Meet the Team
Mike Bombarger
Owner/Lead Trainer
Mango Tango
Ambassador of Wiggles
About Mike
Dogs have been more than a career for me—they've been my life's passion. I've been working with dogs since 2001, and every experience since then has reinforced one belief: every dog is capable of learning when they're given the right guidance, structure, and understanding.
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My journey began in the United States Army as a Military Working Dog (MWD) handler, where I built the foundation that still shapes my training philosophy today. Over the course of my military career, I was fortunate to serve in nearly every leadership and operational role within the Military Working Dog Program.
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I began as a Narcotics Detection Dog Handler, where I not only conducted operational missions but also competed in working dog competitions, participated in recruiting missions, and represented the Army through community demonstrations showcasing the incredible capabilities of working dogs.
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I later transitioned to an Explosives Detection Dog Handler, deploying twice to Iraq in support of combat operations. During that time, I also supported high-profile security missions alongside the United States Secret Service, including protective operations for the United Nations General Assembly.
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As my experience grew, so did my responsibilities. I served as a Senior Dog Handler, Training NCO, and eventually Kennel Master, mentoring handlers while overseeing the health, readiness, and performance of military working dog teams.
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My military career concluded where every great handler begins—the schoolhouse. For my first two years, I trained newly acquired Military Working Dogs, preparing them for operational service. During my final two years, I had the privilege of training the next generation of Military Working Dog handlers, helping develop the skills and confidence they would carry throughout their own careers.
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I am incredibly proud of my military service and the foundation it provided, but my education didn't end when I hung up the uniform.
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Since leaving the Army, I've remained committed to becoming a better trainer by attending seminars, studying current training methods, reading extensively, and working alongside respected trainers from different backgrounds. I believe that great trainers never stop learning, and I'm always looking for ways to better serve both dogs and the people who love them.
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At Bark Knight Canine, my mission extends beyond teaching dogs obedience. My passion is helping owners build a relationship founded on trust, communication, and mutual understanding. That's why our motto is:
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Teaching Humans. Training Dogs. Growing Together.
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More than anything, I believe dogs have an incredible way of reminding us what truly matters. When you look into a dog's eyes, you see the world as it should be—a place filled with joy, loyalty, forgiveness, and unconditional love. They teach us to live in the moment, celebrate the little things, and appreciate every day we're given.
Every dog has something to teach us.
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I simply have the privilege of helping you discover it.
About Bark Knight Canine
Teaching Humans. Training Dogs. Growing together.
​At Bark Knight Canine, we believe dog training is about far more than teaching a dog to sit, stay, or come when called. It's about building a relationship based on trust, communication, and mutual understanding. Every lesson is an opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and your dog, creating a partnership that lasts a lifetime.
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That's why our motto is:
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Teaching Humans. Training Dogs. Growing Together.
Those aren't just words—they're the foundation of everything we do.
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Teaching Humans
Dogs don't speak our language, and most behavior problems aren't caused by stubborn or "bad" dogs. More often, they're the result of miscommunication.
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Our first priority is helping you understand your dog.
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We'll teach you how dogs learn, how they communicate, and why they behave the way they do. You'll learn to recognize body language, understand motivation, properly reward desired behaviors, and confidently address unwanted ones. We don't believe in creating dependence on a trainer—we believe in empowering owners with the knowledge and skills to continue succeeding long after the training sessions have ended.
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Every lesson follows a simple progression:
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We explain the concept.
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We demonstrate the technique.
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We coach you through it.
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Then we send you home with practical homework to build consistency.
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Because the best training doesn't happen during our sessions—it happens in the hundreds of small moments you share with your dog every day.
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Training Dogs
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Every dog is an individual.
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Different breeds, personalities, life experiences, and family dynamics all influence how a dog learns. That's why we don't believe in cookie-cutter programs or one-size-fits-all solutions.
Instead, we develop training plans tailored specifically to your dog, your goals, and your lifestyle. Whether you're raising a new puppy, improving obedience, overcoming behavioral challenges, or preparing for off-leash freedom, our focus is always on creating reliable, real-world results.
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Our training emphasizes clear communication, consistency, fair expectations, and positive experiences. We believe dogs learn best when they understand what is expected of them and are given the guidance to succeed.
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Training isn't about controlling a dog—it's about helping them make better choices with confidence.
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Growing Together
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Growth isn't measured by perfect obedience.
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It's measured by the confidence you gain, the trust your dog develops, and the relationship you build together.
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Some of our favorite moments aren't flashy obedience demonstrations—they're the everyday victories. The first calm walk through the neighborhood. The first successful trip to a busy park. The first time your dog chooses to check in with you instead of reacting to a distraction. Those moments represent real progress because they're built on understanding, not just repetition.
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We want our clients to leave with more than a well-trained dog. We want them to leave with the confidence to continue learning, solving problems, and enjoying life together for years to come.
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More Than Training
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Dogs have an incredible way of reminding us what truly matters.
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They live in the present. They forgive quickly. They celebrate the simple things. They greet every day—and every person they love—with genuine excitement. They remind us to slow down, to be patient, and to appreciate the relationships we build.
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At Bark Knight Canine, we believe every dog has something to teach us if we're willing to listen.
Our mission is to help you unlock your dog's potential while discovering just how much you're capable of achieving together.
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Because great dog training isn't measured by perfect commands.
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It's measured by the relationship you build.