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Dog Gone Good Mike Wombacher has been involved with dogs for over forty years, nearly thirty of them as a professional trainer. During this time, he has performed around 40,000 private consultations covering the entire spectrum of dog behavior, from the mundane to the bizarre. In addition, he's had tens of thousands of puppies come through his training programs over the years. He has also trained other trainers and is currently the training director at Alpha Dog Lodging in Mill Valley, one of the Bay Area's premier boarding & training facilities.
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Mike offers three levels of puppy classes designed to take your pup from his first moments with you all the way through adolescence and into adulthood. This program is designed for new puppies of less than four and a half months of age (though we do make age exceptions for small breeds.) It is split into three main areas of focus.
Mike's goal is to provide you with the most up-to-date, integrated and common-sense approach to dog training possible. He has deep working knowledge in a range of approaches and from them has crafted a flexible program that is committed to helping owners in a sensible, fast-paced way that draws on the best of everything in line with the needs of their dog.
We offer intensive yet flexible boarding and training programs in conjunction with Alpha Dog Lodging in Mill Valley, Marin's premier daycare and boarding facility, where Mike developed the program, trained the trainers (and still does) and is the training director. He works with his team and the dogs regularly.
As part of our boarding and training program we are also offering specialized training for service dogs assisting individuals with PTSD as well as a range of other issues, such as migraine alerting, scent alerting for fire and gas, and more. We work closely with owners, their mental health professionals (if needed) and their specific issues to customize a training plan unique to their needs. A subset of this, and an area of special interest to Mike, is training service dogs for combat veterans with PTSD.
Reviews (27)
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Will S.
Mar 30, 2022
Mike Wombacher is the best in the business and we cannot recommend him enough. He is a great resource, a great trainer, and was an incredible help on multiple occasions when we had sudden issues. A+
James Arthur M.
Mar 20, 2022
We adopted a rescue dog and she was initially insecure, untrusting and very stubborn which made it hard to do any type of training with her. We decided to do weekly trainings with Mike and saw an immediate difference with honey-our dog. He was patient and met our dog where she was, but also challenged her to learn her commands. Through working with Mike, honey now knows all of her basic commands and we trust her more now to be off leash. We 100% recommend Dog Gone Good! to anyone who needs help with their furry friend(s).
Liz B.
Mar 13, 2022
Dog Gone Good is a very good resource for you and your puppy/dog! I researched trainers and Mike Wombacher is very the real deal! He is a no none sense, down to business trainer. His technique is straightforward and there is No BS. He has extensive experience and will be able to help your specific training issues. Mike's method is NOT all about strictly positive training, the dog are not punished, but dogs do get firm correction such a tap on shoulders or strong vocal tone.

It is realistic and pretty much like one would correct a child. It is effective and works in teaching Trust and Respect, Mike has written books and YouTube video that are wonderful companion to your puppy training courses. Dog Gone Good: street parking is available, but arrive early to avoid disruption to the class and ensure a good close parking spot.

Proof of Covid vaccination is required, masks are optional. Don't forget to bring high value doggie treats that are small enough to be eaten quickly. I highly recommend Dog Gone Good and Mike Wombacher for your puppy/ dog training needs! Tell him Khaleesi sent you!
Jason B.
Feb 17, 2022
Mike is awesome at what he does. Honest and upfront with dog owners which to me is the first step in understanding how to have a positive and healthy relationship with your dog. In my opinion his methods are well thought out, down to earth, and highly effective. I recommend you check out his books, website, and videos to get an idea for his style and view point.

If you're looking for a hippie dippy, let's all hold hands and hope our dogs do what we request, Mike is probably not the one for you. My son and I have taken the puppy 1 and 2 classes which have given us an excellent base to work from with our dog. Looking forward to the advanced class.
Trisha P.
Feb 09, 2022
Mike isn't your typical trainer, which is exactly why I liked his training class. So if you're looking for "positive only" training, he might not be your guy. However, after wasting my money on a training like that I found Mike and I'd totally go back! My puppy Tequila joined his level 2 class at 5 months old. His training technique was very effective in learning the basic commands, recall and minimize distractions (I often get asked at dog parks how I taught my dog her recall).

As other reviews state, training is most effective if dog parents follow it as well. I've been on n off with Tequila's training but she still does well with her commands.
Alec T.
Jan 06, 2022
I have taken 3 classes with Mike (Puppy 1, Puppy 2, and Advanced Outdoor), with my Australian Shepherd puppy, starting at 8 weeks old. These classes were invaluable - I learned that most of dog training is about training the owner, not the dog. Mike really does show you how to work with your dog, and helps you understand what the dog is thinking and how to train and motivate them. Puppy 1 was especially helpful for providing a safe space for my pup to socialize with other dogs before she had gotten all of her shots.

She is now a very well adjusted dog who knows lots of commands AND has a bulletproof recall! Mike is launching a new tricks and agility class soon at his facility in Marin, and I can't wait to sign up!
Jae A.
Nov 14, 2021
I really enjoyed learning from Mike and appreciate the methods he teaches for you to have a good foundational relationship with your pup. Luna has completed puppy 1 & puppy 2 class, we're waiting for advance class to open up so we can continue to hone in on obedience reinforcement. Things to note before choosing Mike's class for your pooch. 1.

He uses balances training, it's a mixture of positive reinforcement AND correction. 2. YOU are ultimately in charge of building a relationship and training your dog. He will review how to do it, do exercises with you, and help give you tips for your dog, but once you leave the class YOU have to do the homework and work with your canine companion to set them up for success in the next class. 3.

Each course has 6 consecutive classes at the same time every week, so ensure you block time off your schedule to take your pup to school. 4. Everything that you learn has a reason and each lesson builds up to the next one. 5. This is a group class, so if you have questions about your dog, be sure to ask or else Mike won't be able to help you tend training to work for your dog.

The courses: Puppy 1 goes over building trust and learning exercises Puppy 2 takes that trust and exercise and builds it to commands and obedience, as well as learning how to get your dog to stop on command in emergency situations (like running in the street) Advance class is taking it all that's learned in a outdoor settings Takeaways: If you're looking for a positive only training course, this may not be a good fit for you.

If you're looking for someone to train your dog for you, you may want to look into board and training or personal training. If you would like professional guidance with someone who's had 20+ years on dog training and would like to see results based on the time and effort you put in, this is a good place to do it.
Elle U.
Nov 02, 2021
Two main things I like about Mikes classes: 1. He is to the point - 'this is what you need to do to get your dog to listen to you'. You certainly don't have to follow his advice, but I like getting as much information as I can when I am training my canine to be a good citizen. 2. We did a lot of training, the class did not drag - time flew. (and yes, there was homework and expectancy that it would be done by next class!)
Miho A.
Oct 22, 2021
Finn didn't graduate at the top of his class but what a difference before and after. Thanks Michael.
Teresa M.
Oct 10, 2021
Just finished Puppy 2 training this weekend and Mike is fantastic! He teaches both the dog and their owners very practical repeatable tasks and is always there to answer any questions you may have about raising a pup. Highly recommend if this is your first puppy or if you have had many and need a refresher. When we went to the very first class Penny was basically afraid of any other dog, barked at the wind and took any of my commands as a suggestion she prompted chose to ignore. We've come a long way baby!

She is my first puppy and we are both now more confident and ready for the next step. Still working on those recalls but getting better every day with the consistency Mike instilled. Looking forward to the off leash training coming up later this month.
Quynh I.
Sep 18, 2021
Effective trainer and we accomplished basic commands. Though we did not agree with some of the not so positive techniques but we weren't being forced to apply on our puppy. Overall, it was very useful training for our puppy.
Ryan P.
Sep 17, 2021
My fiance and I adopted our first dog - a red heeler mix - in June, and quickly began to feel overwhelmed. She was jumpy, mouthy, and bossy; she would leap up on the table while we were eating dinner and bark at us to demand food; and taking her in the car was impossible, as she would frantically whine and bark and claw at the windows. In her calm moments, we could see glimpses of the amazing dog she might be: affectionate, playful, and too smart for her own good.

But we didn't know how to make those parts of her personality shine. Somewhat out of desperation, we signed up for private lessons with Mike a few weeks after we got her. Three months later, she has turned into the most wonderful dog I've ever had. Certainly that has a lot to do with her settling in to her new home and learning to trust us, but the strategies and overall approach Mike worked on with us have been fundamental in building that relationship.

She hasn't jumped up on the table in the two months since he had us situate her ten feet away with a high-value, long-lasting treat; she now happily rides in her crate in the back of the car; and, thanks to the trust we've built through training and firm boundary setting, she no longer barks and bites to make demands. Mike has a unique personal style and a directness that I found refreshing, especially since it yielded such concrete results and gave us the confidence to set boundaries that have allowed Coda to thrive. His lessons were reasonably priced and invaluable relative to the outcome.
K. F.
Sep 01, 2021
I've done a combination of both private and group trainings and both in person and via zoom with Mike and they have all been incredibly valuable and I'd highly recommend his training services! A few specifics: - zoom trainings worked better than I expected. Was also eventually really helpful to have group, in person trainings for testing with distractions - Mike has the right balance of positive and constructively corrective feedback.

You have a duty as a dog owner and lover to correct bad or dangerous behaviors so sometimes it's not all praise but there is tons of that and treats but also corrections when needed - Mike focuses on foundation building and on what really matters which I've found helpful for focus and feasibility - price is very reasonable esp considering value from training and socialization - the advanced beach trainings are amazing for recall and TONS of fun!
Yao H.
Aug 26, 2021
I'm sure Mike's class has done magic for many dog parents but his class made me uncomfortable as he instructed dog parents to use alpha roll(forcing a puppy on his side/back) and he suggested using punishment such as spray bottle on undesired behavior. Please look the other way if you're looking for positive reinforcement dog training as Mike has expressed his opinions against positive reinforcement only.

He has also suggests that I put my dog in the crate and knock on the crate to startle my dog if my dog whines/barks. He mentioned that it works for many of his clients but unfortunately in my case, my dog is born with separation anxiety and his suggestions did way more harm than good. I just wish that I had done more research on my own instead of listening to Mike just because he had great reviews on Google and Yelp.
Nadia N.
Aug 20, 2021
Looking for a puppy class? dog training? tips/tricks and a helpful guide? LOOK NO FURTHER! Dog Gone Good under Mike Wombacher is the ONLY place to TRULY train your puppy, and train yourSELF as a dog owner of any experience level. Taking Mike's Puppy level 1 class and level 2 class was truly life changing both for me and for my pup. For me, as a new dog mom, having those weekly sessions (each class is 6 weeks) helped enforce structure in my home training schedule, but also gave me some serious peace of mind in those early developmental stages.

I also witnessed first-hand how Mike's coursework and interpersonal attention to detail helped more experienced dog owners as well. he tailors his guidance and answers to questions based on your dog's temperament/style. I saw many different sized dogs of various temperament and saw how much they grew/developed individually (and collectively) with Mike's help and guidance. Taking these classes didn't just help me teach my dog how to do "things" -- Mike knows how to truly instill the fundamentals. from working to obtain that trusting relationship with your pup, to learning super useful "tricks", as well as how to further establish consistency in commands. I'm looking forward to continuing working on the things we learned at Dog Gone Good, in preparation for Level 3 (Advanced) -- and have already recommended him to many friends who are also starting their pup-adventures. *If you're still weighing your options in the bay area re: dog/pup training, feel free to reach out me @lizoutheyorkipoo -- I'm happy to give interpersonal testimonials!*
Lisa M.
May 11, 2021
I attended the level 1 dog classes virtually over zoom, and I highly recommend them! I learned a ton about dog training and about general care for dogs. I was pleasantly surprised how well the trainings went even virtually. We learned a new command every week, along with a lot of other tips/tricks! Based on the progress I've made with my dog because of these classes, I decided to register for level 2 classes (in person), and am looking forward to them!
Cat M.
May 07, 2021
I am so grateful to have found Dog Gone Good! Just before the pandemic I adopted an 8 week old chihuahua and then The whole world shut down. I did the best I could training him, but I knew I wanted some help. Once things settled down I reached out to Mike and set up virtual zoom training sessions. The virtual sessions were fantastic, we worked from the comfort of our own home and learned so much! Mike is such a wealth of knowledge and is so much fun to work with! My dog learned so much and I can't wait to continue training! I cannot recommend Dog Gone Good! Enough! Lifetime customers right here!
Kathryn N.
Mar 02, 2021
I was first introduced to Mike Wombacher's puppy training classes in 2006, when my vet recommended Mike for my 4 month old Beagle puppy Charley. I took Charley to the puppy 1 class and for all of Charley's life, I was grateful that I gave us both the gift of puppy training. Sadly, I lost Charley to lymphoma when he was only 8 years old. In 2015, I adopted another Beagle puppy Frankie.

I contacted Mike Wombacher and signed Frankie up for the puppy 1 and 2 classes. Frankie was only 9 weeks old when we started. With every class, Mike would introduce the group to a new command, explain the reason for the command, pick a random puppy in our group to demonstrate the command (impressive!), and have us practice with our pups as he walked around to observe and offer corrections (for the humans). Mike offered great and helpful stories for how he used specific commands in real life stressful situations.

I highly recommend Mike Wombacher for puppy training. I also realize that taking both puppy training classes is much more beneficial. I say this from experience, because even though my first Beagle Charley was trained well, I can tell that Frankie is a much more disciplined dog with the extended training. You will be so happy you did this, because your beautiful dog will be with you for many years.
Cameron S.
Feb 24, 2021
I've done Mike's puppy 1 and 2 class virtually and am extremely happy with the result! My one-year-old corgi's behavior has dramatically improved over the last few months with his help. He has learned several commands (most of them functional, but some just plain cool) and has gained more respect for me as an owner. Don't let the virtual Zoom format during the pandemic dissuade you. Mike's classes are small enough and he is extremely attentive.

He personalizes his training techniques for any breed and owner combo! I highly recommend Mike for anyone interested in developing a stronger bond with their dog, while also having some fun!
Wen G.
Dec 16, 2020
We finished both puppy 1 and 2 virtually with Mike and are signed up for an in person class next year! This should say enough. We got a Boston terrier puppy during the pandemic and Mike made it easy! Mike knows his craft and conducts his class in a structured and efficient manner - Q&A, reviews, new materials, practices and Q&A. He's funny, experienced and always straight to the point.

We are learning a lot and I feel our pup behaves better than a lot of adult dogs we meet already. If you are willing to put in the work with Mike, you will get a well rounded and well behaved puppy that loves and trust you! Virtual classes worked well for us and we can't wait to have an in person class! Thanks Mike!
Roberto M.
Dec 08, 2020
Both my wife and I have done classes with Mike in person and remote through Zoom. I was waiting to finish our level 2 class with our puppy Miniature Schnauzer ( Archy_Wallace) to write this. Mike is a straight up dog trainer and not a dog sitter, what do I mean? He will tell you what you are doing wrong and what you are doing right and will coach you on how to address your dog the proper way for the dog to listen.

Our puppy has shown amazing progress both in the socializing and the listening aspect. My wife took her 9 year old Boston (Buster) to teach him some good walking techniques so he won't bark at everything moving and surprisingly Mike was able to work with him and he is good on walks now. That being said, practicing the techniques on your own between classes will make your dog look like a star at the next class, if you don't practice the techniques it will show.

The space where the classes are held is really big and we were all at a very safe social distance and all windows stay open at all times. I also did 4 remote zoom classes with the Miniature Schnauzer and it was surprisingly effective. I highly recommend Mike and I will continue to work with him to train our Mini Schnauzer.
Nina W.
Oct 28, 2020
A++ class! Just finished the virtual puppy 1 class with Mike today and are already enrolling for the virtual puppy 2 class next week! We started the puppy 1 class the week we got our corgi, Carti (~9 weeks old). She is now almost 16 weeks old and has grown so much thanks to Mike's class. We were definitely a bit skeptical about doing virtual puppy classes prior to starting, but it is 100% worth it. Mike not only goes through the usual teaching session, but also sets aside time for group Q&As that have been so applicable to caring for a new puppy.

If you are thinking about joining a class, definitely do it! We also love to support small local Bay Area businesses, it's especially important during these difficult COVID times!
Margarita M.
Oct 28, 2020
Mike found a way to train our samoyed puppy in this pandemic! He hosts virtual classes over zoom and we really benefitted from his puppy class 1. We are already signed up to take puppy class 2. He starts every class off by taking questions from the class and this part was very helpful because we learned about several different problems puppies face.

If that problem were to happen to our dog - we were well equipped with the knowledge to handle an array of situations. He then would teach us several different ways to get our puppy to behave and how to do basic but important commands. Mike would give attention to each puppy and then give the owners pointers and tips on how to better train the puppy.

He would also send links to things he would recommend such as leashes, sprays, treats, pet boarding and more. He has been in the Bay Area for a long time so his local knowledge is also very applicable to folks with dogs in the city. He understands the challenges of raising a puppy in a city and recommends great dog parks. Signing up for this class has helped us as new puppy owners to commit 1 hour a week to learning how to be good parents and how to train our dog.

What we learn from class is practiced throughout the week and then repeated in class to show our progress. Overall I would give Mike a 10/10 for helping us train our samoyed. I'd give him an extra point for being funny, straightforward and super knowledgeable.
James S.
Aug 04, 2020
Michael is a magician. He understands what makes dogs tick, and teaches you the principles of dog training that builds trust while creating boundaries with your pup. This means that you have a happy puppy who will listen to your commands. It's all too easy to have a puppy who's happy but misbehaved or a puppy who is fearful but obeys. Michael teaches you the methods and the principles to find the perfect balance. Work with him, you won't regret it. I did private consultations with Mike for 5 weeks and will be enrolling in his Level 2 class as a next step.
Alexandra Gutierrez
Jan 22, 2020
Tonya and Roy are wonderful with my dogs! I took my 2 year old for training and when I got her back she was like a different dog. They were patient with me calling them with any questions or issues I was having. They even continued to meet with me at the park when I had issues. They are wonderful dog lovers and I don't trust anyone else with my dogs
Sandie Ryan
Feb 24, 2018
We have had three dogs in the past. Never got past Level 1 training classes. Classes were packed and in big facilities, dogs not allowed off leash to socialize, very little, if any, one on one instruction. Totally different experience with Mike. Much smaller group made the training experience beneficial to dogs, as well as their humans. Mike is straight forward and teaches with humor. We plan on attending Level 3. You will become a better dog parent and your dog, a better dog.
Elizabeth Sealey
Nov 10, 2016
Michael is professional, knowledgeable and gets results! He's terrific. Couldn't imagine a better outcome!