About Your Trainer

Hi! I’m Ava Marceau, a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and Certified Family Dog Mediator based in Southern Rhode Island. My goal is to 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 and raising guide dogs to fostering rescues and working professionally as a dog walker, I have spent much of my life learning from them. Those experiences laid the foundation for the trainer I am today and sparked a deep appreciation for communication, choice, and understanding each animal as an individual.

I work with dogs and their families at all stages of life and training, from everyday challenges like pulling on the leash, jumping, and overexcitement to more complex concerns such as fear and reactivity. I also work with families who want more than obedience; they want a deeper understanding of their dog and a more connected, enriched life together.

I believe dogs thrive when they are given opportunities to move, explore, sniff, and engage with the world around them. That's why my work goes beyond teaching behaviors and focuses on helping dogs meet their needs through enrichment, outdoor adventures, and thoughtful training. When dogs have appropriate outlets for their natural behaviors, training becomes more effective and everyday life becomes easier for both ends of the leash.

I am committed to lifelong learning and continued growth as a trainer. I completed the Karen Pryor Academy Professional Program in 2024 and earned my Family Dog Mediator Certification in 2026. In addition to my formal education, I continue to work closely with a Certified Behavior Consultant at Modern Dog Training RI, where I teach classes, work with private training clients, and gain ongoing experience with a wide range of behavior cases. This combination of mentorship, hands-on training, and real-world behavior work continues to shape and strengthen my skills as a trainer.

I am especially drawn to working with reactive, fearful, and sensitive dogs and the people who love them. These dogs are often misunderstood, and their people frequently feel overwhelmed or unsure of how to help. I find great meaning in helping both ends of the leash build confidence, understanding, and trust. Whether we’re developing new skills, creating positive experiences, or helping a dog feel safer in the world, I focus on supporting teams in navigating life together with more ease and connection.

My work is focused on helping you better understand your dog so that everyday life feels more manageable and clear. Whether we are addressing behavior challenges or building new skills, I prioritize practical, real-world progress that supports both ends of the leash.

If my approach feels like a good fit for you and your dog, I invite you to explore my services and submit a contact form!