Meet the Trainers

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Emma T.

Ian K.

Joe R.

Specialty
Montessori School & Group Classes Life Skills for Adult Dogs & Canine Cognition General Manager of Enrichment & Training
Private Lessons
No Yes Yes
Virtual Option
Yes No No
Travels
No Yes Yes
Education
Victoria Stilwell Academy, Peaceable Paws, Paragon School of Pet Grooming Peaceable Paws Victoria Stilwell Academy, Peaceable Paws, UK College of Scent Dogs, Michael Shikashio Aggression in Dogs Master Course
Certifications
CPDT-KA, VSA-CDT FFCP, CPDT-KA PMCT-1, CPDT-KA, VSA-CDT, FFCP (Trainer)
Philosophy
Fear Free, Force Free, Pain Free Fear Free, Force Free, Pain Free Fear Free, Force Free, Pain Free
Bio
Emma is passionate about her work with dogs and pet owners and works to teach pet owners to understand and better communicate with their beloved pets. Her favorite moment in training is when a dog's eyes light up when he suddenly understands what he is being asked to do and she loves bringing that moment into the lives of the people and pets she teaches. That “aha moment” is priceless! Throughout her life she has always been around animals including growing up with chickens, dogs, cats and bees. Emma is the General Manager of the Montessori and Grooming program at Patrick’s Pet Care. She resides in Northeast DC and has worked at Patrick's Pet Care since 2018. Ian is a lifelong Marylander who has been fascinated by dogs since childhood and has been training them professionally since 2019. He started in the pet industry 12 years ago at a DMV dog day care and has had multiple roles and experience since then. He has studied under Pat Miller at Peaceable Paws and most recently attended her Canine Cognition Academy. Ian focuses only on force-free training, and uses positive reinforcement to help people understand their dogs behavior and strengthen the bond between them. Ian specializes in on-leash reactivity and life skills. In addition to private lessons, Ian teaches in our Drop and Train, Enrichment 1:1, and Group Classes. Ian is also an AKC certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and offers CGC testing and preparation classes. 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.”

Melissa W.

Nikita P.

Patrick F.

Specialty
Life Skills & Tricks for Adult Dogs + Fear Free Grooming & Dog Husbandry Montessori School Life Skills for Puppies & Working with Families Fear Free Grooming & Dog Husbandry
Private Lessons
Yes Yes Yes
Virtual Option
Yes Yes Yes
Travels
No Yes No
Education
Victoria Stilwell Academy, Peaceable Paws, Paragon School of Pet Grooming Karen Pryor Academy, Victoria Stilwell Academy, Peaceable Paws Karen Pryor Academy, Victoria Stilwell Academy, Peaceable Paws, Paragon School of Pet Grooming
Certifications
CPDT-KA, VSA-CDT, FFCP CPDT-KA, VSA-CDT, KPA-CTP CPDT-KA, CPACO, FFCP, PMCT-1, VSA-CDT
Philosophy
Fear Free, Force Free, Pain Free Fear Free, Force Free, Pain Free Fear Free, Force Free, Pain Free
Bio
Melissa is passionate about helping dogs lead rewarding and enriching lives. She is equally passionate about sharing how that process works with people. Melissa's interest in canine behavior and training go hand in hand with our Fear Free Grooming ProgramDog Montessori School and Day Care programs. Her favorite moments happen when pawrents exclaim “oh my god, you trimmed his nails and he didn’t try to bite you! I had no idea my dog could do that! Show me how?” Melissa resides in Maryland Northwest DC with her husband, two cats, and her Westie. She has worked at Patrick's Pet Care since 2017, where she began as a dog walker. 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. 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.

Dakota B.

Mike W.

Kimana M.

Specialty
Urban Loose Leash Walking Expert Montessori Trainer and Day Care 101 Bridge Coordinator Dog Training Apprentice
Private Lessons
Yes No Yes
Virtual Option
No No No
Travels
Yes No Yes
Education
Victoria Stilwell Academy, Peaceable Paws NYC School For The Dogs Victoria Stilwell Academy, Peaceable Paws
Certifications
VSA-CDT CPDT-KA FFCP (Trainer)
Philosophy
Fear Free, Force Free, Pain Free Fear Free, Force Free, Pain Free Fear Free, Force Free, Pain Free
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. 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. 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.
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Emma T.

Specialty: Montessori School & Group Classes

Private Lessons: No

Virtual Option: Yes

Travels: No

Education: Victoria Stilwell Academy, Peaceable Paws, Paragon School of Pet Grooming

Certifications: CPDT-KA, VSA-CDT

Philosophy: Fear Free, Force Free, Pain Free

Bio: Emma is passionate about her work with dogs and pet owners and works to teach pet owners to understand and better communicate with their beloved pets. Her favorite moment in training is when a dog's eyes light up when he suddenly understands what he is being asked to do and she loves bringing that moment into the lives of the people and pets she teaches. That “aha moment” is priceless! Throughout her life she has always been around animals including growing up with chickens, dogs, cats and bees. Emma is the General Manager of the Montessori and Grooming program at Patrick’s Pet Care. She resides in Northeast DC and has worked at Patrick's Pet Care since 2018.

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Ian K.

Specialty: Life Skills for Adult Dogs & Canine Cognition

Private Lessons: Yes

Virtual Option: No

Travels: Yes

Education: Peaceable Paws

Certifications: FFCP, CPDT-KA

Philosophy: Fear Free, Force Free, Pain Free

Bio: Ian is a lifelong Marylander who has been fascinated by dogs since childhood and has been training them professionally since 2019. He started in the pet industry 12 years ago at a DMV dog day care and has had multiple roles and experience since then. He has studied under Pat Miller at Peaceable Paws and most recently attended her Canine Cognition Academy. Ian focuses only on force-free training, and uses positive reinforcement to help people understand their dogs behavior and strengthen the bond between them. Ian specializes in on-leash reactivity and life skills. In addition to private lessons, Ian teaches in our Drop and Train, Enrichment 1:1, and Group Classes. Ian is also an AKC certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and offers CGC testing and preparation classes.

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Joe R.

Specialty: General Manager of Enrichment & Training

Private Lessons: Yes

Virtual Option: No

Travels: Yes

Education: Victoria Stilwell Academy, Peaceable Paws, UK College of Scent Dogs, Michael Shikashio Aggression in Dogs Master Course

Certifications: CPDT-KA, VSA-CDT, FFCP (Trainer)

Philosophy: Fear Free, Force Free, Pain Free

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.

Image

Melissa W.

Specialty: Life Skills & Tricks for Adult Dogs + Fear Free Grooming & Dog Husbandry Montessori School

Private Lessons: Yes

Virtual Option: No

Travels: No

Education: Victoria Stilwell Academy, Peaceable Paws, Paragon School of Pet Grooming

Certifications: CPDT-KA, VSA-CDT, FFCP

Philosophy: Fear Free, Force Free, Pain Free

Bio: Melissa is passionate about helping dogs lead rewarding and enriching lives. She is equally passionate about sharing how that process works with people. Melissa's interest in canine behavior and training go hand in hand with our Fear Free Grooming ProgramDog Montessori School and Day Care programs. Her favorite moments happen when pawrents exclaim “oh my god,you trimmed his nails and he didn’t try to bite you! I had no idea my dog could do that! Show me how?” Melissa resides in Maryland Northwest DC with her husband, two cats, and her Westie. She has worked at Patrick's Pet Care since 2017, where she began as a dog walker.

Image

Nikita P.

Specialty: Life Skills for Puppies & Working with Families

Private Lessons: Yes

Virtual Option: Yes

Travels: Yes

Education: Karen Pryor Academy, Victoria Stilwell Academy, Peaceable Paws

Certifications: CPDT-KA, VSA-CDT, KPA-CTP

Philosophy: Fear Free, Force Free, Pain Free

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.

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Patrick F.

Specialty: Fear Free Grooming & Dog Husbandry

Private Lessons: Yes

Virtual Option: Yes

Travels: No

Education: Karen Pryor Academy, Victoria Stilwell Academy, Peaceable Paws,
Paragon School of Pet Grooming

Certifications: CPDT-KA, CPACO, FFCP, PMCT-1, VSA-CDT

Philosophy: Fear Free, Force Free, Pain Free

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.

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Dakota B.

Specialty: Urban Loose Leash Walking Expert

Private Lessons: Yes

Virtual Option: No

Travels: Yes

Education: Victoria Stilwell Academy, Peaceable Paws

Certifications: VSA-CDT

Philosophy: Fear Free, Force Free, Pain Free

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.

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Mike W.

Specialty: Montessori Trainer and Day Care 101 Bridge

Private Lessons: No

Virtual Option: No

Travels: No

Education: NYC School For The Dogs

Certifications: CPDT-KA

Philosophy: Fear Free, Force Free, Pain Free

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.

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Kimana M.

Specialty: Dog Training Apprentice

Private Lessons: Yes

Virtual Option: No

Travels: Yes

Education: Victoria Stilwell Academy, Peaceable Paws

Certifications: FFCP (Trainer)

Philosophy: Fear Free, Force Free, Pain Free

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.