Baltimore Dog Training
Ethical | Force-free | Wellbeing-focused | Supportive
Let’s take this journey together.
Hi, I’m Nikki and I’m not your average dog trainer.
My training approach is so much more than getting dogs to do things for treats.
It's about getting to know each individual dog—their needs, sensitivities, body language, motivation and more—and considering their emotional experience and perspective. From there, I build a holistic training plan that is designed not only to change behavior, but to improve each dog's wellbeing and their connection with their people in the process.
If you’re in Baltimore County or Baltimore City, we can do one-on-one private lessons in your home. If you’re outside of that area, my virtual private lessons will get you just as far as in-person lessons—promise!
Dog behaviors I often help with
This is not a complete list, just some of the more common behaviors/goals I help with. If your dog is experiencing something that’s beyond my skill set, I’ll let you know and I’ll refer you to someone who can help.
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Including pulling, lunging, barking, refusing to walk, scavenging food on the street, etc.
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Including all the issues that can arise in that context, such as conflict between animals, introducing animals to each other, etc.
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Including stranger danger, issues with guests coming into the home, irrational fears, nervousness about certain environments, general nervous/anxious behavior, etc.
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Including building a solid positive recall, preparing for off leash time, learning how to use a long line safely, coming in from the backyard, etc.
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Including transitioning off of tools like the prong collar, e-collar, transitional lead, etc. and transitioning away from outdated training philosophies.
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Including bonding with a newly adopted dog, learning how to communicate and cooperate with each other, developing good habits, etc.
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Including mild separation anxiety or separation distress, help with crate training, etc.
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Including polite greetings, good behavior around the house, etc.
My ethical training approach is a result of years of learning and experimenting with different training styles, methods and formats. It’s the best I’ve ever offered, and I’m really proud of what it is today.
Private Lesson Packages
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This is the starting point for most dogs. Most challenges, including reactivity, building good leash manners, stranger danger, jumpy/mouthy behavior, etc. need at least 6 lessons. We will add on if needed.
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There are some cases that may not need 6 lessons, and in that case I’ll recommend starting with the 3-lesson package. I’d rather add on than have lessons leftover!
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I’ll let you know! Before you purchase any training package, we’ll talk about timelines, estimated number of lessons, potential outcomes, and contributing factors.
Fill out the form on my contact page or schedule a free chat with me to get that ball rolling.
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I’m really passionate about making sure quality dog training is accessible to everyone, not just the financially fortunate.
If you decide to sign up for training, you will select one of the following prices:
6-lesson package:
Pay-it-forward price - $870
Regular price - $720
Need-based price - $570
3-lesson package:
Pay-it-forward price - $470
Regular price - $390
Need-based price - $310
Most folks select the “regular” price, which is a fair and reasonable price for the services offered. Dog training is always an investment, but I keep my “regular” prices as low as I can in the hopes that most folks can make it work.
Need-based pricing is for anyone who cannot possibly make the regular price work. I trust you to determine this honestly and fairly. I won’t ask for documentation or details; it’s none of my business. If you’re in this category, please use it! It’s here for you.
Pay-it-forward pricing is for folks who are financially stable. When you pay a bit extra, you’re directly supporting my ability to offer need-based pricing to the folks who need it! You’re helping keep dogs with their people and out of shelters, which ultimately keeps them alive. Please pay it forward if you can! On behalf of the dogs and the dog-loving community, we’re deeply grateful for your support.
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It’s not that I don’t need the money—I very much do! It is challenging to make a living as an ethical dog trainer.
My motivation for offering need-based pricing is to be part of the solution. The inequities in our society trickle down to the animals in our care, resulting in a lot of lives ending far sooner than they should. By offering need-based pricing, I hope that more folks can access the training help they need to keep their beloved dog.
Lastly, I am a firm believer that everyone who deeply loves their dog should be able to keep them. Dogs play such an important role in our lives as companions and bringers of joy. I know I wouldn’t be here without them, and that’s true for many folks.
If you’re reading this, I hope it’s because we share the same values and commitment to the animals and people of our community. Join me in doing all we can to keep dogs with their people!
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Package includes:
Live lessons
Between-lesson support via WhatsApp
Location: Lessons are held in your home, possibly your neighborhood as well (if relevant).
Travel radius: I cover all of Baltimore City and parts of Baltimore County. If you’re not eligible for in-person lessons, please consider virtual lessons. They’re just as effective!
Duration: Lessons are 60 minutes each, and the time between lessons is anywhere from 1-4 weeks.
Availability: Lessons can be scheduled on most weekdays, weeknights, and weekends.
Weather: Dogs don’t work well in poor conditions (too hot, too cold, wet weather). We’ll schedule around weather when possible, and reschedule when necessary.
Reschedule and cancellation policy: There are no penalties for rescheduling or cancelling lessons, and no required timeframes for notice.
Multiple dogs: If you have a multi-dog home, there is no additional fee to include them in training.
Food: Training with food is required (learn more about that here). If your dog won’t take food, we’ll start there!
Training approach: In short, this is dog-focused, wellbeing-centered, ethical training using positive reinforcement and building a safe, secure connection. More details here.
All private lesson packages include the following:
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Free initial chat
We can schedule a phone call or communicate by email—your choice! This gives you an opportunity to ask questions and learn more before signing up. Importantly, it gives us both a chance to make sure we’re the right fit to work together.
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Lessons in your home
Lessons are designed to coach you through the process of teaching and practicing relevant skills with your dog. I’ll also guide you through a customized management plan to make sure we’re not working against our own efforts. You’ll know exactly what to do and why you’re doing it.
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Daily Support
All clients are encouraged to stay in touch between lessons, that way I can help you troubleshoot and advance your dog’s training between lessons. This is how you get the most out of our time together! I don’t want you to hold questions for our next lesson—let’s keep the progress going!
Feedback from In-Person Training Clients
In-Person Client Testimonial
What you can expect from me:
Empathy, kindness and collaboration. No gurus here.
Training and advice tailored to your specific dog in your specific situation.
A commitment to creative solutions that meet your dog’s unique needs (no cookie cutter approaches).
An approach to training that’s rooted in compassion and understanding, and free of problematic methods such as force, dominance, and punishment.
You’re in the right place!
My clients love their dogs deeply and want to learn how to work together with their dog to change their behavior. If that sounds like you, then lets chat.