About Micah Saint Germain.

I am an animal behaviorist and dog trainer based in San Diego, specializing in companion animal training and positive reinforcement. I started my independent dog consultation business in 2018 with a simple mission: to support families with their challenging dogs, offer private training that feels clear and accessible, and help both new and experienced trainers build confidence in positive-reinforcement work. Most of the families I work with come to me feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, and my goal is to make the process feel calm, clear, and achievable.

My background in professional zoological animal training gives me a practical, objective perspective on training without force or intimidation. Working across many species has taught me just how universal good training can be, and my passion lies in helping families apply those principles to their dogs in real, everyday situations. Since 2018, I’ve worked with hundreds of companion dogs and their owners, creating tailored behavior solutions that fit each family’s needs and lifestyle.

I use clear, science-informed methods that help owners understand what their dog needs and how to support lasting behavioral change. My focus is always on teaching the people as much as the dogs, so they feel confident beyond the end of our sessions. I strive for my clients to walk away feeling supported, never judged, and to see their dog with more clarity and compassion.

Client First Mentality.

A client-first mindset guides all of my work. Every dog and every home is unique, and I take time to understand the goals, constraints, and routines that shape each case. I intentionally keep a small caseload so I can give every family individual attention and move at a pace that feels approachable, not rushed. This boutique approach allows me to be fully present for every family I work with. My aim is to make training feel easy to follow while creating an environment where owners feel supported. I want families to finish our work with a deeper understanding of their dog and the confidence to make thoughtful, informed choices moving forward.

Training Driven by Science.

I am proud to hold a certificate of completion for Dr. Friedman’s LLA behavior program. Dr. Susan Friedman has played an incredibly impactful role in how I train today, particularly in understanding the function of behavior and the importance of choosing the least intrusive and most ethical interventions.

I rely on applied behavior analysis to create objective, effective training plans, always choosing approaches that are clear, humane, and grounded in real behavioral science. My training has been shaped by marine-mammal trainers like Karen Pryor and Ken Ramirez, whose contributions to modern reinforcement-based training helped bring clicker training into the broader public.

BehaviorWorks Articles for Understanding Behavior.

• What's Wrong With this Picture: Effectiveness is Not Enough - S.G. Friedman
• Functional Assessments - Understanding Problem Behavior - S.G. Friedman
• Functional Assessment and Intervention Design (FAID) Worksheet - S.G. Friedman
• The Facts About Punishment - S.G. Friedman, B. Brinker
• Back in the Black: Rebuild a Bankrupt Relationship - S.G. Friedman

Learn More

If you’re interested in learning more, you can read more about my services on the home page, and if you're ready to get started, you can reach out anytime. I’m always happy to help families across San Diego find clear, modern solutions for their dogs.