Bio: Joe is the General Manager of Enrichment and Training and Patrick’s Pet Care. He specializes in behavior modification with a focus on reactive and aggressive dogs and has studied under Pat Miller at Peaceable Paws and Michael Shikashio, a world-renowned aggression expert. Joe’s knowledge of canine behavior mixed with his force- and fear- free training philosophies puts him among the most sought-after trainers in the DMV area. He recently came in 6th (out of hundreds) in Sniffspots Best R+ Trainers of 2022 competition. Joe also works closely with nearby veterinary behaviorists to ensure the most efficient and effective care and training for his clients.

In addition to force-free private training, Joe also manages our Small Group Classes, Drop and Train, Day Care 101, and Training Walks. He currently resides in Silver Spring and has been a part of the PPC pack since early 2018.

Bio: Nikita specializes in puppy socialization and training. Her passion is to help puppies get the best start in life and to deepen bonds between dog owners and their canine companions. In addition, she offers private lessons that cover basic manners, leash reactivity, family bonding and fun tricks and training to have fun with your dog. Nikita is originally from South Africa and now resided in Northwest DC. She has worked at Patrick’s Pet Care since early 2019.

Bio: Patrick is passionate about animal behavior, canine-human communication, and animal rights advocacy. He’s especially interested in creating a consent based, fear free, force free dog grooming standard of practice and regulation. Teaching dogs who “hate the groomer” how to enjoy it with trust and consent makes him very happy. Teaching people how to groom their own dogs with fear free practices is awesome, too! One day he plans to be an animal behaviorist. He lives in Northwest DC with his Carolina Dog, Daisy, as well as his Siamese cat, Yuki. Patrick founded Patrick’s Pet Care in 2012.

Bio: Dakota was Patrick’s Pet Care’s first Training Apprentice turned certified dog trainer. During his time as an apprentice, he worked closely with our certified trainers during their private lessons, and conducting Training Walks. During his Training Walks, Dakota ensured the dog’s training plan was being followed exactly how the trainer envisioned it. Dakota has perfected his loose leash walking exercises, adapting them for success in DC. He uses a mixture of operant and classical conditioning to ensure the dogs are calm, collected, and enjoying their walks on the busy sidewalks. He has completed his Victoria Stilwell Academy, and has attended multiple Peaceable Paws Intern Academies. Dakota lives in DC and has been with Patrick’s Pet Care since 2018.

Bio: Mike became a CCPDT certified trainer in 2021 after more than four years of working with dogs in New York City. Perhaps it was because he learned science-based, force-free dog training there that his main goal is to help reduce dogs’ stress, and to also help their guardians see ways to do the same, thus improving both parties' welfare. Because of Mike’s dedication to reducing stress and anxiety in dogs, he takes on the role of our Day Care 101 Bridge to help Day Care 101 Graduates ease into the busy Dog Montessori schedule! Mike and his 10-year-old shepherd–husky mix, Dusty, moved to Hyattsville in 2021 to escape the increasing stress of life in NYC. He joined Patrick’s Pet Care in 2022.

Bio: Kimana, our current Training Apprentice, started at Patrick’s in 2021 as an Enrichment Specialist. Her passion for helping fearful dogs and their guardians navigate city life continued to grow with each Enrichment Walk. Kimana finds fulfillment watching anxious dogs become confident through positive interactions and enrichment in new environments. She’s currently studying at the Victoria Stilwell Academy and has already completed her Level 1 Peaceable Paws Intern Academy.