Zack Devore, the owner and head trainer at Falco Dog Training OC, brings roughly a decade of experience and holds certification in a method called "Training Without Conflict," developed by Ivan Balabanov. According to the business's website, this approach emphasizes clear communication and building trust with dogs rather than forcing compliance. Devore completed both foundational and expert-level programs under Balabanov directly.
The Anaheim facility houses a team with varied backgrounds. Lead trainer Gabi Schwaiger, originally from Germany, transitioned into dog training after years in corporate work and dog rescue, focusing on puppy development and group classes. She holds certification as an "Emotion Focused K9 Therapist" through the company's own mentorship program. The kennel staff includes Dr. Cindy Devore, who holds a doctorate in pharmacology from USC and oversees health monitoring protocols.
The business describes its training philosophy as individually tailored rather than standardized—they state they adjust methods, tools, and techniques based on each dog and owner's needs. Their board-and-train programs range from two to five weeks depending on issue severity, from basic obedience through what they describe as severe aggression cases, with a required pre-admission evaluation. Group classes progress from puppy through advanced off-leash levels, capped at twelve dogs per session. The facility itself is described as climate-controlled with separate housing areas for boarding dogs versus those in training programs.
