An approach to dog training thatโ€™s in line with your values.

Serving folks in Baltimore & worldwide

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Modern, ethical, force-free training for the dogs of Baltimore & worldwide.

Modern, ethical, force-free training is about honoring dogs as the sentient beings they are and training in a way that doesnโ€™t cause harm. Our understanding of dogsโ€”their cognition, emotions, relationship to us, and moreโ€”has evolved far beyond the days when strict obedience and harsh methods were deemed necessary. We now know that dogs can be trained using a gentle, compassionate approach that meets the dogโ€™s needs while also meeting ours. Thatโ€™s the cooperative approach to dog training that youโ€™ll find here.

I offer three dog training services:

In-Person Training

For folks in Baltimore County & Baltimore City, I offer one-on-one training in your home.

Go to Private Lessons

Virtual Training

Virtual private lessons for anyone worldwide! Virtual training is just as effective as in-person training.

Go to Virtual Training
A golden retriever in a teal harness stands on the stairs of a rowhome in Baltimore City looking back at the camera over her shoulder.

Training Walks

For dogs who are challenging to walk! Iโ€™ll train your dog as we walk, and maintain their training as we go.

Go to Training Walks

What My Clients are Sayingโ€ฆ

Hereโ€™s how Iโ€™d describe my trainingโ€ฆ

A German Shepherd mix looks up at the camera with his mouth open in a smile. On the ground around him is a dirt path and fallen leaves.

Positive

I use rewards and not punishment because while both โ€œworkโ€, only one has a lasting impact thatโ€™s positive.

A german shepherd with a teal leash stands on a dirt trail with his back to the camera. The trail curves ahead of him, and you can see bare trees and the sun setting up ahead.

Understanding

Every sentient being wants to be understood. I seek to understand both you and your dog to give you the best possible guidance.

Empowering

Iโ€™m not a guru. I aim to empower you to confidently guide your dog through the situations that matter most to you.

Meet the Dog Trainer

My dog training services combine the best of virtual and in-person training formats to help dogs in the Baltimore area and worldwide.

I started training dogs in 2012 and Iโ€™ve always loved working with dogs who have โ€œbehavior problemsโ€ of all kinds, including reactivity, aggression, separation anxiety, stranger danger, and more. I also work with dogs whose behavior is less intense but just as frustrating!

My current method of training is informed by science, grounded in ethical considerations, and rich in positive experiences. Weโ€™ll achieve results, but they wonโ€™t come at your dogโ€™s expense.

Hi, Iโ€™m Nikki.

More about me
A white woman with brown hair and brown eyes smiles at the camera with her arm around a Bernese Mountain Dog.