iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%99+58.1Reliability 26%98+25.6Value 15%100+15.2Experts Score= 99Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.99SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#5 of 75 dog trainersiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 95%
5.0★★★★★64 Google reviews · 24 photos
100%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Good Dawg Training LLC holds a 5/5 rating from 64 Google reviews, with the owner responding to 98% of comments. Customers describe the facility as clean and well-organized, noting that classes are small and structured to provide individualized attention. The primary service involves positive reinforcement methods for puppies and adult dogs, including socialization sessions and behavior modification for anxiety or reactivity. Reviewers frequently highlight the trainer's patience, knowledge, and ability to educate owners on managing their dogs at home.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 64 reviews (100% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 64 Google reviews (60 with written comments, 22 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 98% of reviews.
Most recent review: August 26, 2026.
Service: Dog Trainer serving Petaluma, California.
Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.
Score profile vs other dog trainers
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and momentum; weakest: reliability.
Good Dawg Training LLCDog Trainers median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Good Dawg Training LLC: 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 95.A
99
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Good Dawg Training LLC: 98/100 on this factor. Category median: 94.A
98
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
–
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Good Dawg Training LLC: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Good Dawg Training LLC: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 51.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
64 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars64100%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 60 written reviews
100%praise
Praise93100%
Complaints00%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
100%fair
Great price844%
Reasonable1056%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude3234%
Would recommend2527%
Quality & results1112%
Communication910%
Speed & response78%
Honesty & trust66%
Price & value33%
What customers talk about
We read 60 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“She is patient, knowledgeable, gets our dog, and is very good at pinpointing the problem in the moment, which is usually not the dog!”
“I highly recommend avoiding this route of a group training program like this and working with Colette individually.”
“We enrolled our dog Dexter in a multi-week training program with Good Dawg Training, and it truly exceeded our expectations.”
“Colette was really great with our dog, and explaining to us his behavior, the goal of training, what were were supposed to do and why we were doing it.”
“In the beginning, when we walked Roxie and she saw another dog, she would immediately fixate, lunge and bark.”
“Good Dawg Training is 1 of only 3 trainers trusted by UC DAVIS in the entire North Bay Area.”
“…training session and the improvement my dog (Shiro) experienced was worth every penny.…”
People customers mention
Colette27 reviews
Collette7 reviews
Terrier3 reviews
Shepherd3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Good Dawg Training LLC for 1 kind of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Julie12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Our experience with Colette at Good Dawg was fantastic. She is patient, knowledgeable, gets our dog, and is very good at pinpointing the problem in the moment, which is usually not the dog! We plan to continue to see Colette for her great training.
Reasonable priceDog training
Katie3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 months ago★★★★★
We came to Colette with a reactive, insecure dog (Louie) who would bark and charge at my partner when I was home. I had an idea if why our dog was doing this but didn't know how to help him. Colette was really great with our dog, and explaining to us his behavior, the goal of training, what were were supposed to do…
Reasonable priceDog training
Abby2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 months ago★★★★★
We cannot recommend Good Dawg Training enough! We looked at quite a few canine training facilities in Sonoma County and the atmosphere and training approach of Good Dawg was unmatched. Colette is exceptionally knowledgeable, patient, and kind. She was even willing to work with our young son so he could participate…
Great priceDog training
Tricia1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★★
If you are looking for results with your training, go to Collette! She teaches you all the basics and more! My puppy went from being crazy to calm and attentive in a short amount of time. Her positive method is easy to do at home and on the go with just a few minutes of reinforcement through out the day. Plus…
Reasonable priceDog training
MotoFans47941 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★
We had such a wonderful experience working with Colette for our Boston Terrier puppy! Over the 8-week training package, she taught us so many practical tips and techniques that built a rock-solid foundation for our pup—and for us as new dog owners.
Colette was incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and made every…
Dog training
Catherine2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★
I'm so very happy that I found Good Dawg Training. Colette is so kind, patient and knowledgeable and has helped my shy, nervous, little rescue dog so much. Colette's positive reinforcement and expertise has made all the difference for my little dog. She has taught us so much and I am a better guardian for my dog…
Our experience with Colette at Good Dawg was fantastic. She is patient, knowledgeable, gets our dog, and is very good at pinpointing the problem in the moment, which is usually not the dog! We plan to continue to see Colette for her great training.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · a month ago
Hi Julie - Thank you so much! I look forward to more training with you!
Jake Montero1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Jake has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Colette is by far the most knowledgeable, caring, intuitive dog trainer we have ever met. Within 5 minutes of observing our very anxious 7 year old poodle mix, she was able to completely describe everything going on with our dog's emotional state.
She has been instrumental in guiding us through a family crisis of an anxious dog struggling with us having a child. If we did not have Good Dawg Training at this time, I don't know what we would do. Good Dawg Training comes expertly recommended by the top behavioral doctor at the UC DAVIS behavioral science department. Good Dawg Training is 1 of only 3 trainers trusted by UC DAVIS in the entire North Bay Area. If you have a new puppy or an older dog like us, do not hesitate to book here. We made the mistake of putting our puppy in a local training program where she stayed there for 1 week- we found out later they use negative punishment and it only made our dogs anxiety worse. I highly recommend avoiding this route of a group training program like this and working with Colette individually.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Thank you for sharing your experience and recommendation Jake.
Its a privilege to help your family achieve your goals with Lucy. Thank you for your understanding and patience with her. 🧡
Katie G.3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Katie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We came to Colette with a reactive, insecure dog (Louie) who would bark and charge at my partner when I was home. I had an idea if why our dog was doing this but didn't know how to help him. Colette was really great with our dog, and explaining to us his behavior, the goal of training, what were were supposed to do and why we were doing it. This wasn't obedience, this was changing behavior and helping our dog navigate through his fears. We now have a bunch of tools to help him and are already seeing improvement after a month and a half! We will be back if we ever need help again, and I've already recommended Colette to some of my own pet sitting clients. Louie says thank you!!!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Hi Katie, Scott & Louie, I'm so happy that the training is working and that Louie has gained confidence. Thank you for choosing me to help you with Louie using positive reinforcement! Thanks for your kind words! Please give Louie a cookie from me!
Abby Lake2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Abby has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We cannot recommend Good Dawg Training enough! We looked at quite a few canine training facilities in Sonoma County and the atmosphere and training approach of Good Dawg was unmatched. Colette is exceptionally knowledgeable, patient, and kind. She was even willing to work with our young son so he could participate in the training process. We also appreciated that she was willing to meet our dog where she was and be patient with her progress. Look no further - Good Dawg Training is the best in Sonoma County!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Thank you for your kind feedback, Abby. It was an absolute pleasure working with your family. I also love seeing Cori gain confidence at Yappy Hour. Keep up the great work.
Tricia Eunice1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Tricia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
If you are looking for results with your training, go to Collette! She teaches you all the basics and more! My puppy went from being crazy to calm and attentive in a short amount of time. Her positive method is easy to do at home and on the go with just a few minutes of reinforcement through out the day. Plus Teddy loves his training sessions! I highly recommend Good Dawg dog training.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Hi Tricia
I love the photo of Teddy enjoying the scary tunnel! Good job! Thank you for your feedback and for choosing me to help you. It was a joy working with both of you. Please keep up the great momentum!
noemi villegas2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews noemi has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We enrolled our dog Dexter in a multi-week training program with Good Dawg Training, and it truly exceeded our expectations. From the very beginning, Colette made an incredible impression, not just as a skilled trainer, but as someone who genuinely understands dogs on a deeper level.
Dexter is a rescue and came to us with anxiety and some behavioral challenges, especially around food and interacting with our other dog, Batman. What stood out most about Colette’s approach is that she didn’t just “train” Dexter, she helped us understand him. She took the time to explain his behaviors, what was driving them, and how we could communicate with him in a way that made him feel safe and confident.
Through her guidance, Dexter has made huge progress. He’s noticeably calmer, more secure, and, most importantly, able to coexist peacefully with Batman, even during feeding time, which used to be a stressful situation. The transformation has been incredible to witness.
Colette also helped us grow as dog owners. We learned how to read Dexter better, respond more effectively, and build a stronger, more trusting relationship with him. It feels like we’re finally speaking the same language.
Dexter absolutely adored her, which says a lot. You can tell she builds real connections with the dogs she works with, and that trust makes all the difference.
We are so grateful for the experience and would highly recommend Good Dawg Training, especially Colette, to anyone looking for not just obedience training, but a deeper understanding of their dog and a more harmonious home.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Hi Noemi & Salvadore - thank you for the wonderful feedback. It makes me very happy to hear I made a difference in your lives. I appreciate the opportunity to help and also appreciate the time and effort you have put into making this a success! I love the photos you shared! Take care and keep up the great progress!
MotoFans47941 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews MotoFans4794 has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We had such a wonderful experience working with Colette for our Boston Terrier puppy! Over the 8-week training package, she taught us so many practical tips and techniques that built a rock-solid foundation for our pup—and for us as new dog owners.
Colette was incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and made every session fun and stress-free for both us and our pup. We also loved attending her “yappy hours” and the sniffari zone—our little one made a beeline for it every single visit and had the best time exploring!
We’ve already noticed impressive progress in her behavior and confidence, and we feel equipped and excited as dog parents. We doubt we’ll need more sessions anytime soon, but if we do, Colette will be our first call. We can’t recommend her highly enough!
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Hi Nicole - it was a pleasure working with you and Smokey, the energetic little whirlwind! She sure lit up the room with her energy and personality.
Thank you for the wonderful feedback. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to help you! Keep up the progress!
Catherine Hollister2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Catherine has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I'm so very happy that I found Good Dawg Training. Colette is so kind, patient and knowledgeable and has helped my shy, nervous, little rescue dog so much. Colette's positive reinforcement and expertise has made all the difference for my little dog. She has taught us so much and I am a better guardian for my dog with everything I have learned from Colette. I highly recommend Good Dawg Training to everyone seeking training for their dogs.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Thank you Catherine! You are doing a wonderful job with Birdie (& Topher). You’re expanding her world and giving her opportunities to grow! Keep it up! Thank you for working with me! 🧡🧡
Kathleen Hall4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kathleen has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Collette at Good Dawg is the best! She is so kind, and clearly loves dogs and what she does. We started working with her when we rescued a 15 week old puppy, and she breaks her instruction down into clear, digestible steps that really do work. She has also been wonderfully flexible in accommodating us when we were unable to make class due to puppy medical issues. I see real progress with our dog, Tonka (and us humans too), and also see Collette as being part of raising a happy, polite, canine citizen in the long term.
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Hi Kat! Thanks for the wonderful feedback and thank you for choosing my services. You have put in a lot of work with Tonka - keep up the progress step by step! PS - she has grown so big!
Missy Pendas6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Missy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I wanted to share my amazing experience with Collette at “Good Dawg Training”. Having had some previous training done with my dog Snowey, it was so impressive to watch Collette work with her and reach a whole new level of trained behavior . What also made a huge difference was that Collette also trained me at the same time.
Our dog is now a certified psychiatric Service Dog and can now fly on a plane with us to our home abroad. Thankyou Collette
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you Missy. Congratulations on reaching the goal for Snowey. It was an absolute pleasure working with you both. I hope Snowey enjoys the sun, sea and palm trees!
