The Dog Nerd is owned and run by certified dog trainer Marianne Hovde.

Marianne was born and raised in Norway, and moved to Queensland to be with her husband in 2007.

They have three kids and two dogs.

Marianne's dog training business originally existed as Queensland-based Viking Dog Training, established in 2011. Marianne moved to Devonport, Tasmania in August 2019, and the business name changed to Devonport Dog Training. In August 2021, they returned to North Lakes, Queensland, and the business name changed to The Dog Nerd. 

Over the years, Marianne has helped thousands of dogs and their owners to achieve their dog training goals, be it fixing behavioural issues, training a new puppy, or re-training an adult dog. 

Marianne completed a Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training with the National Dog Trainers' Federation in 2012. In addition, she has completed further training with some of the most highly regarded dog trainers in the world, such as Susan Garrett and Grisha Stewart.