Positive reinforcement · South Lake Tahoe · Est. 2007
Scott trained killer whales. Now he trains your dog.
Scott Mara has trained animals since 1996 and dogs since 1999. In South Lake Tahoe, he uses positive reinforcement to build better behavior and a stronger working relationship with your dog.
Group classes are open now. Private in-home lessons and 21-day Specialized Training start with a short request so Scott can make sure the program fits your dog.
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
Choose your next step
Pick the path that fits your dog.
Ready for class? Start with the schedule. Need private help? Send a short request so Scott can confirm the fit before you begin.
Open now
Group classes at Bijou Park
Best fit for puppies, basic manners, recall, leash work, and dogs who can learn around other dogs.
Small outdoor classes meet at Bijou Park near the sand volleyball courts.
See upcoming classesOne on one
Private in-home training
Best fit for household behavior, leash problems, aggression review, separation anxiety, and goals specific to your home.
Scott comes to you, sees the behavior where it happens, and builds the plan around your dog.
Request private training21 days
21-day Full Specialized Training
Best fit for dogs that need more than a few sessions to settle into better manners and control.
A full immersion program focused on advanced obedience, greeting without jumping, and daily etiquette.
Request 21-day trainingNot sure which one fits? Text ScottText Scott
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 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
Choose a class or request a private program
Sign up for an open group class, or send a request for private in-home lessons or 21-day Specialized Training.
02
Scott confirms the fit
For private programs, Scott reviews your dog’s needs and confirms the right plan before training starts.
03
Start training
Group classes run in South Lake Tahoe. Private lessons happen in your home. The 21-day program gives your dog full immersion with Scott.
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. Sign up for an open class, or Text Scott 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. Text Scott 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.
Ready to train
Every dog can be a Good Dog!
Choose a class now, or request a private program so Scott can confirm the right fit for your dog.