Gordon Fontaine

Gordon fontaine with his dogGordon Fontaine established Zen Dog Training to pursue his passion for helping people create healthier, happier relationships with their dogs. He’s a Certified Dog Trainer with a Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC) from San Francisco SPCA’s Dog Training Academy. Gordon is proud to be one of only 500 graduates of this highly intensive, world-renowned program, where he had the privilege of working alongside some of the best dog trainers in the nation.

When Gordon was only eleven years old, he was given the responsibility of training and caring for the family dog, and he has been training dogs ever since. He realized early on that dog training can greatly improve the relationship people have with their dogs. However, there is more to training than just rewards and treats. The right methods can speed up the training process and peacefully solve unwanted behaviors.

Since founding Zen Dog Training in 2005, Gordon has honed his skills through thousands of sessions with all types of dogs in every possible situation. “I know what works, what doesn’t, and why,” says Gordon. “Your dog will learn faster and with less stress because you will learn to communicate with your dog in the language they understand.”

“My trainers and I get more done in 2 hours than what other dog trainers cover in weeks of classes!” How? “Our methods are based on mutual understanding and communication. You’ll learn how to teach new behaviors and gentle ways to get rid of your dog’s bad habits.”

Gordon is a native of south Texas. He moved to Boston to earn his MBA at Boston College, and remained in the area ever since. During the years before Zen Dog Training, he spent 10 years working in the corporate world for companies such as the Bose Corporation and Lucent Technologies.

In 2001, Gordon began to study Aikido, a Japanese martial art. The physical, mental, and spiritual connections that Aikido develops suited Gordon; he is now a 4th degree black belt. As he embraced the mind/body philosophy of Aikido, Gordon eventually sought a livelihood more in line with his new life view. Zen Dog Training was born!

Gordon has traveled to Japan, Europe, and South America, and in the process, acquired a valuable worldly perspective. Everywhere, people and their relationships with dogs are similar. People often misunderstand their dog and act in ways that confuses their dogs to the rules. Many people start training their dog without knowing all the training options. Dog training is more than treats and rewards. Positive reinforcement should include learning how to stop unwanted behaviors in peaceful ways.

Gordon has published several eBooks including: The Zen Method of Raising a Puppy, a guide to raising the perfect puppy! He has also written several eBooks such as How to Treat and Prevent Separation Anxiety and How to Crate Train a Dog in 2 Days. eBooks are available for purchase online.

Read Gordon’s articles on topics such as: Understanding dogs, Being your dogs alpha, New Puppy Guide, and Bonding with your dog.