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Mari Fetzer : Regulation-First, Certified Dog Trainer - New York, NY by Mari Fetzer
Most training fails because it starts in the wrong place, asking for obedience when your dog's nervous system isn’t ready. A dysregulated brain isn’t “stubborn.” It literally can’t absorb, process, or execute in the moment. My Regulation‑First Training fixes the state first so behavior change actually sticks.
How it works:
1. Take the complimentary RTT (Regulation Type Test) to see your dog’s R-Type (processing architecture).
2. The Metrics Test maps eight regulatory dimensions to find the real bottlenecks.
3. You receive a 12‑week Custom Action Plan (a $250 value) plus a MariDog Dashboard for real‑time behavior tracking.
4. We bring it to life with four private in‑home sessions tailored to your dog, your space, and your goals.
What’s included • 4 x private in‑home sessions
• Custom Action Plan + MariDog Dashboard
• Hands‑on adaptation for YOUR dog based on real data
• Email and text support between sessions
Expected outcome: A dog who can finally listen and learn because their mind is regulated first.
Why this works: Regulation creates learnability. When the nervous system stands down, skills land and last.
Next step: Book here on Petworks - you'll get an email to schedule your private sessions and with the Regulation-Type Test link immediately
With 12 weeks, we’re not just installing skills - we’re rewiring patterns, proofing them under pressure, and normalizing a new baseline for real lasting behavior change.
What 12 weeks unlocks that 4 sessions can’t: Across three phases we move from stabilization to generalization to automaticity. First, we downshift the nervous system and build clear safety signals so your dog can actually learn. Next, we take those same protocols into real life - doorways, guests, walks, recoveries -so regulation holds steady when the world isn’t cooperating. Finally, we shift from “trainer present” to “guardian‑led,” extending durations, adding distance and distraction, and stress‑testing until calm and cooperation are the default, not the exception. By week twelve, you won’t be managing emergencies, you’ll be running a rhythm your dog trusts, with faster resets, fewer spikes, and skills that stick without constant micromanagement.
Unsure? I get it - I would be too. In 15 minutes, we’ll pressure‑test Regulation‑First Training for your exact situation, not in theory.
What you’ll get: Clarity on whether dysregulation - not “disobedience” - is driving your dog’s behavior. A quick read on your dog’s Regulation Type and where capacity breaks down. Two to three actionable moves you can use this week to reduce chaos at the door, on walks, or with guests. A follow-up Loom and write-up so you can reference what we said. Zero fluff, zero sales pressure, just straight answers so you can decide your next step confidently.
How it works: Book your $25 Zoom slot, tell me your dog’s name, age, and top challenge, and bring one recent scenario that keeps happening. I’ll map what’s likely going on in the nervous system and give you targeted steps to test immediately.
Who this is for: Guardians who’ve tried “be the alpha,” more treats, or even harsh "tools" and still feel stuck. If you want proof that a regulation‑first approach fits your dog before committing, this is the fastest way to know.
Outcome: You leave with a yes/no on fit, a mini plan you can run the same day, and a clear path if you want deeper support.
Transform your dog’s behavior by addressing what most training overlooks: regulation.
This 45-minute, in-person 1:1 session is built around my proprietary Regulation-First Method—a science-forward approach that fixes the sequence of training to unlock faster, more lasting results.
Most dogs aren’t disobedient—they’re dysregulated. When a dog is outside their Functional Zone, their brain can’t process or retain training. That’s when behaviors like reactivity, pulling, or “not listening” show up.
In this session, we correct that at the source.
Working in real NYC environments, we’ll identify your dog’s unique Regulation Type (R-Type) and systematically shift them into a state where learning becomes possible. From there, training becomes clearer, more efficient, and far more effective.
This is not generic obedience work—it’s targeted behavioral recalibration for dogs living in high-stimulation environments.
Ideal for:
• Reactivity to dogs, people, or city stimuli
• High-arousal, anxious, or unpredictable behavior
• Dogs who “know commands” but don’t follow through
• Owners ready for a more strategic, science-based approach
What you gain:
• A precise read on your dog’s behavioral patterns
• Immediate shifts in focus, responsiveness, and control
• Clear, repeatable strategies tailored to your dog and environment
• A more effective role in shaping your dog’s behavior
Session details:
• 45 minutes, in-person (NYC)
• Pay-as-you-go, no pricey "package" committment
• In depth detailed training plan
• email and text support for 4 weeks
• Full credit towards a package if you choose to have more sessions