Professional dog training built around obedience, control, confidence and real-world performance.
Our Story
Training With Purpose.
The Trainer
Mark Garcia
Professional Dog Trainer & Handler
While serving in the U.S. Marine Corps for 21 years and handling several K9s in that time through various operations, I developed a fascination in working with these very powerful dogs, and learning their capabilities. The strong bond I built with my K9 partners during those years quickly grew into a passion for training. From the training, decoy work, and real world application it quickly became my lifelong commitment to apply all that I’ve learned into my own personal working dogs.
Prior to retiring from active duty in 2022, I spent my final 10 years between training and deployments, taking everything I learned and applying to working dogs, as well as helping friends and family train their pets. I quickly learned that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and I began tweaking my knowledge to fit the unique personality, drive, and temperament of every individual dog I encounter. Whether I am channeling the intense, high energy-energy focus of a Belgian Malinois or building basic manners and confidence in a companion pet, I adapt my techniques to meet the dog exactly where they are. This flexible approach ensures that every dog, regardless of breed or background, can thrive and connect with their owner.
After retiring from active duty, my commitment to the craft never stopped. I continued training dogs on a daily basis, frequently helping neighbors or stepping in to guide people in public who approached me for advice while i was out working my own dogs. Always a student, I invested heavily in advancing my education through continued attendance of seminars and courses. Notably, I had the privilege of studying and training under an industry expert like William Garrido-recognized for training contract working dogs in Afghanistan and actively competing and coaching at the highest levels of PSA (Protection Sports Association). This education allowed me to bridge the gap between high-level operational work and everyday behavior.
Wether you want to start your journey with a high-drive working dog and looking to become a sharper handler, or simply wanting to build a stronger bond with your family pet through training, I look forward to helping you achieve your goals.
Philosophy
Training Philosophy
At our core, we believe in training the dog in front of you. Every dog is an individual with a unique personality, genetic background, and learning pace. We do not use a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we adapt our methods to fit your dog’s specific needs, temperament, and behavioral goals.
To achieve reliable, real-world results, we practice balanced training. This means we clearly communicate with your dog using both markers for success and fair boundaries. We heavily reward and motivate the behaviors we want to see, while gently and effectively discouraging the behaviors we don’t. This creates an environment of clarity, trust, and mutual respect.
To bridge the communication gap, we responsibly utilize a variety of training tools. Whether your dog thrives with a flat collar, a slip lead, a prong collar, or an e-collar, tools are selected carefully to enhance clarity, never to punish. Our goal is to empower you and your dog with the right equipment to build confidence, safety, and ultimate freedom.
Why Primitive Knine
Why Clients Choose Primitive Knine
01
Individualized Training
Every dog has different needs, temperament, drives, and goals. We build each program around the individual dog and the handler behind them.
02
Purposeful Methods
Training is built with clear communication, consistent expectations, and practical exercises designed to create reliable behavior that carries into everyday situations.
03
Handler Education
We train the handler alongside the dog, building understanding and confidence so communication stays consistent and the results continue beyond each training session.
04
Real Results
Progress is measured through reliable behavior, stronger communication, and improved control. We focus on results that hold up at home, outside, and under distraction.