About Gentle Approach Dog Training LLC
Larry Stevenson, CDBC, CPDT-KA, ABCDT
At Gentle Approach Dog Training LLC, we believe in building strong, trusting relationships between dogs and their families. Based in Philadelphia and serving the surrounding areas, our mission is to provide professional, force-free training that prioritizes your dog's emotional well-being while delivering lasting results.
Led by Larry Stevenson, a highly certified and experienced dog trainer and behavior consultant, our approach is tailored to each unique dog and their specific needs. With over 20 years of expertise, Larry combines education, compassion, and proven techniques to transform challenging behaviors and create harmony in homes.
Meet Larry Stevenson – Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and Trainer
Extensive Training and Certifications
Larry is a distinguished expert in the field of dog training and behavior, holding the following certifications:
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) from the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).
Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT).
These prestigious credentials reflect Larry's commitment to excellence and staying at the forefront of canine training and behavioral science.
Commitment to Continued Education
Larry actively pursues ongoing education to refine his methods and stay updated on the latest advancements in dog behavior. His professional memberships include:
The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).
Family Paws Parent Education (FPPE), Licensed Educator, specializing in preparing families with dogs for life with babies and young children.
Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) - Premium Professional Member
The Pet Professional Guild (PPG) - Full Member Dog Training Professional
Larry’s Unique Approach to Dog Training
Larry’s training philosophy focuses on understanding each dog’s unique personality and emotional needs. He uses force-free, positive reinforcement techniques to build trust and teach desirable behaviors.
Key aspects of Larry’s approach include:
Emphasizing "Dog Livability" – ensuring your dog fits seamlessly into your family’s lifestyle.
Addressing behavior problems such as anxiety, fear, and reactivity with compassion and expertise.
Educating owners to confidently handle their dogs and strengthen their bond.
Services Tailored to You and Your Dog
Larry specializes in providing customized training solutions for a variety of needs, including:
Behavior Modification
Tackling issues like aggression, resource guarding, and separation anxiety.
Obedience Training
Teaching essential commands and improving your dog’s overall behavior.
Family Dog Training
Preparing dogs for life with babies, toddlers, and children through his Family Paws Parent Education License certification.
Virtual Training
Convenient, expert guidance available for clients across the country.
Recognized by Clients and Professionals
Larry’s work has been endorsed by veterinarians, pet businesses, and satisfied clients across Philadelphia and Montgomery County. His dedication to improving owner-dog relationships has earned him glowing testimonials and referrals.
“Larry’s methods transformed our dog’s fear-based aggression. He is truly a master of his craft.”
“Larry gave us the tools and confidence to handle our energetic puppy. We couldn’t be happier!”
Just a Few Vets that Recommend Larry
Montgomery County Extended
Metropolitan Veterinary Associates
Dr. Hagar Hauser, DVM
Behavior Medicine Specialist
2626 Van Buren Avenue
Norristown, PA 19403
610-666-1050
Manayunk
The Animedic
Veterinary House Calls and Services
Jennifer M. Jones, VMD
www.THEANIMEDIC.COM
267-495-6867
Conshohocken
Conshohocken Veterinary Hospital
316 W. Ridge Pike
Conshohocken, PA 19428
Phone: 610-828-7520
Roxborough
Wissahickon Creek Veterinary Hospital
7376 Ridge Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19128
215-483-9896
Lafayette Hill
Andorra Veterinary Clinic
Andrea Niggemeier, DVM
638 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA 610-825-6622
Veterinary Service
Located in Manayunk
Keystone Veterinary Emergency
4026 Main Street
Philadelphia, PA 19127
267-437-2317
Horsham
Horsham Veterinary Hospital
Dr. Amie Balandovich
971 Horsham Road
Horsham, PA 19044
Tel: 215-674-1PET
Email: info@horshamvet.com
Upper Roxborough
Liberty Vet Clinic
Dr. Caroline Patten, VMD, PhD
8919 Ridge Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19128
(215) 483-1066
Mt Airy
Mt Airy Animal Hospital
114 E Mount Airy Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19119
Phone: 215-248-1886
Ambler
Steinbach Veterinary Hospital
120 Skippack Pk. PO Box 236
Blue Bell, PA 19422
Phone: 215-646-0462
Emergency Call 215-646-0462 24 hours
Why Choose Gentle Approach Dog Training LLC?
Experience and Expertise
With over two decades of experience and some of the highest certifications in the industry, Larry brings unparalleled knowledge to every training session. He combines technical skills with a deep understanding of canine behavior, ensuring a compassionate and effective approach.
Local Knowledge and Dedication
As a proud member of the Philadelphia and Montgomery County communities, Larry understands the unique needs of local pet owners. From urban environments to suburban settings, his training strategies are tailored to the challenges of your specific area.
Force-Free, Positive Methods
Larry’s humane training philosophy ensures that your dog’s emotional well-being is never compromised. His methods focus on building trust, reducing stress, and fostering a positive relationship between you and your dog.
Who is Larry?
Larry is a Certified member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), promoting professionalism and continuing education in the field of animal behavior consulting. Larry works with companion animals and their humans to effect behavioral change in animals displaying dysfunctional, harmful, aggressive, destructive, or undesirable behaviors that cause distress or threaten the well-being of humans and/or animals in the home. Certified Dog Behavior Consultants work with the emotional experience of dogs.
Larry is also a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - knowledge assessed, experienced in training puppies for house training, obedience, nipping/biting/snapping, barking, dog-to-dog and people play, Socialization with dogs and people, chewing things, pulling the leash, how to walk, jumping up, crate training, eating too fast etc.
Larry is licensed as a Family Paws Educator, specializing with www.FamilyPaws.com in family training to develop a dynamic bond with dogs, babies, toddlers, children, and adults.
He also works with resolving more serious behavior problems such as preparing for family changes, resource guarding, fear and anxieties such as fear of stairs, cars, skates, skateboards, bicycles, noises, lights, Separation Anxiety, reactive behaviors, bolting out the door, “Dominance, Alpha and Pack Leader” issues, etc..
Larry Stevenson's interests in helping people as a crisis intervention worker/ trainer and research technician has blended well with his interest in helping dogs and their owners understand their relationship using force free techniques.
Of particular interest to Larry is what he calls "Dog Livability". "Dog Livability" in Larry's relationship with dogs is how well any particular dog fits in with their family. Every family or dog owner and dog has individual needs in the relationship. These needs are best served when the dog and owner needs compliment one another.
Veterinarians, clients, other trainers, and pet businesses refer to Larry. In his nature, he always relates well to dogs and people, and his personal and principal interests are in improving owner/dog companion relationships.
Serving Philadelphia, Montgomery County, and Beyond
Gentle Approach Dog Training LLC proudly serves the following areas:
Philadelphia: Including Roxborough, Germantown, and Mount Airy.
Montgomery County: Covering Lafayette Hill, Norristown, Conshohocken, and more.
Additional locations in Bucks County and Delaware County by request.
No matter where you’re located, Larry is committed to bringing professional, compassionate training to your doorstep.
Get Started with Gentle Approach Dog Training Today
Ready to create a stronger bond with your dog? Contact Larry Stevenson for professional training and behavior consulting that truly makes a difference.