Business Details
49 Years
experience
Expert Dog Training in Walnut Creek
Gary Maria Professional Dog Training has been a trusted name in dog training for over 45 years. Our approach combines positive reinforcement techniques with owner education to foster clear communication and leadership between dogs and their owners. With a proven track record of successfully training over 15,000 dogs, we specialize in puppy development, basic obedience, advanced off-leash training, and behavior modification. Our programs are tailored to address individual needs, ensuring dogs become well-adjusted, confident companions.We emphasize long-term relationships by equipping owners with tools to maintain progress throughout their dog's life. Recognized as a four-time winner of Best Bay Area Dog Trainer, our commitment to excellence is reflected in our clients' testimonials and transformative results. Our services span the Bay Area, including Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, and Livermore, serving both new and experienced dog owners.
Services
Puppy Development
Basic Dog Obedience
Advanced Off-Leash Obedience
Dog Behavior Modification
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- We offer over 45 years of experience in dog training and behavior modification.
- Our programs are customized to address individual dog and owner needs.
- We focus on positive reinforcement and owner education for lasting results.
- Recognized as Best Bay Area Dog Trainer for four consecutive years.
- We provide lifetime support to maintain training progress and address future challenges.
What people say
Amazing trainer
Real deal
Incredible results
Lifelong skills
Expert in field
Services
Puppy Development
Puppy Development Training focuses on socialization and foundational skills for puppies aged 10-14 weeks. This program addresses housebreaking, basic commands, and fear prevention to ensure a well-adjusted companion. Owners learn to establish leadership and communication, fostering confidence and reducing anxiety in puppies.
Basic Dog Obedience
Basic Dog Obedience teaches essential commands like sit, stay, and come for dogs 16 weeks and older. This program builds a leader-follower relationship, improving communication and control in various environments. Owners gain tools to address unwanted behaviors and strengthen their bond with their dogs.
Advanced Off-Leash Obedience
Advanced Off-Leash Obedience trains dogs 24 weeks and older to respond reliably without a leash. This program enhances voice command control, ensuring safety and freedom in diverse settings. Owners learn to maintain leadership while allowing their dogs greater exercise and independence.
Dog Behavior Modification
Dog Behavior Modification addresses aggression, anxiety, and resource guarding through tailored strategies. This program focuses on understanding triggers and implementing positive reinforcement techniques. Owners receive guidance to create a safe environment and foster trust with their dogs.
People
Gary Maria
Owner
Gary Maria has trained over 15,000 dogs since 1977, specializing in positive reinforcement and owner education. Recognized as Best Bay Area Dog Trainer for four years, he customizes programs to address individual needs. His approach emphasizes communication, leadership, and long-term support for lasting results.
Questions
What training programs do you offer?
We offer puppy development, basic obedience, advanced off-leash obedience, and behavior modification programs tailored to individual needs.
What areas do you serve?
We serve the Bay Area, including Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Livermore, and surrounding communities.
How long has Gary Maria been training dogs?
Gary Maria has over 45 years of experience, training over 15,000 dogs since 1977.
What makes your training approach unique?
Our focus on positive reinforcement and owner education ensures long-term success through clear communication and leadership.
Are there discounts available?
Yes, we offer $100 off for clients enrolling in any two training program series.
Reviews (4)
Dustin Swiggett
Apr 11, 2022
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Gary is a true professional. Hearing how he has adjusted his trainings throughout the many years of his career is proof that he constantly is looking to improve and innovate in his field. He worked with me and my 16 week old puppy, and right away I knew it was going to be a great fit. I appreciated how he was willing to be straight up with me and explain what I was doing wrong, and what I was doing right.
I'm a firm believer in that people should be trained in these situations, not the dog. I can't thank Gary enough for working with me and helping me further my bond with my puppy. If you're looking to have someone hold you accountable and show you how to best work with your puppy/dog, Gary is the trainer for you. Invest in the future of your new family member.
I'm a firm believer in that people should be trained in these situations, not the dog. I can't thank Gary enough for working with me and helping me further my bond with my puppy. If you're looking to have someone hold you accountable and show you how to best work with your puppy/dog, Gary is the trainer for you. Invest in the future of your new family member.
Deborah Castles
Dec 28, 2021
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Gary Maria showed me that my "stubborn" golden rescue was shy and sensitive. With a set of training sessions premised on gentle and consistent commands, Ray will now sit, down-stay and come on command. Gary is a pleasure to work with. Our sessions were fun and worthwhile. I highly recommend Gary - he is a super trainer!
Eric Tannahill
Oct 27, 2021
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We recently completed a training circuit with Gary and we could not be happier. As a life long dog owner I thought I knew it all but I learned far more than I could have expected. Gary was responsive from our very first inquiry, clearly understood the needs of our dog and ultimately delivered results. I would recommend Gary not only because he is professional, knows his stuff, and is great at what he does but additionally he is a fantastic listener and really understands the needs of both dog and parent. After completing our training we got multiple comments from friends, family and even our vet on how much better behaved our energetic dog was. Thank you Gary!
Christi O'Connell
Sep 24, 2021
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We reached out to Gary to help us with our 6 month old puppy starting last year to get her trained as quickly as we could while she was still young and we were very satisfied with the way that Gary provided tips and training techniques along with his reward system. Our puppy adapted very well, with lots of practice in between sessions and we've been so incredibly pleased with his training! He gives a few things to work on each week and the key is consistency. I'm so happy we made a connection with Gary, he has a great personality, makes each session fun and has a tremendous passion for training dogs!
