Services & Pricing
Initial Training Assessment
$125 • 60–90 minutes
A structured evaluation session to understand your dog’s behavior, environment, and training goals. We’ll discuss concerns, observe patterns, and outline a clear plan with practical next steps.
This is the required first step before beginning private training for all dogs 7 months and older.
Private Training Session
$85 • 60 minutes
One-on-one coaching focused on calm behavior, clear communication, and real-life reliability. Sessions are customized to your dog and may include leash skills, engagement work, confidence building, neutrality around distractions, and foundational obedience.
Initial assessment required before for all dogs 7 months & older before beginning private training.
4-Session Training Package
$300 • 4 private sessions
A structured package for clients committed to consistent progress. Includes four 60-minute sessions designed to build strong foundations and lasting results through guidance, homework, and accountability.
Save $40 compared to booking individually.
Connection
Building a strong relationship between dog and owner through trust, clear communication, and consistency.
Clarity
Helping owners understand how dogs learn and how to communicate expectations in a calm and fair way.
Confidence
Developing reliable skills that allow both dogs and owners to move through everyday life with greater calm and confidence.
What to Expect
01
Book Your Assessment
Start by scheduling your assessment online and completing a brief intake form during booking. This allows me to review your dog’s history, concerns, and goals ahead of time so we can make the most of our session together.
Based on your dog's needs, I'll recommend the most appropriate training location for your session.
02
In-Person Evaluation
We’ll meet in person to assess behavior patterns, clarify goals, and evaluate your dog’s skills in a real-life setting. Depending on your dog’s needs and overall safety considerations, sessions are held at an approved training location or neutral public location. This creates a clear starting point for your customized training plan.
03
Structured Training Plan
Following the evaluation, I’ll recommend the most effective training approach for your dog and your goals. You’ll receive a structured plan outlining what we’re working toward and how we’ll build steady progress together.
04
Coaching & Results
Through tailored coaching and practical homework, we’ll build calm behavior and mutual confidence. As your dog progresses, training is adjusted to ensure results carry reliably into everyday life.
Professional Collaboration
Balanced Dog Coach operates independently and also collaborates with trusted local professionals when appropriate.
For certain assessments, puppy classes, and training needs, sessions may take place at a secure, privately owned training property in Arlington operated by Christa Eyestone of StormsAshK9. This controlled environment allows for safe, structured training and supports a range of behavioral and foundational work.
When a dog’s needs fall outside my current scope of practice, I maintain trusted referral relationships to ensure clients are connected with the appropriate level of support.
About Maria
Maria Bailey is the owner of Balanced Dog Coach LLC and a student of the Method K9 Institute, where she continues to expand her understanding of dog behavior, communication, and practical training methods.
Her interest in working with dogs began early through participation in dog 4-H, where she first discovered how powerful clear communication and partnership between dogs and their handlers can be. That experience sparked a lasting curiosity about how dogs learn and how stronger relationships between dogs and their owners are built.
Over the years, Maria has gained hands-on experience working with dogs in a variety of professional settings, including multiple professional training facilities. These experiences helped shape her practical, balanced approach to training and gave her insight into the many ways dogs and owners struggle to communicate with one another.
Maria’s approach centers on clarity, consistency, and fair leadership. She believes dogs thrive when expectations are clear and owners feel confident guiding their dogs through everyday situations. Rather than focusing only on obedience commands, she helps owners understand the “why” behind their dog’s behavior and develop the skills needed to create calm, reliable behavior in real life.
In addition to her training experience, Maria previously served as the Animal Care Coordinator at the NOAH Center and worked as a veterinary assistant in the NOAH spay and neuter clinic. These roles gave her a deeper understanding of canine behavior, welfare, and the many real-world challenges dogs and their owners face.
Today, through Balanced Dog Coach, Maria works with family dogs and their owners throughout Granite Falls and surrounding Snohomish County communities. She focuses on everyday behavior concerns, foundational training, and helping owners build the confidence and skills needed to live comfortably with their dogs.
While she does not currently take on severe aggression cases, Maria is always happy to help guide owners toward appropriate resources when more specialized support is needed.
Who I Work With
I help owners of family dogs who want calmer, more reliable behavior at home and in everyday life. Common goals include better leash manners, reduced reactivity or calmer behavior around distractions, polite greetings, and stronger basic obedience. Whether you’re starting with a new puppy or reshaping habits in an adult dog, we’ll focus on clear communication, calm leadership, and practical skills you can use in real life.
Hayley – Gunnar’s Owner
We’ve received so many compliments on how well-mannered Gunnar is. Your work truly shows!
One thing I loved about class was the one-on-one attention each pup received. The hands-on guidance during class truly made a difference.
I also really enjoyed the group setting—it helped Gunnar learn to be respectful around other dogs
What Clients Are Saying
Kyra – Tenbu’s Owner
Maria is an exceptional trainer with a strong understanding of animals. She provides clear verbal instruction and hands-on demonstrations, and I truly appreciate the detailed written summaries she sends after each session outlining goals, homework, and video examples.
I also value her flexibility in meeting both at our home and in public settings to observe real-life progress. From day one, Maria has given me the tools to help my pup grow into a confident and amazing dog. I would 100% recommend her to anyone looking for training for a new puppy or adult dog.
Roemer - Titan's Owner
If you have a puppy, I highly recommend this class! We did the recent class with Maria and Christa and it helped tremendously with our husky puppy, Titan. Learning ways to keep them engaged with real life distractions was the best thing we could have done. Titan does better on a leash, listens when walking and isn’t immediately tugging to go greet every person or dog he sees. He has his calm moments in the house and can just relax, even when the cats come down he isn’t immediately trying to chase them around. He is still very much a puppy, but with the skills we learned it’s progress everyday.
Gloria - Brandy's Owner
I have to tell you about someone amazing. Not only is she one of my dearest friends, but anything she puts her heart into, she gives 100%—and her heart is truly in dog training.
One morning, we were walking our (then) 1-year-old husky, Brandy… and let me tell you, she was a wild walker—pulling, jumping, biting at the leash. Walks were anything but enjoyable.
But within just one short walk, Maria had Brandy calmly walking right beside her. I was honestly amazed. She even showed me a simple trick that made getting Brandy to sit so much easier.
If you have the chance to take a class with her, I highly recommend it. And if you have an older dog that needs training or a refresh, definitely reach out—you won’t regret it!