Gina Gables has been training dogs in Simi Valley since 1991, bringing an unusually varied background to the work. According to her site, she spent over ten years as the resident trainer at a Ventura County pet lodge before starting Ma & Paw Kennel, and has since worked with thousands of dogs across obedience, behavior modification, personal protection, and herding. She actively competes in stockdog trials, and her site notes that an Australian Shepherd she trained reached eighth in the country in its sheep herding division.
The business has developed some distinctive specializations. Their rattlesnake avoidance training has been used by canine units from multiple local law enforcement agencies, including the Ventura County Sheriff's Department. The Humane Society of Ventura County has also hosted training clinics with Gables at their Ojai location.
Their stated approach centers on positive reinforcement and what they describe as a partnership model, owners learn alongside their dogs rather than dropping them off and expecting results. The site is direct about who they're a good fit for: people who want to understand how their dog thinks and communicates, rather than those seeking dominance-based methods. Programs range from puppy classes held in a sanitized indoor space to board-and-train options and behavior work aimed at dogs with fear or aggression issues.
