Our Trainers
Leah Hutchison Pacitto, Owner & Head Trainer
IAABC-ADT
Professional Qualifications
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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, 2022, 2023 and 2024, 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. Leah was featured in Simply Family magazine in 2015. In 2014, Leah's training photographs were featured in the video trailer for the children's book, JJ Goes to Puppy Class. |
Alicia Harantschuk, Trainer
CPDT-KA, IAABC-ADT, IAABC-CDBC, CTDI, CCFC
Professional Qualifications
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. |
Christine Glosson, Trainer
RN, VSA-CDT
Professional Qualifications
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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. |
Lynn Breary, Trainer
BS, CPDT-KA, CSAT
Professional Qualifications
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My work with dogs started in 2007 when I adopted a Labrador Retriever from a rescue group and then became a volunteer. My commitment to help dogs led me to CATCH Canine Academy, where I learned how to train dogs by using positive reinforcement and became a certified professional dog trainer.
I am also a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) and have the knowledge and expertise to help dogs to overcome their Separation Anxiety which allows them to feel safe and comfortable when home alone. One of my passions is working with fearful dogs. So many times, fearful dogs are misunderstood. What looks like a reactive or an aggressive dog may truly be a fearful dog. I took an oath to use only force-free methods of training that are “Informed by Science, Guided by Empathy, Governed by Ethics.”TM |
Niki Weiss, Trainer
CPDT-KA
Professional Qualifications
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Niki draws from over 25 years of experience in canine rescue fostering, raising Seeing Eye puppies, and leading dogsled adventures. In 2004, while working at a hospice agency, she became an evaluator for The Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc. This role enabled her to share pet therapy's benefits with numerous staff members, patients, and their families.
Niki remains committed to her pet therapy visits, accompanied by her Briard, Miss Jojo, bringing joy and comfort to nursing homes, retirement communities, and children's library programs. In September 2023, Niki earned her credentials as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). This designation signifies her adherence to the stringent standards established by The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and demonstrates her successful application of humane, science-based dog training practices through a comprehensive examination. |
Jennifer Hudson, Trainer
CDTI
Professional Qualifications
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Exploring the world together, one adventure at a time!
Jenn became involved in the world of all things dog because of a shy and fearful, box-dump rescue puppy named Jezzy. Committed to building confidence in her new companion and having the adventure buddy she’d always dreamed of Jenn set off to learn as much as possible about bonding and positive, reward-based training. After all, who doesn’t like a cookie when they do things right? Jenn has studied with trainers all across the United States but credits Stoney Dennis and Leah Pacitto as her inspirations for her training ideologies. She and Jezzy’s first love was outdoor adventuring and trick training but they also enjoy nose work and are adventuring into rally and stunt dog. Jenn has over 20 years of experience in high school and adult education, as well as event planning and community activism… All of which transfers nicely into creating unique adventures for humans and their four pawed friends! |
Our Team
Gloria Shotz, Tech and Admin Services Manager
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.
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Gloria is here to help you with any questions you may have with Propet software, class registrations, private lessons, scheduling and general information.
Gloria has over 25 years' experience in managing, finances and customer service for local small businesses. 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. |
Shaun Gerbrick, B.S. Director of Operations
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With his skillset, Shaun runs the daily activities of the business, assists clients, manages playtime, daycare and volunteers.
After graduating from Millersville University with a B.S. in Broadcast Speech Communications, Shaun worked in retail management for many years leading up to his employment at DGG. 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. |
Our Training Facility
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Our training center is located at:
Montgomery County 4 H Center 1015 Bridge Rd Collegeville, PA 19426 You can find more details on the exact meeting point (pavilion, pig barn, or studio) in class emails. |
