OUR STORY

Welcome!


Love, connection, security and happiness are sentiments we humans crave. Animals eagerly and unconditionally step up and deliver these needs wholeheartedly and without any expectations or semblance of quid pro quo. Since founding HumaneK9 Dog Training my goal has always been to develop programs that curate a genuine relationship between owner and pet based on respect, trust, support and love.


My philosophy is relationship-based training, and I believe that coaching you and your dog is a journey and one that should be fun! Engagement with your dog and embracing the human-animal bond is crucial to building a sustaining, lifelong relationship with your dog. Dogs are social, thinking beings who deserve to be treated in a humane, fear-free, loving and respectful way. 

Marni Bellavia and two dogs

In 1998 after surviving a major health crisis, I realized I couldn’t go back to my 20-year corporate career and needed to fiercely pursue my lifelong passion of working with animals. As a child, I’d take in every stray animal in need that I encountered from dogs to squirrels to snakes. That calling to help animals led me to start volunteering at the Humane Society of Broward County (HSBC). The gig eventually evolved into a full-time position where I had the opportunity to work with and train a variety of dog breeds. I developed a structured animal assisted therapy program for the nonprofit, cultivated community connections and trained more than 1000+ volunteer therapy teams. In 2006, I decided to become a contractor for the HSBC and open my own dog training business. Since then, I have guided pet parents and their companion animals through positive training methods that have further enriched their lives.


With the experience, knowledge and conviction I’ve nurtured over the past two decades I created the Magical Canine Connections (MCC) Animal Assisted Therapy Program in honor of my beloved dog Karma. Karma was the first crisis dog onsite after the horrific shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018. I saw first-hand how impactful it was to have animals working side-by-side with First Responders during a crisis. Our Magical Canine Connections AAT Community Outreach Program has provided much needed comfort, joy and support to a wide variety of people. 


As a certified American Kennel Club (AKC) Fit Dog Instructor, Temperament Test Evaluator and Title Recognition Program Evaluator, I conduct classes to prepare people and dogs for various AKC Family Dog Programs such as: AKC Star Puppy, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Community Canine (CGCA), Urban CGC, CGC Ready for Shelter Dogs / Service Dogs, AKC Trick Dog, and AKC Therapy Dog Title Recognition Programs.


To date, I continue my dedicated volunteer work in the community with my therapy dogs Bodhi and Phoenix through the Magical Canine Connections Animal Assisted Therapy Program. I hope to continue to inspire people to get involved in their community with their pets through various therapy programs. 


I am proud of all my dogs’ accomplishments: notably earning titles in the AKC Family Dog Programs for CGC, CGCA, CGCU, Rally, Agility, Therapy Dog Distinguished, Barn Hunt, Dock Diving and Competition Obedience. 


I look forward to being on this journey with you and your dog. 
Happy Training!

Marni

Professional Certifications / Affiliations

American Kennel Club (AKC) Certified Evaluator


Animals in Disaster, Awareness and Preparation: Emergency Management Institute (FEMA)


Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)


Dog Bite Safety Educator – Doggone Safe


Fear Free Professional


Humane Education Professional


International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)


Pet Professional Guild (PPG)


PetSaver™ Pet CPR, First Aid & Care


Psychological First Aid for First Responders Nova Southeastern University


Reiki Level 1 Practitioner


Shock Free Coalition

Achievements

Florida Veterinary Medical Association


Citizen of the Year Award


Hero Dog Award for Karma

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