Image Description: Text "Happy Clients, Happy Dogs". A photo of a beagle being walked on leash beside a person's legs.
Klarissa is a life-changer. Our adorable puppy Argos had become the warden imprisoning us in our own home, and we were getting a very severe case of the “puppy blues”. We hired Klarissa for the 5 missions per week separation anxiety training, and it completely turned everything around. The first mission was about 30 seconds long. By the end of the month, sessions were over 3.5 HOURS long. A totally incredible transformation, and all done online. Along the way, Klarissa provided expert insight into Argos’s different behaviors, a lot of great encouragement, good humor, and kept us motivated but also knowing where our expectations should be. They are a true professional and their fee is entirely reasonable for the life transformation they make possible. We would recommend Klarissa to anyone and are so glad we found them (on Instagram).
- (Alex, Seth & Argos)
- (Alex, Seth & Argos)
Klarissa's Pupology course has been so instrumental in my dog Bean's development into a confident and prepared adventure dog, and my development into a confident and competent adventure dog parent. Their approach is evidence based, and centered around respect for your dog as an individual, which can unfortunately be lacking in other programs I've seen.
Their self directed course is easy to follow and keep up with and to adapt to your situation as needed, and their facebook community is excellent for sharing progress/setbacks and asking questions. Even when I feel like I can't keep up with everything, there a number of games and exercises that are easy to incorporate into my every day life with Bean, allowing me to build sustainable habits for training Bean that don't feel like a chore like other training methods I've tried.
When Bean first enrolled she was just just entering her second fear period and suddenly she didn't want to even go on walks anymore because she was scared of everything. After two months in the course, and consistently working on her confidence with games in Klarissa's course, I was able to take Bean on her first camping trip and it went better than I could have ever hoped for! She went in a tent, on a boat, to the beach, and swimming in the water all for the first time on this trip and had an absolute blast! She also had amazing recall which was a bonus because we hadn't explicitly worked on that yet, but the course had really helped us develop such a strong bond together that she didn't want to go too far from us because she knew that we were fun to be around!
Klarissa has also been an amazing resource for all things adventure related with dogs. I've been into adventuring for a while, but this is the first time I've had to plan it out with a dog. They are incredibly knowledgeable and have made picking out gear, planning trips, and pre-training for the trip so much less stressful because I feel confident that I didn't miss anything.
I cannot recommend Klarissa and their program enough, they have already had such a wonderful impact on Bean's development, and the bond we share together and I can't wait to see that continue through the course! - Alex J
Their self directed course is easy to follow and keep up with and to adapt to your situation as needed, and their facebook community is excellent for sharing progress/setbacks and asking questions. Even when I feel like I can't keep up with everything, there a number of games and exercises that are easy to incorporate into my every day life with Bean, allowing me to build sustainable habits for training Bean that don't feel like a chore like other training methods I've tried.
When Bean first enrolled she was just just entering her second fear period and suddenly she didn't want to even go on walks anymore because she was scared of everything. After two months in the course, and consistently working on her confidence with games in Klarissa's course, I was able to take Bean on her first camping trip and it went better than I could have ever hoped for! She went in a tent, on a boat, to the beach, and swimming in the water all for the first time on this trip and had an absolute blast! She also had amazing recall which was a bonus because we hadn't explicitly worked on that yet, but the course had really helped us develop such a strong bond together that she didn't want to go too far from us because she knew that we were fun to be around!
Klarissa has also been an amazing resource for all things adventure related with dogs. I've been into adventuring for a while, but this is the first time I've had to plan it out with a dog. They are incredibly knowledgeable and have made picking out gear, planning trips, and pre-training for the trip so much less stressful because I feel confident that I didn't miss anything.
I cannot recommend Klarissa and their program enough, they have already had such a wonderful impact on Bean's development, and the bond we share together and I can't wait to see that continue through the course! - Alex J
I have been working with Klarissa for about a year now in the pupology program. I also have included my other dog in various questions, too. Klarissa has been instrumental in helping me understand my relationship to my wildchild Juno (who started as a puppy) and giving me ideas to help work with her and accomplish both our goals with holistic training and force-free methods. In fact, one of my absolute favorite things to do now is consent checks with my dogs! Klarissa is a wealth of knowledge (including dog nutrition) and has even helped me determine a diet for my chubby boy who is indeed losing weight! They are always working on improving their knowledge- learning and absorbing and sharing all the information in a fun, new way. I also enjoy and respect their opinion on the dog and training world and appreciate everything they do to ensure they are advocating for civil rights and inclusiveness through the work they do..
Klarissa has been very kind and patient in dealing with my neurodivergent brain and neglecting homework at times. I've never felt shamed for not practicing (as I've experienced with other trainers) but kindness and positivity. I often tell them how much I wished I lived in Canada so the dogs could go on hikes with the pack! I wholeheartedly recommend Klarissa to anyone who wants to grow their relationship with their dog or puppy, learn so so much about dogs and understanding them, view hilarious and adorable photos and videos from amazing hikes and have a lot of fun while doing it. - Amy B.
Klarissa has been very kind and patient in dealing with my neurodivergent brain and neglecting homework at times. I've never felt shamed for not practicing (as I've experienced with other trainers) but kindness and positivity. I often tell them how much I wished I lived in Canada so the dogs could go on hikes with the pack! I wholeheartedly recommend Klarissa to anyone who wants to grow their relationship with their dog or puppy, learn so so much about dogs and understanding them, view hilarious and adorable photos and videos from amazing hikes and have a lot of fun while doing it. - Amy B.
We have received professional, reliable and helpful guidance from Klarissa of Divergent Dog Behavior in the training of our dogs. Her approach is based on extensive research and scientific evidence combined with a genuine compassion for dogs and desire to help dogs and their owners enjoy each other. - Norah M
We have been so pleased with our dog Dash's development through Divergent Dog Behavior. Klarissa was recommended to us through another Cavalier King Charles owner and we brought Klarissa on before Dash even arrived at our home. She made a pre-puppy visit to help us navigate those early puppy days. Then Dash began training sessions with her at about 8 weeks. His development and confidence must be attributed to Klarissa and the pup-ology program. We loved that she came to the neighbourhood and worked with him close by. His recall strengthened every time he spent time with her. Now he anxiously awaits her arrival, loses his furry little head when she comes to the door and is so excited to see her. He knows her name when we say it and will sit and wait the dog-bus. He now goes on trail hikes weekly which has been so good for him to become a dog that is comfortable around other dogs and can be let off leash but come back when called. Can't say enough good things about Klarissa. 5/5! - Donna -Marie P
Klarissa came into our lives 2 years ago and that was the best decision I ever made. Recall was something that was really important to me. I have a very big yard and can’t always see my pup. Chelsea’s recall because of our training with Klarissa is on point! I call her name and she runs to me at top speed! I’ve taken her to cottages and had her off leash and the same thing I call her and she comes bolting back to me, every single time.
The other aspect that was incredibly important to me was to have a social dog that walks well on a leash that doesn’t lunge at squirrels or other dogs. When we first started our training Chelsea dove at garbage, so much so that I hated garbage day. It was so stressful! Doing our lessons with Klarissa and this most excellent doodle no longer wants to eat trash, jump for squirrels or pulls me. I recommend Klarissa, she is constantly upgrading her education and really listens to you. It’s not magic you have to do the work but it’s tailored to your dogs needs. I am grateful I have the best dog on the planet, thank you Klarissa! - Vicki Baer
The other aspect that was incredibly important to me was to have a social dog that walks well on a leash that doesn’t lunge at squirrels or other dogs. When we first started our training Chelsea dove at garbage, so much so that I hated garbage day. It was so stressful! Doing our lessons with Klarissa and this most excellent doodle no longer wants to eat trash, jump for squirrels or pulls me. I recommend Klarissa, she is constantly upgrading her education and really listens to you. It’s not magic you have to do the work but it’s tailored to your dogs needs. I am grateful I have the best dog on the planet, thank you Klarissa! - Vicki Baer
Klarissa has been the best investment since adopting my anxious adult rescue dog. When i first adopted Leia she was completely shut down, wouldn't leave her crate, take treats and she was terrified if we saw other people on our walks. Just a few sessions revealed that Leia is quite food motivated and very social and now she regularly has long walks and says hello to everyone along the way.
Klarissa has worked with both of us and taught us how to communicate with each other. Teaching Leia to ask for pets was a game changer in her confidence. She has been a wealth of resources and knowledge for me to help make my anxious pup at home.
Klarissa's patience has been astounding, allowing us to tweak training sessions for me to be present as that's what Leia needed. She even patiently waited weeks and weeks until Leia was ready to let the pets happen (they were glorious). Klarissa has never rushed her or punished her for being shy or opting out, in fact quite the opposite always reinforcing Leia to make her own choices.
In the beginning Leia had very low resilience and having never played with toys she was afraid of every option. Now Leia regularly enjoys puzzles and treat balls and is willing to try new toys and games!
Leia is visibly disappointed every time the doorbell rings and its not her friend Klarissa. I cannot recommend her training enough! Hands down the best thing I ever did for my girl!" - Megan P.
Klarissa has worked with both of us and taught us how to communicate with each other. Teaching Leia to ask for pets was a game changer in her confidence. She has been a wealth of resources and knowledge for me to help make my anxious pup at home.
Klarissa's patience has been astounding, allowing us to tweak training sessions for me to be present as that's what Leia needed. She even patiently waited weeks and weeks until Leia was ready to let the pets happen (they were glorious). Klarissa has never rushed her or punished her for being shy or opting out, in fact quite the opposite always reinforcing Leia to make her own choices.
In the beginning Leia had very low resilience and having never played with toys she was afraid of every option. Now Leia regularly enjoys puzzles and treat balls and is willing to try new toys and games!
Leia is visibly disappointed every time the doorbell rings and its not her friend Klarissa. I cannot recommend her training enough! Hands down the best thing I ever did for my girl!" - Megan P.
We are so pleased we found out about Klarissa and Mobile Mayhem. We have a very high energy puppy and were worried about leaving her home alone while we're at work. Even with a walk, which we booked with another service, she was bouncing off the walls by the time we get home in the evening.Since we walk her twice a day, Klarissa suggested we try her Potty & Play service: She lets Islay out into the yard and then plays a series of indoor and/or outdoor (depending on weather) games with her, which engage her both physically and mentally. It sounded like a good approach, so we gave it a go. Klarissa has been visiting Islay twice a week for a month now and she has been phenomenal. We can see not a single minute of her half-hour visit is wasted through the videos and pictures she sends. Islay is playing, thinking, running, or practicing other physical skills the whole visit long. And as if that weren't enough, Klarissa takes absolutely fantastic photos of Islay, to the extent that there are a few I'm going to print out and frame. I love that Klarissa only takes regular clients, it means she can plan for us and for Islay because she's not constantly meeting new people for one-off visits. I love that it's her business, because we don't have to worry about short-term substitutions with different people who might not know Islay. And I love what she does with our pup, because not only is Islay asleep when we get home from work, but her calm energy tells me she's had plenty of mental stimulation, and that makes entertaining her for the evening a breeze. 100% recommended. - Alexandra S.
We found Klarissa when our very energetic Boston/Frenchie, Louie, was a puppy. Two people with busy work schedules, we needed help taking him for his lunchtime walks. Louie loved getting into trouble as a puppy, we lost a lot of shoes in the first year! Since Klarissa has been walking him we've noticed such a big change in his behaviour. He gets the energy release he needs and while he hasn't lost his feisty nature, he's much more calm when we get home from work- especially since he's started going on group hikes. She's also practiced some manners and training games with him that has helped him come a long way. I know he has a great time too- on weekends when Klarissa doesn't come, he waits by the door around midday and whines for her and his little puppy posse! I'd recommend Klarissa and Mobile Mayhem to anyone with a pup who needs a little help getting them the exercise they need. - Nicole R.
Klarissa was amazing with Newton. She tailored different activities everyday to him (because it was too hot out for long walks) and sent us detailed updates and a boat load of fun photos. Could not have imagined a better week for our dog! - Adrianne R.
Klarissa was great! We loved reading all about what she and Elsie got up to during her visit - and of course all the pictures! It was easy to see that Elsie had fun during Klarissa's visit! - Valerie P.
Klarissa has done a great job with our puppy Brady! He loves her drop in visits. Klarissa keeps us well informed and we really enjoy the pictures in the rover report card! - Amy G.
Klarissa has been an absolute pleasure to work with. She has visited Rilee Monday to Friday for 7 months and has been extremely reliable. Her summary of her time with Rilee is the highlight of my day. Klarissa has done 1 on 1 training sessions with Rilee and myself as well. She is extremely knowledgeable and I appreciate her calm and kind approach to training. I never worry about Rilee getting bored as Klarissa always provides fun new activities that Rilee loves. I am very thankful for the time and energy she has provided for myself and Rilee. - Erin D.
