Jessica Harder Leeson, CPDT-KA, CSAT
(She/Her)
Jessica grew up with an enthusiastic love of animals, especially dogs, and shared her childhood with a variety of animals. In high school, she happily realized that dogs were a topic that could be studied and began doing so through the CEC Veterinary Medicine program, and as a veterinary assistant at a local clinic. She then pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Sciences from New Mexico State University and realized her interest in behavior was stronger than her interest in veterinary medicine, and never looked back! While at NMSU, Jess met her heart dog, Boots, who taught her endlessly about building a relationship with a dog. After graduating, Jess spent almost a decade honing her behavior and training skills as a member, and then the manager of, Animal Humane New Mexico’s Behavior Department, handling thousands of dogs and cats a year. During this time, she also tested to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, a certification maintained through continuing education. In 2024, she also became a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer. The science of dog behavior is Jessica’s passion, and she’s currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Applied Animal Behavior & Welfare. She especially loves working with small breed dogs, adolescents, dogs with separation anxiety, and dogs who need help building confidence.
Maria Tunno, CPDT-KA, UW-AAB
(She/Her)
Maria is an incredibly talented trainer who especially excels in working with the human end of the leash. After growing up in Colorado, Maria got a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences from Washington State University. With her great talent for teaching people, she explored different career options before her heart dog, Gabbro, led her to the field of dog training and behavior. Maria worked for a local dog training and daycare business while completing her certificate in Applied Animal Behavior from Washington State University. In the midst of the pandemic, Maria joined the Adoptions team at Animal Humane where her talent quickly led to her promotion onto the behavior team, and then to Shelter Enrichment Coordinator. Maria excels in enrichment based training such as nose games, and has a soft spot for hound dogs. When she’s not working, she enjoys training her own dogs in husbandry exercises and tricks! She officially became a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, knowledge assessed, in October of 2023.
Our Training Philosophy
We have had the privilege to build beautiful relationships with not only our own dogs, but thousands of shelter pets in our careers; helping you to build and grow the special relationship between you and your dog is the most important thing to us.
At Heart Dog Behavior & Training, we practice humane, force and fear free training designed to reward your dog for good behavior instead of punishing them for undesirable behavior. We will never use items designed to cause pain or fear on any dog; our tools are a clicker and tasty treats!
Continued learning is also imperative to our team; we actively pursue continuing education to maintain our certifications and keep up with the latest in applied animal behavior science.
We also understand how important positive reinforcement is for people, and will coach you with just as much positivity as we do your dog. We are LGBTQIA allies and stand firmly against racism; it’s of the utmost importance to us to create a safe space for all.
Heart Dog Behavior & Training 