Many ways to influence future behaviour but Positive Reinforcement is the only contingency that allows our dog to be a participant in their learning versus being compliant

Nicole has been working with dogs since 2011. She started operating a small scale dog walking company, later expanding it to a corporation, employing a small team of fellow dog lovers and dog training enthusiasts.

Upon her journey with Sparky's Comrade Inc. she became heavily invested in learning more about dog wellness and behaviour. Her journey to become a force free and positive reinforcement trainer started there. She enrolled in The Academy for Dog Trainers in hopes of gaining an in-depth understanding of Applied Behaviour Analysis as well as a foundation of its application to Dog Training... and things snowballed from there:

Certifications Achieved:

• CTC - Certified Trainer and Counsellor w/ The Academy for Dog Trainers, 2019
• CSAT - Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer w/ Malena DeMartini, 2021
• Living and Learning with Animals w/ Dr. Susan Friedman, 2020
• Family Paws Parent Educator, 2021

Other Seminars and Certifications:

• Pet First Aid w/ Walks'n'Wags, renewed in 2018
• Defensive Handling with Aggressive Dogs w/ Michael Shikashio, 2018
• Canine Nutrition Seminar w/ Wholesome Canine, 2018
• Lemonade Conference w/ FDSA, 2020, and 2021
• Geek Week w/ Pet Professional Guild, 2020
• Fear Free Shelter Certification, 2020

The basis of Nicole's education and experience is centered around working with dogs who struggle with Separation Anxiety and Fear-Aggression based behaviour problems. She is most passionate about working with dogs that have a bitey-barky way of saying 'no thanks, I'm scared' and those that find being left alone is scary. Her compassion for working so well with clients in these areas of difficulties comes from her own struggles with her dog Peanut. A nearly 10 year old foxy-gremlin who has a lot to say, and packs a lot of punch when she's uncomfortable. Be prepared for some relatable Peanut stories when meeting with Nicole and know you are NOT ALONE!