The Inquisitive Canine

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The Inquisitive Canine Based in Santa Barbara, California. We are dedicated to barking with the dogs, cheering for the humans, and having fun!

Offering humane, force-free dog training, behavior consulting, human-canine relationship coaching, and pet loss and grief services locally and online! The Inquisitive Canine, founded in 2005 by certified dog trainer Joan Hunter Mayer, is devoted to offering humane, pawsitive, practical solutions that work for the challenges dogs and their humans face in everyday life. Joan sees dog training as both an art and a science, and brings to all private dog training and classes proven strategies and techniques to strengthen the human-canine bond. Based in Santa Barbara, California, the Inquisitive Canine not only works in the local areas but also transcends geographical boundaries by offering virtual dog training via live online video conferencing as well. As a professional canine behavior consultant and sought after public speaker, Joan presents both community and corporate programs in an ongoing effort to not just help people train their dogs, but to create an entire culture shift where dog owners are empowered to enhance the bonds they have with their dogs, and make the world a friendly place for all inquisitive canines.

Pet grief is real.The death of a beloved animal companion can affect your heart, your home, your routines, and your sens...
08/27/2026

Pet grief is real.

The death of a beloved animal companion can affect your heart, your home, your routines, and your sense of daily life.

Pet parents are welcome to attend a free monthly Pet Loss & Grief Support Group through the Santa Barbara Public Library — a compassionate space with others who understand.

All feelings are welcome. Tears too.

Join Santa Barbara Public Library and Joan Hunter Mayer for a compassionate gathering dedicated to honoring the deep bond between people and their companion animals.

Something so true, and often hard to say to others.
08/10/2026

Something so true, and often hard to say to others.

Why losing an animal companion can feel worse than losing a human Leave a Reply There’s a thought that many humans have after losing an animal companion, but feel unable to say out loud: This feels worse than when I lost person X, Y or Z (whoever that may be for you).  If this resonates with yo...

For those who are local, if you're searching for a veterinarian, I highly recommend Dr. Laura Putnam - She is opening he...
06/02/2026

For those who are local, if you're searching for a veterinarian, I highly recommend Dr. Laura Putnam - She is opening her own clinic this summer here in the Santa Barbara/Goleta area called Bonnie Mara Animal Hospital - get on her email list for announcements!

The report was Jonah is experiencing stranger danger and poor leash manners. Normalizing behavior with the handlers, tim...
05/17/2026

The report was Jonah is experiencing stranger danger and poor leash manners. Normalizing behavior with the handlers, time spent teaching him what we want, redirecting him when showing poor impulse control, and chicken to form those positive associations. What a great student! (Humans too!) As the potential adopter said, "He has quite the potential." Agreed! Yes he does!

The result of grief stress baking. 😔
01/18/2025

The result of grief stress baking. 😔

It’s been a good weekend.
09/09/2024

It’s been a good weekend.

In my world every day is 'national dog day' - but today we officially recognize it. For all the local SB inquisitive can...
08/27/2024

In my world every day is 'national dog day' - but today we officially recognize it. For all the local SB inquisitive canines.

Celebrate National Dog Day on Monday, August 26, by taking your dog to one of Santa Barbara's beautiful parks, trails, or beaches. Not sure where to go? Here's a handy list to plan your pup's next adventure!

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Santa Barbara, CA
93108

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