The Good Dog

Training is delivered through personalized private sessions, either in-home or via video calls, with a focus on behavior modification and communication skills for owners. Programs are tailored to each dog’s emotional needs and may include ongoing weekly support, intensive interventions for severe issues, or one-time consultations. Training emphasizes real-world application, environmental management, and teaching dogs healthy coping mechanisms instead of suppression.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not explicitly listed on the website, but clients describe the service as cost-effective and worth every penny. Packages and individual sessions are offered based on needs, with no public rate schedule provided.

The Good Dog is a family-run behavioral consulting business based in Wasilla, AK, founded by Kate and Ellis Gugel. They specialize in scientific, non-aversive dog training that focuses on building trust, communication, and cooperation between dogs and their owners.

Their approach emphasizes understanding the dog’s emotional experience and modifying the environment to encourage calm, rational behavior rather than suppressing unwanted actions. They help clients address a wide range of issues including reactivity, fearfulness, separation anxiety, resource guarding, and aggression, using positive, evidence-based methods.

Ellis Gugel, the primary trainer, holds a B.S. in Canine Studies with an emphasis in behavior from Bergin University, and the team works with dogs of all ages and backgrounds, including rescue, service, and therapy dogs.

They offer personalized training that empowers owners to become effective communicators with their dogs, often teaching humans as much as dogs. Their services extend from basic obedience to complex behavior modification and service dog training, with clients reporting dramatic improvements in their dogs’ emotional well-being and family harmony. The business serves clients across Alaska from Anchorage to the Valley, and they are known for their patience, deep understanding of canine body language, and commitment to ethical, force-free training.

The Good Dog also provides ongoing support, training tips, and community events, and their clients frequently describe Ellis as a “Google Translate for dog behavior” who helps families rebuild relationships with their pets through understanding and compassion.

Accomplishments

Ellis Gugel holds a B.S. in Canine Studies with an emphasis in behavior from Bergin University. Kate Gugel holds a B.A. in Psychology with an emphasis in development and learning from Western Washington University.

They have successfully trained numerous service dogs, including dogs that perform tasks like emergency button presses, door operations, and diabetic alerts. Many clients credit them with saving dogs’ lives and preventing rehoming or euthanasia in high-risk cases.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to contact The Good Dog via phone or email to schedule an initial consultation. Ellis offers a free initial consultation to assess the dog’s needs and develop a customized plan before beginning training.