Gary Maria
The trusted name in dog training for over 45 years

Puppy development
Training puppies early (10-20 weeks of age), helps your puppy adjust to its environment and ensures your puppy pays attention and engages with you.

Basic dog obedience
Teaches your dog the fundamentals of manners and control. It opens healthy communication and a positive relationship with your dog.

Advanced off-leash dog obedience
Gives your dog the off-leash exercise it needs and enables the dog owner to control the dog while it's off-leash.

Behavior modification
Addresses unwanted behavior. For example, aggression towards people, separation anxiety, and resource guarding, require behavior modifcation.
Gary Maria
The trusted name in dog training for over 45 years
Over 15,000
Dogs successfully trained and temperament tested
300+ Top Rated Reviews
Over 300 5-star reviews
Winner of Best Bay Area Dog Trainer for 5 years.
Voted Best Dog Trainer for the Bay Area, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, and Livermore
Gary’s philosophy
I have successfully trained and temperament tested over 15,000 dogs. My consistent success is built on my system of dog-friendly training techniques. In addition to using positive-reinforcement training techniques, I also understand the critical role of the owner and I work with each dog owner to ensure the owner understands what triggers negative behaviors in dogs.
Given that each owner-dog relationship is unique, I customize my programs to ensure that each owner-dog relationship is built using clear and consistent communication techniques. Essentially, I train each owner in how to demonstrate that he or she is pack leader.
As a result, my clients experience an immediate and positive change in eliminating negative behaviors. Whether the need is to train a new dog or address an existing behavior with a current dog, I’ll work with you to develop a customized program that will eliminate unwanted or negative behavior.




Winner of Best Bay Area Dog Trainer Award for Five Years
About these Awards
Gary Maria Professional Dog Training has been selected five years in a row as Best Dog Trainer for the Bay Area, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, and Livermore.
The Best of Bay Area, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, and Livermore Business Awards Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses. Recognition is given to those businesses that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.
Hear from our clients

Our 2 year old GSD mix started struggling with reactivity and my partner and I felt like we needed a lot of help/were lost training her ourselves. Luckily we found Gary at just the right time 🙂 We knew we wanted to work with Gary just from the initial consultation. He was extremely knowledgeable and spoke about a lot of tools/techniques we previously researched and was not pushy at all about any training programs or commitments. We completed the Basic Obedience training program and the difference from when we started is amazing. Our girl is eager and motivated to work and we felt like we had great tools after each training session. Reactivity is definitely a journey but my partner and I feel so much more confident on walks and taking her around in public now that we have tools and techniques to rely on. Gary really cares about his clients, their progress, and well-being. He was extremely present during the sessions and communication about sessions was great and straightforward. Highly recommend for anyone looking for dog training! 


We took in a 5+ month old puppy from a challenging situation and needed help as the pup was reactive, not socialized, and terrified of everything. Gary was just the right amount of direct but supportive. He taught us lessons that built upon themselves and after the full course, we now have the tools to help our pup live his best life. Totally worth it. Very flexible with schedule and good communication. Already our new family member has made huge strides. Thanks, Gary!! 


We had an absolute great experiencing working with our German Shepherd mix and Gary! Gary is extremely knowledgeable and patient. We've seen a true change in our dog's confidence and behavior. Would highly recommend for basic training and/or if you have a specific behavior you are trying to work on. 

Ensuring your dog is a loved member of your family
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.



