Crack tough behavior cases wide open with careful observation and insightful questions.

Students raved about Marissa Martino's recent Big Feelings webinar on how to support the emotional experience of dog reactivity clients. They also asked for a follow-up session on the specifics of the whole process of client interaction, from asking insightful questions during an intake to completion of work together.

Marissa has a practical, empathetic, big-picture approach to the process of helping clients navigate behavior change, so I've brought her back to the academy to share with you. You'll find her advice useful for any issue your clients are experiencing, from leash pulling to aggression.

You'll come away from this new webinar with a clear path through the logistics. You'll gain specific communication tools to create and work through behavior modification plans that the whole family can achieve. Marissa will walk us through how to collect vital information from our clients before and during the process. She’ll also share with us some of the most important questions she asks regarding the entire household's behavior (of all species) and the relationship between the dog and the client.

Marissa will also share how to support yourself and the client throughout the process and when to know if your work here is done! 

Live Webinar with Marissa PLUS I'll also be there (Grisha) for a Q&A Panel Session: Wednesday, September 7th 2022 at 10am PDT.

The live session will also be recorded for registered students (including Diamond members) to watch at a later time.

  • Created for trainers, behaviorists, shelter workers, veterinarians, and anyone looking to expand your knowledge and skills to support clients and their dogs. Also suitable for advanced students looking for insight into their own situation.

  • Discover Marissa's process of collecting information prior to the initial consultation. Learn what kinds of systemic questions she includes about behavior (human and dog) and the different types of questions to include about the relationship.

  • Discuss different ways of collecting information from the client during the process and establish who is your audience? What is your preferred method of communication? What is theirs? 


  • Understand the role that technology plays. Apps and email are often viewed as essential tools, but are they more of a hiderance than help?

  • Explore how to set up mutual boundaries in the relationship, including client/trainer commitments, communication methods and hours, and your common training philosophies.

  • Get tools to say goodbye with kindness when a client relationship is just not working out or when your work together has reach a natural endpoint.

  • This webinar and whole lot more is included with a Diamond Membership All Access Pass. For one low price per month, you get access to all of our emotionally enriching dog courses. See if Diamond is right for you.

  • Already a Diamond? You're already enrolled in this webinar, at no extra charge. Just log in and refresh this page, and you'll see a Start Learning or Resume Learning button on the top.

Find out how you can take your client relationships to the next level.

  • 2 Hours of Video

    Includes the webinar recording including the Q&A with Marissa, automated session transcript, and downloadable handouts to assist your learning.

  • Resources & Continuing Education Units

    Download Marissa's Client Intake Form, her Top Client Questions list, and a Copy of the Presentation Slides (for student use only).

    Professional dog trainers and behaviorists earn CEUs from the CCPDT and IAABC!

    CCPDT: 2 CEUs, IAABC: 2 CEU'S

  • Continue the Learning

    Webinar attendees are also eligible to continue the conversation in the Grisha Stewart Learner Support Facebook Group.

    Diamond members can also post in the special group for Diamonds.

About the Instructor

I'm excited to welcome Marissa back to my Academy. Read on to learn why!

Certified Dog Behavior Consultant

Marissa Martino, CDBC, CTC

Marissa Martino is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). She began her career working with canine companions after attending the Academy for Dog Trainers in 2007. Shortly after, she developed her private practice, Paws & Reward. Her approach to positive dog training is evidence-based and rooted in applied behavioral science. She incorporates her Six Connection Principles when working with clients.

As a dog behavior consultant, Marissa believes that our relationship with our canine companions can be a window into how we relate to the world around us which allows us an opportunity to expand as individuals. This innovative, personal development approach is designed to help people cultivate self-awareness and intimacy in the relationship with their dog, themselves, and others. Marissa outlined this approach in her book: Human-Canine Behavior Connection: Building Better Relationships Through Dog Training. In The Paws & Reward Podcast, Marissa and her guests stop and reflect on behavior change, positive dog training, the human-canine bond, and the relationships with our loved ones!

In addition to Marissa’s private dog training practice, she had had the pleasure of working for three different animal shelters directing their behavior departments in CO & CA, the most recent being the Dumb Friends League.

For the last three years, she was the Community Liaison at the Dumb Friends League, offering animal shelters and rural CO communities the education and resources needed to expand their animal welfare impact. Marissa is currently the Board President of the Shelter Playgroup Alliance, offering education to shelter staff and volunteers to develop comprehensive enrichment programs to support the animals in their care.

Student Experience

5 star rating

Accessible, practical and spot on!

Viviane Arzoumanian

Terrific information presented in a positive and organized fashion! A must watch if you want to improve your skills in gathering and conveying important inf...

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Terrific information presented in a positive and organized fashion! A must watch if you want to improve your skills in gathering and conveying important information that will allow you to help your clients as effectively as possible.

Read Less
5 star rating

I learned so much

amy atkinson

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5 star rating

Love this

Elin Bååth

Marissa Martino is one of a kind and shares her knowledge in a great way!

Marissa Martino is one of a kind and shares her knowledge in a great way!

Read Less

Ready to understand your client relationships in a whole new way?

It's your choice: buy this webinar individually or get it (and a lot more) for FREE as a Diamond Member.

  • $29.00

    $29.00Supporting Clients With Empathy: Logistics & Communication Tools That Empower With Marissa Martino.

    One-time payment to add this webinar to your library of courses. Your access will not expire.
    Buy Now

  • $39.99 / month

    $39.99 / monthDiamond Membership All Access Pass

    Great value! Access to ALL live and on-demand streaming content on the site, including this webinar.

    Diamonds are also part of a thriving, supportive community that loves to dig into every aspect of dog behavior. You'll get help from an extensive and growing library of emotionally intelligent animal behavior and care classes, taught by my favorite experts from around the world. Diamonds also get special events, student coupons, and other perks. [Learn more].
    Go Diamond

If you choose to purchase a Diamond membership, it will go for a month from the start date and then renew automatically each month after that. You can easily cancel renewal at any time and your access to the content will just expire on your renewal date.

Already a Diamond? You're already enrolled in this webinar, at no extra charge. Just log in and refresh this page, and you'll see a Start Learning or Resume Learning button on the top.