A Pawsitive Approach for Positive Results
Dedicated to strengthening the human-canine bond.
Bringing out the best in your best friend using a humane, force-free approach.

Since 2005, certified dog trainer and professional canine behavior consultant Joan Hunter Mayer has been helping humans and canines alike with pawsitive, practical solutions to everyday challenges. Using humane, proven approaches to dog training, Joan helps her local Santa Barbara clients and virtual clients from all over learn how to get the best out of their best friends. The skills she teaches empowers you to enhance the bonds you have with your dog, and make the world a friendly place for all inquisitive canines.

Using only humane, force-free methods, Joan provides customized training for your dog and you with excellent, proven outcomes. You’ll learn easy-to-replicate techniques and skills that bring out the best behaviors in your best friend. Work with Joan in person, via online video conferencing, or a combination of both – whatever works best for your inquisitive canine and schedule.

Virtual behavior coaching easily sets you up for success, using the convenience of your computer or phone. Customized plans help you reach your goals wherever you are. Getting started is simple and super convenient!

Separation anxiety is a heartbreaking condition that affects about 1 in 6 dogs in the United States. Dogs suffering from separation anxiety can exhibit some or all of the following behaviors when their humans are gone, or even as they are preparing to leave the home.

Have questions about your dog’s behavior? The Inquisitive Canine team answers pet parent questions and offers suggestions to help reach your goals.

Joan gave us our social life back! If anyone has a dog with separation anxiety, they know what I mean. We had many ups and downs throughout the last year but Joan always stayed positive and cheered us on. We are in such a better place because of her and the work that she does. It is hard not to feel alone in this process but having Joan and knowing that she has been through the same training with her pup helped us to stay positive. The advice we received from other trainers that don’t specialize in separation anxiety made the problem worse. I am so happy that I kept searching and stumbled on her website because I would have never known a program like this existed. I am so grateful for everything she has done for us and Penny! Thank you, Joan!
(Tessa – Santa Barbara, California)

The Inquisitive Canine, founded in 2005 by certified dog trainer Joan Hunter Mayer, is devoted to offering humane, pawsitive, practical solutions that work for the challenges dogs and their humans face in everyday life. We are dedicated to barking with the dogs, cheering for the humans, and having fun!