About Us

Leah Hutchison Pacitto, Owner

One dog at a time.....

Nala, the one who started it all

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.

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

In 2019, 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.

Lynn Brearey, BS, CPDT-KA

Lynne teaches classes here at Dog Gone Good Dog Training.

I cannot recall a time without a dog in my life. Some well-behaved and some unruly, but always my Best Buddy. It was my love of my Best Buddy Cody, a rescued Labrador Retriever, that led me to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and to also advocate for homeless dogs.

My goal is to help dogs learn manners and help humans to better communicate with their dogs. In this training process my hope is that you too will find Your Best Buddy!

Owner, Your Best Buddy Dog Training
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Fear Free Certified Trainer
Professional Member, Association of Pet Dog Trainers
Member, Pet Professional Guild
Member, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
Member, Alliance for Progressive Pet Trainers
Catch Canine Trainers Academy Graduate

Deb Gesek Lipartito, BS, CPDT-KA

Deb teaches classes here at Dog Gone Good Dog Training.

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

Sydney Bates

Owner, Do More Dog Training, LLC
B.S. Business Administration
Secretary, Tri-State IGP Working Dog Club
Member, Golden Retriever Club of America
Member, American Working Malinois Association
Member, National Association of Canine Scent Work
Volunteer, German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue of PA

Sydney teaches classes here at Dog Gone Good Dog Training.

I've been working with dogs professionally since I was 15, starting as a kennel hand, whelping puppies, socializing and training show dogs. I also worked at a local animal shelter, assisting with veterinary care and procedures, training dogs to make them more adoptable, as well as conducting adoption meet & greets.

While apprenticing under a master trainer with almost 50 years of dog training experience in IGP (formally Schutzhund) and explosive detection, I have learned skills in IGP, scent detection, and behavior modification, specifically aggression and/or fear issues.

I competed in Rally Obedience with my Golden Retriever, Hunter, earning multiple Awards of Excellence. I compete in Scent Work with my Lab Mix Maggie, earning the Odor Recognition Test title.

Gloria Shotz

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.

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.

Lindsay Coll

Lindsay is a high school senior who has been volunteering with Dog Gone Good since 2017, and mostly enjoys assisting at our therapy dog classes.
She trains all new volunteers.

She volunteers with Special Olympics and teaches dance to young children. She enjoys spending time with her Golden Retriever, Dixie.