About
Marine-mammal trainer turned dog trainer.
Scott Mara has been training animals professionally since 1996, and dogs since 1999. Good Dog Tahoe has served South Lake Tahoe since 2007 with a scientifically based, positive reinforcement approach.
Bio
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, Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins, and Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins. He then expanded his animal training to different species such as tigers, alligators, and reptiles, just to name a few. Scott has trained animals throughout South Florida and the Florida Keys.
He headed to Dolphin Resorts in the Caribbean, including the transport of the animals, 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, Scott thrives on seeing new behaviors learned, observing the process of each animal’s discovery, and the satisfaction in completing training goals. Scott specializes in the training of dogs and teaching dog owners new behaviors, correcting problem behaviors, and training their pet using positive reinforcement in the home.
Over the years, Scott has been a constant promoter of awareness and education, whether in a simple social environment, speaking to the general public, or to hundreds of his peers at shows with the National Conferences. Good Dog Tahoe was founded in South Lake Tahoe in 2007.
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, or pleasure, approach in order to teach or modify your dog’s behavior. We advocate using humane methods for training your best friend.
Positive reinforcement.
Every behavior we teach is reinforced when it happens. The dog learns what works, and the result transfers to the rest of life. This is the same scientifically based method marine-mammal trainers have used for decades.
Working relationship.
The goal is a strong working relationship between you and your dog. Not just commands. Not just tricks. We will teach you how to create a healthy, working relationship that lasts after the program ends.
Educating dog owners.
At Good Dog Tahoe we believe in educating dog owners. All of our training methods are proven with scientific research. The dog learns the behavior, and you learn how to maintain it at home.
Issues we treat.
Housebreaking, jumping, pulling on leash, barking, chewing, biting, fear, dog aggression, food guarding, separation anxiety, basic and advanced obedience, recall, and more. Most behavioral issues are best addressed in the dog’s home or in our 21-day program.
Published 2024
The Trainer: Tales of a Dolphin Trainer
Scott’s 2024 memoir 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. The Trainer is a chance to bring readers along on that journey, to let them experience the world of animal training, the dedication it requires, and the deep relationships trainers form with these extraordinary animals.”
Get it on AmazonRead the coverage in South Tahoe NowLet’s chat about your good dog
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Contact us to see how we can help your good dog be better.