About Us

Leah Hutchison Pacitto, IAABC-ADT, Owner

Certified Professional Dog Trainer (IAABC)
American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Comfort Caring Canines Therapy Dogs, Inc., Trainer and Evaluator
American Kennel Club Trick Dog Evaluator
Professional Member, Association of Pet Dog Trainers
Professional Member, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
Member, Alliance for Progressive Pet Trainers
Dog Owner - just like you!

One dog at a time.....

I have been assisting people with their dog training needs since 1999 because I felt there was a need in the community for basic dog training services. Many dogs are re-homed, abandoned or taken to the SPCA because of frustrated owners. If I can create a better relationship between dog and owner in EVEN JUST ONE home, then I have accomplished my goal.

It all started with one dog, Nala, who came to me when she was 15 months old; both of us blank slates when it came to training. While learning to work together I had my "ah ha" moment, and I realized my love for working with people and dogs. After several years of education through a combination of classes, seminars and practical experience, Dog Gone Good Dog Training was born.

In 2019, 2021 and 2022, Leah was voted "Winner" of Montco Happening's List's "Best Dog Trainer" of Montgomery County.

In 2016, Leah contributed to the book What to Expect When Adopting a Dog. (Click here to view.)

Leah was featured in Simply Family magazine in 2015. (Click here to view.)

In 2014, Leah's training photographs were featured in the video trailer for the children's book, JJ Goes to Puppy Class. Click http://www.dianerosesolomon.com/jj-goes-to-puppy-class/ to view the trailer.

Deb Gesek Lipartito, B.S., CPDT-KA

Deb teaches classes here at Dog Gone Good Dog Training. She is currently on medical leave.

I use positive reinforcement training techniques, including clicker training, to teach and reinforce the desired behaviors in dogs along with only pain-free, humane methods. I believe training should be fun for both the dog and their guardian in order to achieve the best results.

By teaching people how to communicate clearly with their dogs, coaching them on how to build a stronger bond with their dogs and showing them how to get their dogs’ cooperation without using physical force/punishment, it makes training more fun and effective.

Owner, Deb Lipartito Dog and Puppy Training and Behavior
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
American Kennel Club Trick Dog Evaluator
Comfort Caring Canines Therapy Dogs, Inc., Trainer and Evaluator
Member, Pet Professional Guild
Member, Alliance for Progressive Pet Trainers

Alicia Harantschuk, CPDT-KA, IAABC-ADT, CTDI, CCFC

Former President, Comfort Caring Canines
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Certified Fear Free Professional
Certified Trick Dog Instructor & Evaluator
Certified Canine Conditioning Coach
American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Founder Dog Scouts of America – Troop #244

You can follow Alicia and her dogs on Instagram @PhillyHotDogs or Facebook at Alicia Roberts Harantschuk.

Dogs (most animals actually) are my passion, I’m addicted to helping others and I love to have fun? Why not combine them!

I believe dog training is knowledge, experience, and talent. I knew I had a way with animals, but I knew I was going to need education and practical experience to help others. Fueled by the desire to honor my dad and the love we both shared for animals, I jumped in the deep end of all things dogs, swam in until I was all pruney, and, like a dog rolling in the summer grass, I loved every minute of it.

My journey has taken me on many learning detours. I’ve found working with shy/fearful dogs fills my need for helping others and tricks fills my need to have fun. In truth, I love it all and would love to help you too!

Alicia has certified five of her own dogs and completed more than a 1,000 therapy visits with her dogs. Alicia’s dogs have collectively earned a combined total of approximately 100 titles, badges, competitions, and awards in a variety of areas.

Alicia has also been asked to guest lecture at Temple University, Temple Medical School Bioethics, Temple Hospital Grand Rounds, University Hospital of Pennsylvania, Simmons School of Social Work, and Jefferson Health System. She has also been a guest speaker at elementary schools talking with kids about dog safety, care, and proper interactions. She has played a material role in starting programs for Temple Hospital, Philadelphia Family Court, and Moss Rehab.

Dayna Villa, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA

I enjoy being a Certified Professional Dog Trainer & Behavior Consultant, with over a decade of experience, which allows me to work with dogs and the people that care for them. I specialize in teaching essential skills for owners and dogs to harmoniously live together. I have helped thousands of dogs and their caregivers live better lives through relationship-centered training methods using positive reinforcement techniques. By following a humane approach using the Least Intrusive and Minimally Aversive (LIMA) plan, I am able achieve excellent results.

Being well-versed in basic training techniques allows me to be confident in tackling more advanced behavior issues such as aggression, anxiety, hyper-arousal, reactivity, and more. I am comfortable working with dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments, and have experience working with disabled dogs that experience deafness, blindness and mobility limitations.

Dayna started her career volunteering with local shelters & rescue groups and became the Director of Operations at a local shelter, overseeing many programs including adoptions, intake, and Behavior & Training Services. Since 2006, Dayna has fostered hundreds of cats and dogs in her home to save them from euthanasia. Dayna currently lives in Norristown with her husband and their deaf white boxer, Charlotte.

Owner, Taking the Lead Dog Training
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Member, Association of Professional Dog Trainers
Member, Alliance for Progressive Pet Trainers
Member, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
Member, International Association of Canine Professionals

Christine Glosson

Member of Association of Professional Dog Trainers
Currently enrolled in a Professional Dog Training Certification Program

Dogs are fantastic animals and have partnered with humans for thousands of years, and humans have molded dogs to aid us with our needs: hunting prey or killing vermin, guarding and protecting our flocks, retrieving water fowl, pulling sleds or carts, scent tracking, or just as pretty companions.

My first wonderful dog was adopted from the SPCA over 30 years ago, and so began my quest for training knowledge. Over the years I have learned much from my own dogs, from a variety of trainers, and from books and webinars. You could say that I was “lured” to Dog Gone Good Dog training because of the name, but I stayed because of the positive reinforcement methods taught here.

I’ve taken many classes with my own dogs, and have volunteered with training as well. I’ve currently begun Therapy Dog visits in the community with my own pooch and we’re enjoying it!

My goal is to teach you the skills you need to form a strong bond with your dog based on clear communication, force-free methods, and to provide you with a better understanding of dog behavior while having some fun with your dog.

Gloria Shotz

Gloria is dedicated to advocating for the needs of PA’s most medically complex individuals in loving memory of her son Jacob and her grandson Evan who both earned their angel wings in 2017.

Gloria is our Technical and Administrative Services Manager. She is here to help you with any questions you may have with Propet software, class registrations, private lessons, scheduling and general information.

Gloria has 25 years experience in managing, finances and customer service for local small business.

She is a founding member of PA Families Need Nurses Now and volunteers with The Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania, The LGS Foundation and KCNB1.org.

Gloria volunteers at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia as a bedside buddy and with the Ketogenic Diet Team to assist families during their hospital admissions. She advocated to start the neurology department’s Bereavement Support Group and has spoken publicly to share her experiences with the Palliative Care Coalition, CHOP Radio-thon and Temple’s Hoot-a-thon.

Lori Kropp

Lori is our Administrative Assistant and the first person you'll speak with when you call our office.

She worked in the corporate world for ten years before starting a family with her husband. After several years at home raising her family, she spent twelve years at a non-profit organization.

Besides her work with Dog Gone Good Training, Lori also works part-time as a Senior Companion to the elderly and enjoys volunteering at a local food bank.

Lori first met Leah in 2011 when she brought her mini poodle Louie in for training. Prior to joining us as an Administrative Assistant, she volunteered at Dog Gone Good Dog Training, helping out with the Canine Good Citizen/Therapy Dog classes.

Shaun Gerbrick, B.S.

Shaun is our Director of Operations.

After graduating from Millersville University with a B.S. in Broadcast Speech Communications, Shaun worked in retail management for the years leading up to his employment at DGG.

With his skillset, Shaun runs the daily operations of the business, assists clients and manages playtime classes.

Shaun is the producer of 'Dog Training with Leah of Dog Gone Good' podcast. He interned at 1490 WBCB, a private radio station owned by voice of the Philadelphia Eagles, Merrill Reese.