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!

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!!

I can’t say enough great things about Gary Maria Dog Training, and this review is honestly long overdue! My partner and I completed all three levels of Gary’s training program with our Corgi puppy. We started when she was just 14 weeks old, and completing Level 3 at 10 months has been an unbelievable transformation. The progress she has made over these past few months is nothing short of tremendous.What makes Gary so fantastic is his balance, he makes training genuinely fun and engaging, but you can also tell how much he deeply cares about and loves your dog. He doesn't sugarcoat anything, which is exactly what you need when building real obedience and boundaries. Just as importantly, he has a great ability to work with two dog parents who don't always start on the same page, helping us navigate our different philosophies and get unified.If you're in the East Bay and looking for high-quality, practical, and effective dog training, Gary is the absolute best. We couldn't be happier with our experience and will miss our weekly training sessions with 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.

Gary was great! He helped our rescue dog learn the basic skills he never got and gave us the foundation for what we need to help him in his daily life and interactions. Highly recommend and worth every penny!