Ben Theobald
Dog Walking
Very well informed with regard to dog behaviour. Flexible and willing to offer advice.
Reply from DOGuidance
Many thanks Ben
Ady
Happy with her job. Excellent communicator
with us and with dog
Reply from DOGuidance
thank you, much appreciated
What do you love most about your job?
What I value most is witnessing the shift — when both the dog and the owner start to understand each other clearly.
It’s not just about behaviour improving, but about the relationship becoming calmer, more predictable, and more enjoyable. That moment where things finally make sense for both sides is what makes this work meaningful.
What inspired you to start your own business?
DOGuidance was created from a combination of lived experience and a clear gap I kept seeing in the industry.
I grew up around dogs — breeding, training, observing — and later expanded into behavioural psychology and human communication. What became obvious over time is that most challenges aren’t caused by the dog alone, but by a lack of clarity in the relationship.
I started DOGuidance to offer a more structured, emotionally intelligent approach — one that looks at the full picture and creates lasting change, not just temporary improvement.
Why should our clients choose you?
Because I don’t approach training as a series of techniques — I approach it as a structured process.
Every dog is assessed individually, and every programme is designed based on what is actually driving the behaviour, not just what is visible on the surface.
This allows us to create results that are not only effective, but sustainable.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
Yes — depending on the situation, support can be provided through structured online or hybrid programmes.
These combine guided learning with practical implementation, ensuring that progress continues consistently between sessions.
The most suitable format is always recommended following an initial evaluation.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
I continue to follow good hygiene practices and adapt to each client’s preferences where needed.
Flexible options such as outdoor sessions or hybrid support are available to ensure both safety and comfort.
Dog psychology & behaviour
* understanding the root cause of why your dog is behaving in a certain manner
* adapting your own behaviour and actions to create the desired results
* hints offered for developing a stronger bond with your dog
Dog training
* techniques and strategies used for guiding your dog towards the correct, desired behaviours
* tips & tricks regarding the correction of undesirable behaviours
Dog care & nutrition
* general care and nutrition tips and tricks offered to provide a neccessary overview for the well-being of your dog
