To my beloved clients...After nearly 20 years in Fairfield County, my family and I are making a big move to Sarasota, FL to start a brand new chapter. I want to thank each and every one of you that I've had the pleasure of working with over the years. I am so lucky to have connected with such passionate dog folks, many of whom became dear friends in the process! Once settled in FL, I hope to find a local shelter to start volunteering, and also get my private training business up and running! Sarasota is a great dog town and I am super excited to jump in with both feet. In the meantime, I invite you to stay connected to me with me via Instagram, where I'll be posting about this new adventure!! Wishing you all health and happiness! All my best - Mary-Jo
Positive Dog Training
Creating harmonious relationships between dogs and
their owners for 25 years.
It's Simple...
I promise, it really is.
I'm going to take a wild guess and say you're tired of your dog's behaviors. You may have signed up for a group class, bought an online course or worked with a trainer before only to discover he/she went back to their old ways. Don't feel bad, you're not alone!
Every year thousands of families struggle with their dog's behavior and spend millions of dollars trying to fix it. What if I told you all that stands in the way between you and a happy and well behaved pup is connection, small alterations and consistency?
Are you ready to have the dog with the best manners on the block? My easy, common sense, training approach will get you there. Keep scrolling!

About Me
My name is Mary-Jo Duffy and I've been helping build relationships between dogs and their owners for over 25 years. As a mother of two young men, who were once toddlers, I understand the challenge of dogs and kids and have worked with many families to create consistency and balance within the home. My mission is clear... less dogs sent to shelters... MORE dogs staying happily in their homes.
I am certified (CPDT-KA) through the Association of Professional Dog Trainers since 2003 and am absolutely passionate about the work that I do with people and their beloved canines.
My first love, and where I began my career, is in the animal shelter world. I have worked with hundreds of dogs in shelters not only to improve their quality of life while in the shelter system, but also to improve their chances of finding their forever home.
My training is100% reward based (and also backed by science) and focuses on the relationship between you and your dog. I like to consider myself your facilitator -- the person who provides you with the knowledge to communicate effectively with your dog, giving you the tools to have the best life with your best friend.
Like anything in life, what you put in is what you will get out. Training is a lifelong prospect and I'm here for you every step of the way. Your dog wants to be the best he or she can be, let's help them achieve that together!
Services
From general behavior to puppy selection, I've assisted hundreds of families!
Hover over each below to learn more about the valuable services I offer.
Follow us on Instagram for behind the scenes of
Paws Up PDT + helpful information you can apply at home!
Testimonials
I love happy tails AND happy humans.
Swipe through for some of my latest feedback below!