Kelly St. Marie, FFCP

Certified Professional Dog Trainer with experience in Rescue Dogs

Purchase a dog training package or puppy training package with Kelly in Northern Calvert County

Biography

Kelly is a dedicated dog trainer with a specialization in behavior modification for reactive dogs and enhancing their playfulness. Her journey into dog training is complemented by her background in geriatric nursing care, where she learned the vital roles of patience, trust, and positive reinforcement – qualities she applies both in her interactions with animals and people.

A proud graduate of the Penn Foster Dog Training Program, Kelly’s expertise lies in equipping clients with the necessary tools for success, anchored in her belief in the power of patience and consistency. Her experience extends to geriatric nursing care, having worked both at the Calvert Nursing Center and in in-home settings.

Her achievements in the field of dog training are notable. Kelly is a Certified Trick Trainer with “Do More with Your Dog,” an Approved Tester Observer with both the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and the AKC Canine Good Citizen programs, and a Fear Free Certified Professional.

Kelly’s goals and aspirations are centered around sharing her expertise in positive dog training and expanding her clientele to help more dogs and their humans form strong, enduring bonds. She is also committed to continuous learning to further refine her skills in positive reinforcement dog training.

At her core, Kelly is an advocate of Positive Reinforcement. She believes in building trusting relationships with dogs, emphasizing the importance of patience, consistency, and a deep understanding of canine body language, a skill she humorously refers to as “speaking dog.”

Fluent in “dog,” Kelly’s proficiency in understanding canine body language is unparalleled. Beyond her professional role, she is an active volunteer at the Humane Society of Calvert County, the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and Wag Workshops.

Driven by a passion to connect with fellow professionals, share her expertise, and continuously learn, Kelly strives to make the world a more understanding and joyful place for every dog.

What Clients say about Kelly St. Marie

Kelly St. Marie is a dog whisperer and understands that it is a patient process to understand what a dog is trying to communicate, offering meaningful gems of wisdom in that communication pathway each training session. She was River's advocate, as well as ours, and rooted us on to take it one-day-at-a-time, pointing out River's marked, and nuanced improvements, each session.
Seoana
River's Mom
We have a 7 month old Jack Russell named Enzo who just completed 6 puppy training classes with Kelly. She was awesome! Being a Jack Russell, Enzo has a lot of energy, so I loved how Kelly tailored his training to meet his energetic needs. She taught us so much and just after one class we totally saw a difference with Enzo. The tips she gave us on how to help channel his energy into positive behavior has been a life saver! I would highly recommend working with Kelly and the team at Calvert Dog Academy. We are so impressed and can see the positive changes in Enzo, in fact we will be continuing with Kelly on the maintenance plan which will continue to help us ensure that we and Enzo have all the tools necessary to help us grow and learn as a family. Thank you Kelly and everyone at Calvert Dog Academy!! 1
Brandi
Enzo's Mom

Kelly St. Marie’s Certifications and Education

Dog trainers who complete the animal trainer program with Fear Free® will acquire the skills to handle dogs and cats alongside the veterinary team during veterinary visits to ease the pet’s stress during exams, procedures, and other care.

Penn Foster College offers a Dog Obedience Trainer/Instructor Career Diploma program, designed for those aspiring to become professional dog trainers. This comprehensive, online course covers essential topics like canine behavior, training techniques, and effective communication. Upon completion, graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to train dogs professionally, addressing a wide range of obedience and behavioral issues, and preparing them for a fulfilling career in dog training.

Canine Good Citizen® resolutions have been passed by 47 state legislatures and the United States Senate, insurance companies are starting to use CGC® to insure breeds they would not otherwise insure, and some condominium associations around the country now require that all dogs in the complex have earned the Canine Good Citizen® award.

The Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) is a charitable organization that focuses on providing therapy dog resources and support. It aims to spread joy and comfort through canine companions. Evaluators in this group play a crucial role, assessing and certifying dogs and their handlers for temperament, obedience, and suitability for therapy work. They ensure that the teams meet the high standards required for interacting with various populations in settings like hospitals, schools, and nursing homes, fostering positive human-animal interactions.

“Do More With Your Dog!” is a company dedicated to enhancing the bond between dogs and their owners through trick training. A Trick Dog Instructor with this organization specializes in teaching a variety of tricks to dogs of all breeds and ages, fostering a fun and engaging way to learn and connect. These instructors are skilled in positive reinforcement techniques, ensuring a rewarding and enriching experience for both dogs and their owners, while also promoting mental and physical stimulation for the pets.

Unlock Your Dog's Potential with Kelly St. Marie: Expert Guidance for Every Challenge

Explore the world of dog training with Kelly St. Marie, our Certified Professional Dog Trainer specializing in reactive dogs and positive reinforcement methods. Your first 30-minute online session with Kelly is available at a special introductory rate, offering a glimpse into her compassionate and effective training approach. This session is also included in our broader training packages, allowing a seamless transition into a more comprehensive training journey. Book a consultation with Kelly and embark on a transformative path for you and your dog, backed by her expertise and nurturing methods.