Gary Maria Professional Dog Training
Service area: Serves cities across the Bay Area including Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Livermore, Concord, Danville, Dublin, Lafayette, Orinda, San Ramon, Alamo, Blackhawk, Clayton, Martinez, Moraga, Pleasanton, and other nearby locations.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Fearfulness
- Separation Anxiety
- Biting / Nipping
- Potty Training
- Resource Guarding
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- In-Home
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
Types of Dogs
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- Giant
- Doodles
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
- Senior (8+ years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
Equipment:
- ✓ Clickers
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Harnesses
- ✓ Flat Collars
Training programs include Puppy Development (10-20 weeks), Basic Dog Obedience (fundamental manners and control), Advanced Off-Leash Obedience (control without leash), and Behavior Modification (for aggression, fear, anxiety, resource guarding). All programs are delivered in-home with customization based on the dog’s needs and owner’s goals. Lifetime support is provided after program completion.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Pricing details are not publicly listed; clients are encouraged to contact for a free phone consultation to discuss customized program pricing based on individual needs.
Testimonials
Gary is an incredible trainer. Not only does Gary train your dog with fundamental steps, he also trains owners to behave in ways that show you are the pack leader and that you have your dog’s best interests and protection at heart. Then training your dogs becomes even easier. I would highly recommend his services. He is a master trainer and he truly loves dogs.
– Geoffrey H.
We worked with Gary Maria for six weeks to help our 3-year-old rescue, Giorgi, who struggles with fear and anxiety. Honestly, Gary was incredible… Gary taught us how to help Giorgi feel safe, calm him down when he’s stressed, and build trust. We’ve already seen such a difference at home. You can tell he truly cares about the dogs he works with.
– Amber L.
Gary is the real deal!!! I took my dog Chloe in for training and it has changed everything for us… I learned how to be a true pack leader in a kind way that leaves her trusting me and feeling safe. Her indoor potty accidents have decreased by 90%, and her recall is pretty much 100%.
– Raelan A.
About the Trainer
Gary Maria Professional Dog Training is a highly experienced dog behavior specialist serving the Bay Area since 1977, with over 45 years of hands-on training experience. Gary offers personalized, in-home training programs tailored to each owner-dog relationship, focusing on clear communication, pack leadership, and positive, dog-friendly techniques. His services include puppy development, basic obedience, advanced off-leash training, and behavior modification for issues like fearfulness, separation anxiety, leash reactivity, and resource guarding. Gary emphasizes training the owner as much as the dog, ensuring long-term success through consistent, customized guidance and lifetime support. He works with dogs of all ages and sizes, including anxious rescues, and has successfully trained over 15,000 dogs.
Clients consistently praise Gary for his patience, expertise, and ability to build trust with fearful or reactive dogs. He provides ongoing support, celebrates small wins, and helps owners understand the root causes of behavior issues. His approach combines positive reinforcement with structured leadership techniques to create calm, confident dogs and empowered owners.
Accomplishments
Recognized as one of the most sought-after dog behavior specialists in the Bay Area with over 45 years of experience. Winner of Best Dog Trainer in the Bay Area, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, and Livermore for four consecutive years. Has trained and temperament tested over 15,000 dogs. Holds 250+ 5-star reviews and a 4.9-star average across 309 reviews.
How to Get Started!
Client engagement begins with a free phone consultation to discuss the dog’s behavior issues, goals, and schedule. After the consultation, clients can book in-home training sessions tailored to their needs.
Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Hours
7am-8pm
Languages
- English
Location
301 N San Carlos Dr, Walnut Creek, CA 94598Listing Tools for Trainers
For Gary Maria Professional Dog Training Only
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