Patrick Gibbons: Owner and Dean of Dogs
Patrick is not just a dog enthusiast, this East Bay native has had over 10 years of experience training dogs and has many other professional credentials and affiliations in the dog profession.
- Pat’s Credentials:
- National K-9 Graduate and Certification in Basic and Advanced Obedience, Behavior Modification, Puppy Development, Personal Protection, Scent Detection, Tracking, Utility Training, Handicap Assistance and Police K-9
- “No Limitations” Certified Remote Collar Specialist
- Professional Member of IACP
- AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
- Member of National K-9 Trainer’s Network
- Volunteered services for training Handicap Assistance Dogs
- A true animal lover that has had dogs, cats, birds, snakes and lizards all his life.
Pat’s Approach to Dog Training:
My approach emphasizes positive reinforcement. Earning rewards for behavior (not long term bribery) is a safe, fun and quick way for dogs to learn new behaviors. Using food, toys or affection as a reward for your dog helps to foster a great relationship and helps to keep dogs motivated to do the tasks we ask of them. When using reward based training the experience is more fun for both dog and owner and allows for more freedom to go between playful free behaviors and under control commanded behaviors quickly and easily.
I also use discipline when necessary. After a dog has gone through the learning phase of training they should have those behaviors proofed to the level the owner will need. we can’t always expect that a dog will want to earn our reward more than chasing a cat or squirrel. When discipline is needed it should be done at the lowest level possible while providing the effect needed to discourage the undesired behavior.
