Barkeley K-9 University

I am so very impressed with Pat and his approach to training I have had several different trainers in my life over the last 11 German Shepherd dogs I have owned, most of them rescues.
I’ve never encountered a trainer quite like Pat. He recognizes immediately what is needed, and speaks to me and my dog. I was skeptical in this situation and have found Pat to be absolutely amazing. So very thankful to have connected with him and recommend him without equivocation.
He also boards my dog when I need to visit the kids, and there is nothing better. I dont need to worry.
Cent recommend Pat roe highly!

Pat is our trainer for us and our Australian cattle dog mix. He is extremely experienced and knowledgable. He just understands dog behavior, how humans think in disciplining a dog, and knows how to explain dog training concepts in a simple and easy way. Pat is a man of many great analogies, and that makes the average person just get it. I recommend Barkeley k-​9 University! Both you and your dog will pass with flying colors!

Be careful about buying a package deal, if you buy it up front, there are no refunds.
Pat is a smart and thoughtful trainer, but his technique is honed for the police, and my partner and I do not have a «military» personality, so we started to dread our lessons with Pat. We felt like we weren’t doing anything right, because he focuses on all the problems.
We did not want to continue after 2 classes, but had bought a larger package and did not get a refund.

My very sweet, three year old pit bull needed help learning how to walk on a leash without pulling, how not to jump on people when greeting them and how to follow verbal and non-​verbal commands. After meeting with Pat once, I knew he would be able to help me and my dog, Nala. Pat obviously loves dogs and better yet, he knows how they think. His method of giving practical examples of his training rationale made remembering the instructions very easy. Pat treated my Nala with respect and kindness. I certainly would recommend Pat.

Pat is, without a doubt, a fantastic dog and dog-​owner trainer. He combines practical teaching methods with insight into how a dog learns, with incredibly good results. We have a 1-​year old cockapoo who was mildly trained and followed commands only when he thought it was a good idea. Along with being aggravating, it was also a safety issue because we like to take Max to the various East Bay Regional Parks off-​leash, where prompt response to commands is crucial. Within a few weeks, Max consistently responded to commands. Fairly quickly, we began to meet Pat in off-​leash parks, where Max was heeling off-​leash, doing «down-​stay» and «sit-​stay» without getting distracted (for the most part) by passing people and other dogs. We worked up to walking into the vet’s office and other public areas with Max (where he usually leaps up at the people and pees happily since he is overwhelmed by his love for humans). Pat helped us train Max to walk around calmly and «say hi» only on command. Pat gives practical advice and teaches consistent methods that are easy to remember. It’s sort of like the Socratic method of dog training where Pat gives advice and the owner does the hands-​on work, after a brief demo by Pat, with Pat giving advice on how to perfect the methods. I wish we could give him more than 5 stars — he is truly a gem and well worth every penny.

I contacted Patrick a month ago for major help with my 6 yr old shar pei, Pogi. Before meeting with Patrick, Pogi was incredibly stubborn (as most shar pei are), hostile towards other dogs, and inconsistently following commands. Well, after 6 years of frustration, I finally decided to something about it. After doing loads of research, I chose Patrick on the basis of these spectacular Unilocal reviews. (So thank you ALL for the referral)
To say that I’m impressed with Patrick’s work is an understatement. In only one month since we started training, Pogi has turned into a whole new dog… the dog I always dreamed he’d be. With Patrick’s guidance, Pogi now understands the relevance of commands and has even learned a new trick… to lie down. I could never get Pogi to do anything of the sort and am still in disbelief when he executes the command consistently. Pogi has quickly learned the concept of heeling for the first time and has improved with the come command (this was impossible before). Among several other reasons to add (I’d be writing a book if I listed them here)
The best thing I see from all this training is that Pogi is truly HAPPY. He now understands his role as a dog and it is manifesting in better, calmer behavior and bigger smiles all around. I have Patrick to thank for this. He knows the language of dogs incredibly well and is able to translate their thinking and behavior in ways that make sense. His love for dogs is obvious and it’s clear he loves his work. He is consistently on time and our sessions are well focused, wonderfully informative and energetic. He really knows what he’s doing and it shows through his work.
I highly recommend Patrick to anyone whose dog needs fine tuning regardless of which stage they’re in. i never thought it would be possible to change Pogi (I’m also a first time dog owner which makes the situation even more complex), but I was wrong. Through Patrick, Pogi is on his way to becoming a great, obedient dog… the dog I’ve always dreamed of!

This review is long overdue, but as the time has passed the5 stars have seemed more and more worth it. Patrick was a fantastic trainer, professional, prompt, courteous, dedicated, enthusiastic, all those good things you need to develop a strong bond with your well behaved dog.
My German Shepherd was about 9 months old when we started training with Patrick and just coming out of his teenage phase. Patrick worked with me to focus on the skills I wanted my GSD to learn, and after every session I could see marked improvement. Patrick gives the necessary feedback, both positive and critical, and holds you and your dog to a very high standard.
If you do us Barkeley K-​9 understand that you will be expected to work, if you don’t do the homework Pat can only take you so far. I would highly recommend Patrick, his training, and one of these days when I’m not so poor again I’m looking forward to going back.
One final thought, Patrick was amazingly understanding when it came to budgeting and working out a schedule so I could afford to continue with his wonderful training. He’s a standup guy all around.

Patrick is THE trainer in the Bay Area for people who are reluctant to discipline their dogs but know it’s necessary to protect them from traffic and other urban threats to their safety. Patrick has profound insights into the psychology of dogs — and their people, too. He will counsel not to correct a dog’s behavior unless you are certain that your animal knows what he or she SHOULD be doing. Yanking on a prong collar is unfair if the dog hasn’t been shown what the right behavior is in specific circumstances. And, under Patrick’s tutelage, good behavior always gets rewarded with treats, affection and praise. Trust me, this is not always the case with dog trainers, and I have the bad experiences and bills to prove it.
Regarding discipline, when Patrick saw that I was not using the prong collar regularly, because I hate to inflict pain on my pooch, he suggested that I start training with an electric collar, which at the low levels that are generally used, pretty much feels like a tap or a static shock from a synthetic rug. It has worked effectively and quickly on my stubborn, 3-​year-​old boxer, whom I adopted last June. And I experienced all levels of shock before using the device on my dog. I think this is the way to go.

We are working with Patrick to help us correct our dog’s behavior. As everyone else indicated, Patrick is patient, knowledgeable and reliable and we have already seen significant results since he has been working with us and our dog. Our experience has been incredibly positive and I highly recommend him.

Our little terrier-​mix rescue had never walked on a leash and had serious separation anxiety. After working with Pat, we now have a model dog that EVERYONE compliments on her manners. He’s a true genius with dogs, and he trains owners too, which is sometimes even more important.
I highly recommend Pat for training any dog, and his daycare leaves my pooch happy and exhausted from hanging with her pals.

If you are looking for a trainer who truly knows what he’s doing, look no further! Patrick is the best there is. He is easy to work with and understands dogs like the dog whisperer! His lessons and technique provide lasting results. There was a time when I thought I’d never be able to get my stubborn boxer to stop biting the leash or my pants. After working with Patrick I’ve actually had people on the trails applaud my dog’s behavior. Before meeting Pat I was so frustrated I had considered giving my dog away, now I can’t imagine life without her. I will never be able to thank Pat enough for his teachings.
At Barkeley K9 University, you will not have to worry about your dog picking up bad habits since Patrick is not just anyone, he’s the dog expert! Your pooch will be in great hands! Go, go, go!

I cannot speak highly enough of Barkeley K9 University. Patrick, the trainer, is patient, knowledgeable, and very friendly. He makes people and pooches alike feel welcome. My two huskies, Jack and Spike, love attending class.
When I first adopted my two stubborn boys they would freak out at the sight of another dog, pull on the leash, and jump up on guests. Now when I take them for walks I get stopped and people ask ME about training tips for their dogs!

My friend referred me to this place for some help training my two crazy dachshunds. I tried a couple places in the city, zero luck. Patrick has truly saved my life. The little ones are so much better, that its worth the drive.
Thank you!!!

Marimar, After reading your review I couldn’t help but wonder what type of person would label Patrick as not personable. After clicking on your profile it appears you may be the problem… you negatively review a majority of your experiences with services and reataurants.
We have had a completely different experience. We have known Patrick 2 years now and he has helped us immensely with our English Mastiff. Whenever we have a question he is always available via phone, email, and in person. He clearly has a passion for dogs and training their owners.
The park classes are a perfect way for the dogs to interact with other dogs, people, and environments. His new Barkeley k-​9 University is a great environment and our dog loves it. He keeps it very clean and is always there playing with the dogs.

My name is Zak. I am a 3−½ year old, 113 pound «juvenile delinquent,» who keeps my mom sane, and sometimes drives her insane!
I am the third German Shepherd my mom has had. I have been told I am definitely the most humorous, most «creative,» and most stubborn of them all! My mom got me at 14-​months-​old, with no obedience training whatsoever. That’s where Patrick Gibbons came into the picture. Patrick is WONDERFUL… he is extremely knowledgeable, experienced, encouraging, supportive, patient, and honest. He understands that dog training is not just about the dog, it is about the owners as well! My mom said she saw positive results after our first lesson… in fact, I passed the K-​9 Good Citizen Test less than two months after my first training session (not that I’m bragging)!
Anyway…I heard Patrick was opening a new doggie daycare facility, Barkeley K-​9 University, so I thought I would check it out. I am proud to say I was there on opening day, and it was beyond great! I got lots of play time and socialization with other dogs, along with lots of personalized attention from Patrick! The play area is huge (2,000 square feet), and has really soft rubber flooring that is easy on our hips and keeps us from slipping. It is completely fenced in, and double-​gated, to ensure our safety. And the natural grass turf potty area is not only cool, but it helps us dogs to learn where the proper place is to do our «business.»
The water bowls were constantly filled with cool, fresh water; we had plenty of toys to play with; there was a «quiet room» to nap in; we got lots of personalized attention; and we got rewarded for good behavior with treats throughout the day… what more could a dog ask for! Barkeley K-​9 University is the place to be… check it out!
And Mom… I promise to make the Dean’s List as an honor student, and not spend my time in detention!