Why Certification Matters
Choosing a certified dog trainer is crucial because it ensures you’re working with someone who has been educated in the science of animal behavior and positive reinforcement techniques. As a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and Certified Family Dog Mediator, I’ve undergone rigorous training to help dogs and their humans learn in a rewarding and effective way. 
Certification(s) guarantee that your trainer is committed to ongoing education and best practices, ensuring your dog gets the most up-to-date, ethical training. 



  






  








































  
  
  

    

      

        
          
  
      
        
        
        
  

    
      
        

          
  
  
  
  
  
  
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About Your Trainer
I am Ava Marceau, a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and Certified Family Dog Mediator based in Southern Rhode Island. I help dogs and their people build stronger, more secure relationships through trust, communication, and a deeper understanding of behavior.
Animals have always been a central part of my life, from working with horses to raising guide dogs, fostering rescues, and working professionally as a dog walker. Those early experiences shaped how I see animals today; not as beings who need to be controlled, but as individuals we learn to communicate with.
I work with dogs and their families at all stages of life and training, including those navigating reactivity, fear, overexcitement, or difficulty settling in the home, as well as families who want more than basic obedience; they want a stronger relationship and a more enriched, connected life together.
My approach is science-based and relationship-focused. I prioritize helping dogs meet their needs through real-life outlets, such as structured outdoor time, enrichment, and thoughtfully guided experiences, rather than relying only on obedience training. When dogs can move, explore, and engage with the world in safe and supported ways, behavior and welfare improve together.
I continue to deepen my education through ongoing mentorship with a Certified Behavior Consultant at Modern Dog Training RI, where I stay closely connected to hands-on behavior work and real-world case experience. I completed the Karen Pryor Academy Professional Program in 2024 and the Family Dog Mediator Certification in 2026, and I remain committed to lifelong learning in behavior science.
I have a special focus on reactive and sensitive dogs. These are often the dogs who find the world overwhelming, and I’m passionate about helping them build confidence while supporting their people in feeling more capable, grounded, and connected.
My goal is not just improved behavior, it’s a better relationship between you and your dog, where you feel confident understanding what your dog is communicating, and your dog feels safer navigating the world with you.