Empowering Dog Relationships

At K9 Unleashed WA, we specialize in building strong bonds between dogs and their owners through effective training techniques.

photo of man hugging tan dog
photo of man hugging tan dog

A short story about us

Hey, I’m Marta!

Originally from Europe but proudly call Bellingham, WA home since moving to the US in 2019.

My dog training journey began in New Zealand, where I moved right after high school. Over the last decade, I’ve dedicated myself to training dogs and their owners.

While my life largely revolves around dogs, I also have a deep love for reading, nature, and all things outdoors. There’s nothing quite like the sun, rain and the beauty of the great outdoors.

My passion lies in bringing out the best in dogs, cultivating understanding of dogs needs, reconnecting, building a healthy relationship, so that others can not only enjoy a friend that can be a true everywhere dog, live the best off leash life, but also have training that’s functional - and works!

Training Philosophie

Balanced training is built on the idea that dogs thrive when communication is clear, expectations are consistent, and guidance is fair. Instead of relying solely on rewards or solely on corrections, balanced training blends both—using positive reinforcement to build motivation and confidence, while also setting healthy boundaries through well-timed, humane consequences. This creates a communication system dogs naturally understand, one that mirrors how they learn from other dogs: calm guidance, clear feedback, and predictable structure.

At the core of this philosophy is a deep respect for the dog’s mind. Dogs aren’t robots—we must teach them how to make good choices, not simply suppress unwanted behaviors. That means cultivating neutrality, impulse control, and emotional stability, not just obedience commands. Through thoughtful use of tools like prong collars and e-collars—introduced with clarity, softness, and purpose—we help dogs understand what is expected of them without confusion or fear. The result is a dog who is more confident, more connected to their owner, and more capable of handling real-world environments. Balanced training isn’t about dominance or control—it’s about creating a calm, communicative partnership where both dog and human can relax, succeed, and enjoy life together.