About

Dog Separation Anxiety Trainer with dog in the woods

Hi, I’m Maria, and that adorable dog below is my “doghter,” Soneca! I am a Certified Separation Anxiety trainer and behavior consultant.

I created Fluent Fido with one goal: to help dog guardians better understand their dogs and build stronger, happier relationships through evidence-based, force-free behavior support. My approach is tailored to each dog, helping guardians understand why their dog behaves the way they do and how to create lasting change without fear, intimidation, or punishment.

I am a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) through Malena DeMartini and a Certified Fear Free Professional and, as a professional, I continue to expand my knowledge through ongoing education in canine behaviour, welfare, emotions, pain, and stress physiology, allowing me to provide science- and evidence-informed support based on the latest research. As a matter of fact, I also regularly attend continuing education, including Research Bites with Dr. Kristina Spaulding, and I hold a diploma in Canine Osteopathy.

Although I am based in Europe, I work remotely with dog guardians around the world. I provide consultations in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, making professional behaviour support accessible to clients in their preferred language.

My mission is simple: to bridge the communication gap between dogs and their guardians that are at their wit’s end and feel ready to give up! Instead, I want to help you understand your dog and teach your practical, force-free strategies that will create long lasting improvements in both behaviour and the relationship with your pup.

My certifications

The dog behaviour industry is largely unregulated, making it important to choose a qualified dog behaviour professional who holds recognised certifications and keeps up to date with the latest scientific research.

Courses:

Canine Behavioral Training Course (1 year), EFAP – 2021

Specialization Course in Positive Reinforcement Training and Behavior Analyses (1 year), CEAP – 2022

Canine Health & Nutrition Diploma, British College of Canine Studies – 2023

Canine Systemic Anatomy and Physiology, London College of Animal Osteopathy – 2024

Canine Pathology and Diseases, London College of Animal Osteopathy – 2024

Canine Neurophysiology, London College of Animal Osteopathy – 2024

Canine Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics, London College of Animal Osteopathy – 2024

Canine Behaviour and Psychology, London College of Animal Osteopathy – 2024

Science of Fear, Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior – 2024

Dog Cognition and Emotion, Duke University – USA, 2025

Animal Emotions, Karoline Westlund, ILLIS Animal Behaviour Courses – 2025

Unlocking Resilience, Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior – 2025

Fear Free Certification – 2025

Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) Malena DeMartini – 2025

The Thinking Animal: Cognition and its Role in Behavior – 2026

Seminars

The Role of Emotion in Aggressive Behavior, 2023

The Role of Arousal in Aggression, 2023

The Heritability of Aggression, 2023

Links Between Digestive Health and Aggression in Dogs, 2023

Responding to Dog Bites – Before, During, and After, 2023

Bites of Biology and Behaviorism: Aggression On the Inside and Out, 2023

Conferences

2021 – International Dog Training Seminar, ABMeVec

2025 – Congresso Nacional de Comportamento Canino, Amigo Fiel

2025 – The Dog Behavior Conference, VSA

Unlocking Resilience Dr. Spaulding
Separation Anxiety Certificate of Expertise
IAABC International Association of Behavior Consultatns
Fear Free Certified Badge
Certificate of Completion Animal Emotions