Meet Marissa

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Welcome to Paws & Reward. My name is Marissa Martino and I am a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and a trained Co-Active Coach through the Co-Active Training Institute

I began my career working with dogs after attending the Academy for Dog Trainers in 2007. Shortly after, I began my animal sheltering career, having the pleasure of working for three different animal shelters directing their behavior departments in Colorado & California.

In my last role at Dumb Friends League, I was given the opportunity to offer animal shelters and rural Colorado communities the education and resources needed to expand their animal welfare impact. Currently, I help shelters solve problems and eliminate stress by providing dog behavior consulting, education, and program development. 

In 2011, I developed my private practice working with pet parents to modify everyone's behavior to reduce problematic behavior concerns and deepen the connections with their dogs.  

My Dog Training Philosophy

My approach to dog training and behavior consulting is rooted in evidence-based practices and applied behavioral science.

I emphasize positive reinforcement, trust-building, and understanding to foster a strong, joyful connection between the handler and the dog. I apply this compassionate approach to both dogs in shelters and in homes. Equally as important, I ensure that my human learners receive the same level of care, respect, and empathy as their dogs.


My Coaching Experience 

I believe that our relationship with our canine companions can be a window into how we relate to our world around us which allows us an opportunity to expand as individuals. This level of expansion offers us deeper connections with our dogs, ourselves, and others. 

After my training at the Co-Active Training Institute, I started coaching pet parents that were struggling emotionally to care for their dogs with behavior concerns. My coaching service shines a light on the human end of the leash, providing them a safe space to explore their role as a pet parent, giving them tools to support everyone, and build emotional resilience. 

I outlined this approach in my book: Human-Canine Behavior Connection: Building Better Relationships Through Dog Training and discuss these topics in more detail on The Paws & Reward Podcast.


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My mission

Marissa Martino, a positive dog training expert, crouches next to a black dog.

Supporting the human end of the leash through shelter consulting and pet parent coaching


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Certified Dog Behavior Consultant. Trained Coach. Empathetic Listener. Podcaster. Author. Teacher. Speaker. Facilitator. Lifelong Learner.

Dog Behavior Consultant & Training Certifications



Continuing Education


  • 2007: SFSPCA Academy for Dog Trainers
  • 2007: Clicker Expo Rhode Island
  • 2009: Clicker Expo California
  • 2015: CFAWA Annual Conference 
  • 2016: CFAWA Annual Conference 
  • 2016: IAABC Annual Conference
  • 2017: HSUS Annual Conference 
  • 2017: PCAT Behavior Evaluation Training 
  • 2017: Petfinder Adoption Options - Sacramento 
  • 2017: Petfinder Adoption Options - Albany 
  • 2018: Canine Science Symposium 
  • 2018: CFAWA Annual Conference 
  • 2017: Petfinder Adoption Options - Phoenix 
  • 2018: Shelter Playgroup Summit
  • 2019: Learning and Living with Animals, Dr. Susan Friedman online course
  • 2019: Shelter Playgroup Summit
  • 2019: CFAWA Annual Conference
  • 2020: The Lemonade Conference
  • 2020: Shelter Playgroup Summit
  • 2020: Clicker Expo 
  • 2021: Shelter Playgroup Summit
  • 2022: Co-Active Training Institute Coaching Program
  • 2024: Clicker Expo
  • 2024: Internal Family Systems Training Circle

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