FirstBarkGary is amazing! He has helped my boyfriend's dog to actually listen to me, and she is starting to be more relaxed when we pass by other dogs while out walking/ running. Gary truly understands what a dog and its owner need in order to be successful.
Gary Maria Professional Dog Training
Walnut Creek, California
About Gary Maria Professional Dog Training
Professional Dog & Puppy Training Gary Maria is one of the most sought after and experienced dog behavior specialists in the Bay Area and is recognized as an expert in the field. Since 1977 Gary has improved the behavior of thousands of dogs using his combination of proven techniques. Find out why working directly with Gary in your home is superior to any other dog training method. There is no substitution for an extensively experienced, professional trainer who offers lifetime training support. Contact Gary today if you are experiencing problems with your dog or young puppy. Gary offers a free phone consultation to answer your questions. Call (925) 449-3647 for your free phone consultation or to inquire and book services.
Training & services
Training goals
- Behavior consultation
- Crate training
- House training
- Leash training
- Obedience training
- Puppy training
- Recall training
- Socialization
Program details
I work with clients through all stages of puppy development and molding to ensure each client has a well-adjusted puppy. Between the ages of 10 weeks to 16 weeks of age is one of the most important molding times for your puppy. It is the most critical period for social development. Exposing your puppy to socialization training early on prevents puppy shyness, excessive barking, chewing, anxiety, and other unwanted behaviors. Most importantly, early puppy training helps prevent aggression toward other dogs and people. Stop fears and phobias before they start.Starting at 10 weeks is a critical time for the owner to establish positive pack leadership.This is the time to set expectations so your puppy has a job to deliver on. The results are a truly happy relationship between you and your puppy.
Behavior support
- Aggression training
- Barking
- Fear and confidence
- Resource guarding
How training happens
- Group classes
- Owner coaching Customer-reported
- Private training
Dog age
- Puppies
- Senior dogs
Training level
- Advanced training Customer-reported
- Beginner training
Support between sessions
- Personalized training plans
Assistance and working dogs
- Protection training
Your dog’s background
- Rescue dogs Customer-reported
Training approach
- Positive reinforcement
Consultations
- Free consultation
Other listed services
View 25 additional details
- Adoptable Dogs
- Aggressive Correction
- Animal Services
- Behavioral Programs
- Customized Dog Training Program
- Dog Attack
- Dog Behavior Evaluation
- Dog Behaviorist
- Dog Bites
- Dog Bites Behavior Correction
- Dog Child
- Dog Rescue
- Dog Starts
- Dog Training Evaluation
- Dog Training Facility
- Family Dog
- Free Phone Consultation
- In-Home Consultation
- Lab Dog
- Management Training
- Pull On Leash
- Starts Training
- Temperament Testing
- Training Support
- Weekly Training
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
Customer reviews
Google listing5
68 Google reviews
Mentioned in reviews
- Fear and anxiety training 14
- Understanding dog behavior 11
- Behavior education 5
- Leash manners 4
- Pack leader training 4
- Rescue dog training 4
All 10 topics
- Attention commands 3
- Aggression training 2
- Gentle training methods 2
- Obedient dogs 2
Google review topics, not confirmed services.
Gary truly knows how dogs work and he helped me with my reactionary puppy. He taught me the skills to keep her engaged and helped her with her fear. I highly recommend Gary, he's the best by far.
If we could give Gary 10 stars, we would. Our rescue puppy, Abby, was so scared and nervous when we got her. None of the training we tried before Gary addressed the effects of neglect, abuse and under-socialization on her super sensitive nature. He taught us not only how to under…Read full reviewClose full review
If we could give Gary 10 stars, we would. Our rescue puppy, Abby, was so scared and nervous when we got her. None of the training we tried before Gary addressed the effects of neglect, abuse and under-socialization on her super sensitive nature. He taught us not only how to understand her fears and anxieties, but how to work with her in a way that was both positive and immediately effective. Our focused, one-on-one training sessions were as much about teaching us how to understand her as they were teaching our girl. After six weeks, the difference in her is pronounced - she's even starting to play. Gary's simple, psychologically nuanced, compassionate approach to positive behavioral training was exactly what we, and Abby, needed. Thanks to him, we've got the tools (and the understanding) to make her life a secure, happy one. We can't thank him or recommend him enough.
Working with Gary was wonderful. Our family has learned so much and our 6 month old rescue is well on her way to becoming an amazing family dog. The tools we have learned and are implementing into daily life are so strong and already very successful. So thankful to have worked with Gary.
Friendly and informative. Good one on one training
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.