Positive reinforcement · South Lake Tahoe · Est. 2007
Scott trained killer whales. Now he trains your dog.
We use positive reinforcement methods to correct unwanted behavior and create a strong working relationship between you and your furry friend. Scott Mara has been training animals since 1996 and dogs since 1999. Good Dog Tahoe has served South Lake Tahoe since 2007.
1996
Started at Miami Seaquarium
sea lions, seals, dolphins
1999
Began working with dogs
2007
Founded Good Dog Tahoe in South Lake Tahoe
4.5★
Yelp average across 16 reviews
Issues we treat
Most behavioral issues we treat.
From puppy classes to private in-home lessons, we have what your dog needs. Pick the issue that sounds like yours, or contact us and we’ll help you figure out the right program.
Reactive · rescue
My dog loses it on walks.
Lunging, barking, reacting to every dog or stranger. Most behavioral issues are best addressed in the dog’s home, on the walk where it actually happens.
Specialty
I can’t leave the house.
Destructive behavior, howling, pacing the moment you walk out. Separation anxiety is one of the issues we treat most often, and the kind that needs the right method.
Specialized Training
We need more than a few sessions.
Sometimes you just need some help in getting your dog under control. Our 21-day Full Specialized Training is the program. Your dog learns proper etiquette for living with people, how to greet without jumping, and obedience at an advanced level.
Puppy Kindergarten
We just brought them home.
This class is designed to start you off on the right track with your new puppy. Housebreaking, chewing, care for your puppy, and early obedience training. A 4-week class.
About Good Dog Tahoe
Extensive experience.
Scott Mara began his career working with animals in 1996, when he went to work at Miami Seaquarium with California Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, and Atlantic and Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins. He later helped launch Dolphin Resorts in the Caribbean, and in 2004 began working as senior killer whale and dolphin trainer at Six Flags Marine World in California.
Scott began working with dogs in 1999 and enjoys working with canines of all sizes and temperaments. As a behaviorist, he thrives on seeing new behaviors learned and watching the process of each animal’s discovery. Good Dog Tahoe was founded in South Lake Tahoe in 2007.
“Every dog can be a Good Dog!”
Our services
From puppy classes to specialized training.
Group classes, private in-home lessons, and our flagship 21-day Full Specialized Training. Every dog is different, so contact us and we’ll help you pick the right program.
Specialized Training · 21 days
Full Specialized Training
Sometimes you just need some help in getting your dog under control. The 21-day program covers proper etiquette for living with people, how to greet without jumping, and obedience at an advanced level. Offered on a per-day basis when 21 days isn’t the right fit.
Group Classes
Basic Obedience
This class will cover sit, down, stay, come, leash walking, and basic doggie manners. Class is for dogs ages 5 months and up. This class is 6 weeks long.
Private In-Home Lessons
Private In-Home Lessons
Most behavioral issues are best addressed in the dog’s home. With private lessons you and your dog will be one on one with a professional dog trainer. Obedience, aggression, separation anxiety, and any other issues we treat. There are no contracts.
Group Classes · 4 weeks
Puppy Kindergarten
This class is designed to start you off on the right track with your new puppy. Housebreaking, chewing, care for your puppy, start obedience training, and basic puppy manners. This is a 4-week class.
Our methods
A scientifically based approach.
You can motivate a dog in two ways, with pain or pleasure. At Good Dog Tahoe, we use a positive reinforcement approach in order to teach or modify your dog’s behavior. We advocate using humane methods for training your best friend.
01
Contact us
Send a note, text, or call. Tell us about your dog and what you’re trying to work on. We’ll reply personally.
02
Pick the right program
Group classes, private in-home lessons, or the 21-day Full Specialized program. We’ll help you choose based on your dog and what you need.
03
Start training
Group classes run in South Lake Tahoe. Private lessons happen in your home. The 21-day program is full immersion. Either way, your dog comes home with the working relationship in place.
Contact
Let’s chat about your good dog!
Contact us to see how we can help your good dog be better. Scott handles intake himself.
Send a message
A few questions about your dog and how to reach you.
Call or text
Fastest way to reach us. Text or call, both work.
Email
Better for longer histories or anything you want in writing.
Testimonials
In an owner’s words.
“I brought my 8-month-old puppy to Scott while in Lake Tahoe for the summer. I’m so happy I did! Scott was able to get my completely wild, crazy dog under control. What a relief! I’d recommend Scott without reservation. A well-trained dog makes for a happy dog, and a happy owner.”
Public reviews live on Yelp at yelp.com/biz/good-dog-south-lake-tahoe: 4.5 stars, 16 reviews. We don’t cherry-pick.
Published 2024
Stories from a dolphin trainer.
Scott’s 2024 memoir, The Trainer: Tales of a Dolphin Trainer, is a behind-the-scenes account of his career training dolphins, sea lions, and killer whales, and how that work shapes the way he trains your dog today.
“Working with dolphins and orcas has been one of the most humbling and rewarding parts of my life.” — Scott Mara, South Tahoe Now interview
Get it on AmazonRead the coverage in South Tahoe NowFrequently asked
Questions we hear most.
What does training cost?
Pricing depends on the program. Group classes, private in-home lessons, and the 21-day Full Specialized Training are all priced differently. Contact us with a few details about your dog and we’ll quote you straight.
How long until I see results?
It depends on the behavior. Targeted issues like jumping, pulling, and door manners move quickly. Deep-rooted issues like reactivity or separation anxiety take longer. The 21-day program exists because some cases need weeks of immersion.
Will this work on my dog?
Almost always, yes. Scott enjoys working with canines of all sizes and temperaments. Adult dogs, rescues, and dogs with a long history of behavior issues are exactly the kind of cases Scott takes. Contact us and we’ll talk it through.
What is positive reinforcement?
You can motivate a dog in two ways, with pain or pleasure. We use a positive reinforcement, or pleasure, approach in order to teach or modify your dog’s behavior. It’s the same scientifically based method marine-mammal trainers have used for decades.
Where are you located?
South Lake Tahoe, California. The 21-day program runs out of Scott’s home. Group classes are held in South Lake Tahoe. Private lessons happen in your home anywhere in South Lake Tahoe, Stateline, Meyers, the surrounding basin, Gardnerville, Carson City, or Reno.
Let’s chat about your good dog
Every dog can be a Good Dog!
Contact us to see how we can help your good dog be better.
Or call (530) 318-9436