-they're family, teachers and emotional mirrors.
I believe behavior is communication, and when we take the time to listen and tune in,
​transformation naturally follows.
Create a Soul-Level Connection With Your Dog
Maria & Sheba

Meet Maria G Huntoon

Holistic Dog Behavior Consultant, Nutritionist, and passionate advocate for building deep, soul-level bonds between humans and their dogs.

As a dog mom and lifelong animal lover, I know firsthand how important it is to create a peaceful, balanced home where every member of the family (furry ones included!) feels seen, safe, and supported.
That’s why I created my unique, heart-centered approach to dog training: to help intentional pet parents not just manage behavior, but understand it — and heal the root causes behind it. 
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My work blends emotional intelligence, energetic awareness, and practical tools to guide you and your dog into greater harmony. Whether you’re struggling with specific behavior challenges or simply want to deepen your connection to avoid future issues, I’ll help you uncover what your dog is trying to tell you and give you the support to respond with confidence, compassion, and clarity.

Because when you and your dog are in sync, everything changes — for both of you.

Certifications & Programs

My most important teacher? That would be Scout.

At 14, I started working at vet hospitals and volunteering at rescue organizations, learning firsthand how deep the connection between animals and humans can go.

My professional path led me to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, where I served as both a Special Programs Trainer and a Regional Manager of their Puppy Program. I helped train and support hundreds of dogs to become successful guide dogs — an experience that taught me so much about trust, communication, and partnership.

But my most important teacher? That would be Scout.
This work is personal for me.  Scout inspired me to look inward and take a more holistic path - one of patience, understanding, emotional connection, and trust — and now, I help others do the same.
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My corgi Scout came into my life at just the right time, when there was a lot of emotional unrest.  I had dogs before, but Scout was different.  From the first moment I met him as a pup, I felt a connection like nothing I had experienced before.  His mission was to take me beyond traditional dog training, and even the work I had done with guide dogs - it was something deeper, something more intuitive.  I learned to listen differently, to tune in to my emotions and his, to build our relationship from the inside out.
I realized my real work was about relationships - not just training dogs, but helping people understand them, connect with them and grow with them.
Mia is certainly relaxed during our session!
I launched my own behavior consulting business in 2014 to do just that. Since then, I’ve worked with hundreds of families to create lasting harmony between dogs and humans, with a focus on emotional intelligence, trust, and communication — not dominance, aversives that instill fear, or quick fixes that don’t stick in the long-term.
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Your dog’s behavior isn’t just about obedience — it’s a window into their nervous system, their needs, and even your own patterns. Together, we get to the root of it all so you and your dog can feel good, live in sync, and build a life that works for both of you.
Another pivotal moment arrived when Scout was 8 years old.  He started growing a fatty lipoma, and it eventually got large enough to fit in the palm of my hand.  We had the lipoma removed, but then came an onslaught of other health concerns.  That’s when I dove into canine nutrition and energy work in an effort to help him in a more holistic way. 
Sometimes the breakthrough comes not from a command, but from a gut-healing less inflammatory meal or balancing the energies between a dog, his humans and his environment.  When Scout passed away in 2022 — just a few days after placing his head on my nutrition textbook, which he had never done before — I made it my new mission to bring what I had learned during his journey to save other pet parents from the same heartbreak I had endured.  I know that’s what he was guiding me to do.  I pursued my certification and added nutrition consulting to my services in 2024.  And I can feel him shining down on me with each dog I help.
At the heart of my work is the belief that true change starts with connection — not just with our dogs, but with ourselves. I bring energy, intuition, and adaptability to each relationship I support. I’m here to serve — to help you and your dog find the balance that leads to a peaceful, harmonious life together.

Mutual Respect & Communication

Your dog isn’t misbehaving out of defiance, but out of a need that’s not being met or understood. When we take the time to listen and learn, everything changes.

Individualized Support

No dog or person is the same. I look at your relationship as a whole — your energy, environment, and emotions — to find what works for you both.

Emotional Harmony ​

Dogs reflect us. So we work from the inside out to create lasting change by also helping you feel more present, empowered, and clear — because that’s what your dog is responding to.

Holistic, Lasting Transformation

I’m not here to offer a quick fix. I’m here to walk alongside you as we uncover root causes and build lasting trust.
Heal the Root, Not Just the Reaction
My holistic approach will go deep into the root of the relationship and behavior and build it from the inside out
- teaching lessons that will last a lifetime.

Behavior & Emotional Wellness

When behavior problems appear, they’re often rooted in stress, fear, or imbalance. Through personalized behavior modification, I will help address anxiety, separation anxiety, fear, reactivity, and aggression using gentle, holistic methods. With tools like essential oils for stress relief, enrichment, and mindful exposure, I help dogs find calm and confidence—creating lasting peace and trust between you and your dog.

Training & Lifestyle Foundations

My one-on-one obedience and manners training focuses on positive reinforcement, clear communication, and consistency. For new dog owners, I offer early guidance to prevent bad habits and strengthen the bond from day one. My socialization and exposure programs, rescue dog support, and family dog integration services help every dog—young or old—develop confidence, balance, and harmony at home.

Health, Harmony & Holistic Support

True wellness starts from within. Through nutrition consulting, I help you find the right diet to support your dog’s behavior and health. My new dog matchmaking ensures the right fit for your lifestyle, while pet grief support offers comfort during difficult times. I also provide group training sessions for rescues, fosters, and veterinary teams—empowering better understanding and lifelong connection.
All of my programs and offerings use my signature framework - the T.R.U.S.T Method.
 Learn How to Support Your Dog From the Inside Out
On my Substack, I break down behavior, stress, diet, and everyday challenges into simple, practical guidance you can use immediately. Subscribe if you’re ready to understand your dog on a deeper level and make life easier for both of you.