John Gagnon, known throughout the Northeast as the Dogman , has been training dogs full time since 1994. The inspiration that started it all was his desire to reduce the number of healthy dogs killed in Connecticut pounds, currently 15,000 annually. Finding dogs homes is a great effort taken on by many, but does not begin to address two primary root problems. Many people give up their dogs simply because they do not know how to train them, and there are too many pets that are not spayed or neutered, creating a gross over population. As long as pets are not spayed or neutered, this will always be the case. Rescue organizations and Veterinarians from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Maine, and New Hampshire regularly call on John for his experience and expertise.
By John educating people on how to better communicate with their dogs to prevent unwanted behavior, he hoped to begin to reduce the number of dogs in Connecticut pounds. Although his training approach and philosophy are uniquely his, he has been influenced by many top dog trainers including Jean Donaldson and Leslie Nelson, as well as marine mammal trainer Pat Carraciolo. His efforts have also been featured over the years on channel's 3 & 30 news.
John's obedience training classes and private lessons soon showed a demand for grooming services. Doggie Daycare was added shortly after, based on clients struggles to adequately exercise their rambunctious dogs. Next, pet fencing was added, satisfying the same client's needs to be able to properly exercise their dogs in the safety of their own yards. Finally, in 2003, the ultimate Pet Resort was completed at 227 Upton Road in Colchester. A 10,000 square foot facility offering the client everything that their dogs could possibly need while their owners are away on vacation or just at work. The new facility has also helped rescue organizations rehab some of their homeless dogs with behavioral issues.
In addition to his passion for animals, John is an avid practitioner of Gracie jiu jitsu. Check out Royce Gracie, Jim Hughes, and the rest of the guys at gracie-jiu-jitsu.com.
