Life & Work with Patrick Stayer of North Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Stayer

Patrick, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Originally from the Midwest, I grew up in Omaha, Nebraska surrounded by dogs my whole life. I was a book nerd, always reading up on animals (especially dogs) and wanting to educate myself on how they operate. I grew up in what you might call a traditional household, and so I earned an allowance through chore work and once I turned 13 years old I was encouraged by my parents to pursue some kind of extra work on the side for my first official source of income to start saving for college and my future. I tried mowing lawns at first, but with no passion behind it, I suggested to my parents that I could walk people’s dogs instead, which of course they were very supported for. I printed my flyers, and walked door to door in my neighborhood until I had a consistent client base. I continued this until high school when I started working other jobs, and post graduation I studied at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where I pursued my passions for the performing arts and got my degree in Theatre and Dance. In 2015, I moved to Los Angeles, where I began my dual careers in dog training and in entertainment. After working with various dog training and boarding companies, and further developing my skills and certifications, I’ve made the move in 2025 to create Valley Dog Training Club: a wide reaching community for dog lovers to find education, resources, training, guidance, and quality pet services for free or low cost.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road over the years, in my time rehabilitating dogs with trauma and history of abuse you see them in heartbreaking condition, and in the industry it’s common to experience “compassion fatigue” by being front and center working with dogs that have lost everything and no longer trust the outside world. In this kind of work you also deal a lot with mismanagement of facilities, malpractice and negligence, which often never come to light. And of course to be a dog trainer requires a certain readiness in high stress situations, and most if not all trainers (myself included) have experienced at least one or two moderate to severe dog bites. That said, I believe it’s all worth it for the impact we make in the these dogs’ lives and the people who love them.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What I specialize in is canine obedience training, agility, tricks, leash walking, and I am a registered CGC Evaluator for the American Kennel Club, which means I am able to certify people’s dogs for a variety of titles and accolades that show off their impressive accomplishments. What sets me apart is I am a “start to finish” trainer who can guide you through from first steps with a new puppy all the way to having a well behaved, talented, and AKC certified adult dog that impresses others with its manners and good behavior. I provide a healthy, force-free comprehensive solution for each dog I work with, ensuring each facet of their needs is being taken care of so that they can thrive and live their best life.

What were you like growing up?
Since I’ve been very young I was introverted and typically kept to myself, burying my nose in books, but also was very sporty – always playing soccer, tennis, or doing track at school, and then as I started to come out of my shell over the years and explore the arts I fell in love with theatre and dance, and movement arts in general. I was inspired by actors on stage and on the big screen in my formative years, and so starting in high school I began to pursue the arts myself, from Shakespearean acting to short films and dance festivals, I became an “ambivert” who thrives in building new relationships, but still has an introverted nature at heart.

Pricing:

• 60-minute Private Training Session: $50.00 (First Session 50% Off)
• 90-Minute Private Training Session: $70.00
• 60-Minute Dog Walk: $35.00
• 30-Minute Dog Walk: $20
• Consultation: FREE!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valleydogtrainer?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573059009857&mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: https://discord.gg/t3TCeAEw

Image Credits
Elizabeth Stayer Photography