Business Details
5 Years
experience
Expert Dog Training & Behavior Modification Services
Dog Gone Good was founded in 2021 by Mike Wombacher, a seasoned dog training expert with over 40 years of experience in canine behavior. Our team has conducted over 40,000 private consultations, addressing a wide spectrum of dog behavior challenges, from basic obedience to complex anxiety issues. We specialize in preparing dogs for life with children through our proprietary Good Dog Happy Baby program, which has helped thousands of families avoid tragic rehoming situations. Our training philosophy combines positive reinforcement with an understanding of natural canine instincts, empowering both pets and owners to build stronger bonds.As the training director at Alpha Dog Lodging in Mill Valley, Mike has developed industry-leading boarding and training programs while maintaining a focus on service dog training for medical alert and PTSD support. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our certifications, media recognition, and collaborations with veterinary professionals and animal care organizations.
Services
Tricks and Agility Class
Service Dog Training
Separation Anxiety Training
Housebreaking Training
Video Training Series
Private Consultations
Group Training Classes
Virtual Training Sessions
Canine Behavior Modification
Boarding Training Programs
Details
- Year established: 2021
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in canine behavior and 40,000+ private consultations
- Our Good Dog Happy Baby program prevents 80% of child-directed dog bites
- Certified expert in dog behavior by California Superior Court
- Developed training programs for service dogs with medical alert capabilities
- Trained staff at Alpha Dog Lodging, a premier Bay Area training facility
Associations and certifications
- California Superior Court
What people say
Transformed our traumatized rescue dog
Prevented dog bite incidents
Effective separation anxiety solutions
Expertise in canine behavior
Positive reinforcement methods
Services
Service Dog Training
Our specialized service dog training program develops dogs for medical alert functions including migraine detection, smoke/gas alerting, and PTSD support. We focus on creating reliable partnerships between handlers and dogs through customized training plans. With expertise in both standard service dog tasks and unique medical requirements, our program prepares dogs for real-world challenges while building trust and communication between canine and owner.
Separation Anxiety Training
We address destructive separation anxiety through our systematic desensitization approach that changes how dogs perceive alone time. Our program teaches owners to recognize anxiety triggers and implement gradual acclimation techniques. With over 25 years of experience resolving this common issue, we provide practical solutions that transform anxious behaviors into calm, confident responses when left alone.
Tricks and Agility Class
These engaging classes develop physical coordination and mental stimulation through obstacle courses and trick training. Designed for dogs of all skill levels, our agility programs build confidence while strengthening the human-canine bond. The non-food-dependent training methods produce reliable performance even in distracting environments, making this both fun and functionally valuable for active dogs.
Good Dog Happy Baby Course
This comprehensive video program teaches parents how to safely integrate dogs and newborns using our 12-step system. Through systematic desensitization techniques, we prepare dogs for childlike handling and create safe interactions. The course covers creating safe zones, teaching gentle behavior, and using slings/bjorns to acclimate dogs to baby presence while maintaining positive associations.
Virtual Training Sessions
Our remote training option provides personalized guidance through Zoom consultations and video lesson libraries. This format makes our expertise accessible to clients nationwide while maintaining the quality of our in-person instruction. The program includes detailed video demonstrations with real client case studies and direct access to our training team for customized solutions.
People
Michael Wombacher
Founder & Head Trainer
With over 40 years of canine experience and 30 years as a professional trainer, Michael has conducted 40,000+ private consultations. Certified as a dog behavior expert by California Superior Court, he developed the Good Dog Happy Baby program and trains service dogs for medical alert functions. His work has been featured in major publications and television programs.
Questions
What makes your dog training approach unique?
Our methods combine positive reinforcement with understanding natural canine instincts, creating lasting behavioral changes without fear-based techniques. We emphasize empowering both dogs and owners through communication.
How does the Good Dog Happy Baby program work?
Our 12-step system uses systematic desensitization to prepare dogs for childlike handling through safe zones, gradual acclimation, and positive associations with baby-related stimuli.
Do you offer virtual training options?
Yes, we provide Zoom consultations and comprehensive video courses that deliver our proven training methods remotely while maintaining personalized guidance.
What areas do you serve?
We offer in-person training in San Francisco, Mill Valley, and Richmond, with virtual services available nationwide through our online course platform.
Can you help with severe dog anxiety issues?
Our specialized behavior modification programs address separation anxiety and reactivity through gradual desensitization techniques that change how dogs perceive stressful situations.
Are your training methods humane?
We exclusively use positive reinforcement and natural instinct-based methods without shock collars or intimidation, focusing on building trust and communication between dogs and owners.