Hi, I’m Mariana—founder of Polo and Pals—and this is my dog, Polo. My passion for dogs has always gone beyond basic care—it’s about truly understanding behavior and helping build strong, lasting relationships between dogs and their owners.

With a background as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, I bring a calm, structured, and safety-first approach to my training. I’m used to working in high-pressure situations where clear communication, consistency, and quick decision-making matter—skills that translate directly into effective dog training.

My experience fostering dogs has given me hands-on exposure to a wide range of behaviors, from anxious and reactive dogs to those needing structure, confidence, and basic obedience. Working with dogs in these transitional stages has taught me how to adapt to each dog’s unique personality and needs.

Through training, I’ve seen firsthand how the right guidance and consistency can completely transform a dog’s behavior—and a family’s quality of life. That’s why my approach focuses on practical, real-world results, helping dogs become calm, responsive, and well-mannered in everyday situations.

At Polo and Pals, my goal is simple: to give you the tools, support, and confidence you need to truly enjoy life with your dog.