If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
At Dotson Canine Training, our mission is to strengthen the bond between you and your dog through clear communication, calm leadership, and proven training methods.
Whether you're raising a new puppy or dealing with serious behavioral issues, we create customized training plans that help dogs become confident, well-mannered companions while giving owners the knowledge and skills to maintain those results.
I earned my WA Canine Training & Behaviorist Certification in January 2023. Before working with clients independently, I spent extensive time shadowing my instructor on a wide variety of real-world training cases, gaining hands-on experience with dogs of all ages, breeds, and behavior challenges.
My passion is helping dogs stay in loving homes by giving owners the tools they need to successfully lead and understand their dogs. Every dog deserves the opportunity to succeed, and every owner deserves to enjoy life with their canine companion.
Training services include:
Puppy training
Basic and advanced obedience
Structured walks and loose-leash walking
Adult dog training
Board & Train programs
Anxiety and fear-based behavior modification
Reactivity and aggression rehabilitation
Bite behavior modification
House manners and impulse control
And many other behavioral challenges
No matter where your dog is starting, my goal is to help you build a calm, reliable, and lasting relationship with your best friend.
Overview
Hired 40 times
Serves Kearneysville, WV
Background checked
1 employee
3 years in business
Business hours
SunClosedMon7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Credit card, Venmo, and Zelle.
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Very good 4.6
16 reviews
5
81%
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13%
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6%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Denise v.
May 1, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
Didn’t have much hope for my reactive dogs(4 total,jack Russell’s)
But on the first session both myself and my dogs were on there way to a much more functional home life. They all responded very well. I was able to to continue with the training by myself to reinforce the easy routine and training I was shown to help my dogs respond in a much needed way .well worth it.excellent experience.
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Karen k.
Mar 7, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
Gabriel established a fine working relationship with me & my dog! He was able to train her to modify some negative behaviors. He boarded my dog for five days and seemed to have taken great care of her. Gabriel is becoming an excellent trainer, whom I would recommend without reservation.
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • I'm flexible • Aggressive behavior modification • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Arsenia E.
Jan 22, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
Gabriel worked with dogs in a board and train program. They just returned home and they are so relaxed. He worked with aggression issues and over dog manners. I am very pleased with the results. Now it's up to me to work with them to maintain all the work he has done with them.
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Board and train at a facility • General obedience training • Destructive behavior • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Mary W.
Jan 8, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
Gabriel is very professional and is flexible with our dog'straining. Willing to try new things to help us. Always on time.
Details: 1 - 2 years old • Medium (26 - 40 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • Leash pulling • Barking • Biting • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Andrew j.
Jun 7, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
I couldn't believe how fast my dog changed... this man had my dog under control and listening in less than 5 minutes, honestly kind of made me mad at both him and the dog lol. I can't praise this service enough as he came out and taught us how to manage her as well as how to train her further with easy to follow guidance. If you need you pup or doggo to behave and want to learn how to lead them to be behaved, than this is the one to hire.
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Medium (26 - 40 lbs) • I'm flexible • General obedience training • Leash pulling • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Credentials
Background Check
Gabriel Dotson
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
We offer first responder and military discounts.
There are no hidden fees.
If a board and train takes more time than expected there is no extra charge.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I love to get to know the customer and their dog. I am always looking to understand how we can work with their schedule to fit their dog into their life properly.
One of my primary goals is to give every dog owner peace with their dog, so understanding the customer's concerns and communication style with their dog is extremely important to help them adjust and build more consistency with their dog.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I trained under the WA Training program taught by Will Atherton, a highly successful and informative dog trainer from England.
I shadowed Will Atherton for many dog training sessions. I am certified under him to do the training I do and I continue his mission to keep dogs out of shelters and off the euthanasia table.
