Maria Muradas, MS

My name is Maria and I’m the lead behaviorist for Dog Matters.

As long as I can remember, I have always had a love and curiosity for all creatures great and small. It wasn’t until I adopted my first dog, Ginger, however, that I discovered my passion for working with dogs.

In Spain, my home country, I earned an MSc in Education Psychology and I worked as a researcher at the University of Santiago de Compostela College of Education, where I was responsible to develop new and better methods of teaching and learning. The insights gained from that experience have elevated my services in dog behavior modification today as I’m able to create better teaching and learning methods for my furry clients and the owners that love them.

After moving to the U.S. in 2010, I began focusing my education and career efforts more specifically to dog-training. I earned an Associate of Science in Chemistry/Biology at Atlanta Metropolitan State College where I studied biology and behavior in several animal species.

While obtaining my degree in Atlanta, I also gained a great deal of practical experience working at a dog daycare. After apprenticing with one of the top dog practitioners in Atlanta, I started teaching obedience and Nose Work© classes.

When I first moved to Seattle in 2014, I was the primary intern, working under the direction of Dr. James Ha who introduced me to the world of dog behavior modification. I studied and observed his cases for a year before taking on my own. Out of this specific work with dog’s and their owners, Dog Matters was born and a new partnership with Dr. Ha helps to provide a well-rounded service offering to my clients.

In addition to my passion working as a dog behaviorist, you may have noticed that I have a desire for continued learning. Due to this, I have also obtained a Certificate of Applied Animal Behavior at the University of Washington, an Associate Nose Work Instructor Certification and an Associated Animal Behavior Consultant Certification through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants: Dog Division.

To further my animal behavior knowledge, I obtained a  M.Sc in Clinical Animal Behaviour and a Professional Development Certificate in Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law at the Royal Veterinary College, University of Edinburgh, Scotland and I also currently work as a Consulting Scientist with the Animal Behavior Associates of Washington.

I look forward to working with you and your dog. We’ll discover both of your important needs, work together to create a plan and with patience and persistence, we’ll achieve the success that you and your dog will be proud of!

Jim Ha, PhD

My name is Jim. I’m the Principal Behaviorist Consultant for Dog Matters.

My academic and practical training is in the social behavior of birds and mammals, with a special focus on highly social species like domestic dogs, crows and jays, primates and killer whales.

My background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Millersville University (1980), a Master’s degree in Biology from Wake Forest University (1983), a Ph.D. in Zoology, with a specialization in animal behavior, from Colorado State University (1989), and professional credentialing as a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB), (the highest level of certification in applied behavior that is available). At the University of Washington since 1990, I am currently an Emeritus Research Professor in Psychology (Animal Behavior Program) where I teach and conduct research in complex social behavior and cognition of several animal species.

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