Meet Our Trainers

Carmen Epting

Carmen is a professional dog trainer with over seven years of experience in the field. Her passion for training began when she sought help for her own dog, Koda, to address his aggression toward strangers and other dogs. She spent her first three years honing her skills at a family-owned training facility, working extensively with service dogs and dogs requiring behavior modification in group settings.

In March 2022, Carmen graduated from The Dog Wizard Academy and worked as a dedicated trainer with Dog Wizard until 2025. She is a proud member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), where she actively pursues continuing education by attending annual conferences and earning certifications, including LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive), Pet CPR and First Aid, and Prong Collar Assessment, with plans to achieve more. As an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator, Carmen is qualified to award CGC, CGCU, and Trick Dog titles to registered AKC dogs.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Carmen enjoys teaching her own dogs new skills, exploring the mountains with her husband and service dog, Miriam, and raising and training service dogs. Her passion, expertise, and commitment to ongoing education make her a trusted authority in canine training and behavior.

Maria Renninger

Maria began her journey with dogs in 2018, fostering those with behavioral challenges. After serving in the Army, she completed a certified bomb detection course in 2022, further deepening her expertise in canine behavior and working dog training.

Her passion for helping dogs led her to attend The Dog Wizard Academy, where she specialized in behavioral modification, puppy training, and basic obedience. Since then, she has spent the past four years working hands-on with dogs of all temperaments and backgrounds.

Maria later became a dog training instructor, teaching aspiring trainers how to handle everything from in-home aggression to puppy socialization. She remains committed to continuous learning and professional development, always striving to provide better support to both dogs and their owners.

Her mission is simple: to help dogs and their people live happier, healthier lives together