Maria Canine Care

Hi, I’m Maria
I’m the person behind Maria Canine Care, offering professional dog walking in and around Mansfield.

Dogs have always been a huge part of my life. Since becoming a professional dog walker in 2020, I’ve cared for dogs of different ages, breeds and personalities, getting to know their individual ways and building trusting relationships with them.

I bring together hands-on experience and advanced study in canine behaviour to offer thoughtful, individual care. My approach is kind, practical and reward-based, with your dog’s wellbeing at the heart of every walk.

More than just a walk
I primarily offer solo dog walks, giving your dog my full attention and a walk suited to their needs.

Enrichment is part of that experience. Depending on what your dog enjoys, we might explore different scents, follow a sniffing trail, play searching games, enjoy a game with a favourite toy or practise familiar skills using rewards. Play offers opportunities to have fun together and build our relationship. There’s also time to pause, take in the surroundings and explore at their own pace.

Enrichment doesn’t have to mean constant activity. I adapt the balance of movement, play, mental stimulation and quieter moments to the dog in front of me.

I also walk reactive dogs, who may need carefully chosen routes, more space from other dogs or people, and someone who recognises when a situation is becoming difficult. Understanding body language helps me respond to those early signals and adjust our walk.

Young dogs may need support as they discover the world, while older dogs may prefer a gentler pace. Where appropriate, and always with their guardian’s agreement, I may carefully match compatible dogs who enjoy walking together.

For me, a successful walk is about your dog’s experience: opportunities to sniff, explore, play, use their brain and simply be a dog.

The knowledge behind my care
Alongside professional dog walking, I’ve volunteered at a local rescue centre and worked in doggy day care. These roles gave me valuable hands-on experience with dogs from different backgrounds and with a wide range of personalities and behavioural needs.

Wanting to understand dogs more deeply led me to study canine behaviour. I’m an Advanced Canine Practitioner with the International School for Canine Psychology and Behaviour (ISCP), having achieved a Distinction in my Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour.

This learning has a practical purpose in my daily work. It helps me understand how dogs learn, recognise signs of stress and arousal, and make informed choices about their care.

My qualifications and further study include:
Advanced Diploma (Level 6) in Canine Behaviour — Distinction
Level 4 Ofqual Diploma in Training & Behaviour Management
Level 3 Diploma in Kennel Assistance
Advanced Certificate in Canine Reactive Behaviour
Continuing Professional Development in Canine Nutrition & Wellness

I’m also fully insured, DBS checked and Canine First Aid trained. Continuing professional development remains an important part of my work.

Practical knowledge, shared
Maria Canine Care also extends beyond dog walking through my digital guides, planners and free blogs.

These bring together my canine behaviour knowledge, professional experience and life with my own dogs, including raising my Sprocker Spaniel, Bruno.

My resources offer practical, honest guidance to help owners understand their dogs, build everyday skills and feel more confident through puppyhood and adolescence.

Whether I’m caring for a client’s dog or creating a resource for owners, the principle behind Maria Canine Care remains the same:
Every dog is an individual. Understand the dog in front of you and work with them, not against them.

Reward-based • Practical • Compassionate