About Nadine
My
Story
My dog training journey began over 6 years ago with my first dog Mona. I got her from a shelter I volunteered at while in college. She was perfect in so many ways but came with her fair share of issues. She was returned once already due to separation anxiety issues and had some pretty intense dog reactivity. While I had a few dogs growing up none of them had issues like hers. So I began to immerse myself in the dog training world.
Through my work with Mona, I met a dog trainer who assisted us along our journey. She was impressed with how quickly Mona and I made progress and she offered me a job. For many years she mentored me through a host of canine behavioral problems and my skillset grew. Eventually we parted ways and I started off on my own.
I continuously strive to increase my training knowledge and skills. I attend workshops, take classes, engage in online training conversations, and even take lessons myself from highly respected trainers. I am always looking to improve my methods and find the best way possible to teach both my human and canine clients!
MY PHILOSOPHY
At the core of my training approach is the desire to help each dog become the best version of themselves. Each dog has inherent potential that often has been suppressed for a variety of reasons. I believe that it is my job to show each dog the path that allows them to reach that potential. I cannot force them down that path, but I can light the way and guide them to their best self.
A motivated dog will be far more reliable than a dog who is forced to do something. I strongly believe in building a strong foundation for our dogs that is driven by a desire and willingness from the dog to participate. I believe that the results you get from a dog who shows willingness and excitement to participate are the most reliable. And not only are the results for the owner more reliable, the result for the dog is better too. A dog that has been forced to participate can never be as happy as a dog that loves to participate.
MY DOGS
Mona
Mona was my first dog. When I first got her she had pretty severe dog reactivity and separation anxiety. She broke out of three crates within a week in her previous home. We worked hard to overcome her issues and we surpassed my expectations in so many ways.
We competed in two different sports, something I never dreamed possible with her dog reactivity. In Barn Hunt her earned her Master title. In GRC we were working towards her SR1.
She was always a calm dog. She LOVED food, but toys and play could be hit or miss. Temperament wise however, she was a dream. She could go into almost any environment and fit in beautifully. She will always be my ideal for how I want a dog to live at liberty in my home.
Although she has since passed, the lessons and memories she has left me with will last a life time. I can never thank her enough for all that she did for me.
Blue
Blue is my second dog. He is the happiest, friendliest dog you will ever meet. but he was not always that way.
I got him at a year and a half old but severely undersocalized. He was very scared of sudden noises/movements, new environments, and people. He was not exposed to much as a young dog and therefore the unknown was scary. But with Mona's help we were able to show him that the world is not a scary place. He still has his moments but looking at the dog he is now you would never know where he started.
He is my workhorse. He loves to train and play. Honestly, he just loves to be a part of everything. He competes in Barn Hunt working towards his Master title. In GRC we are working towards his SR1.
He is my current demo dog. He will sometimes accompany me to private lessons and you will also see him at group class! He is a great distractor dog because he can be both calm/quiet and loud/excited depending on what is best for the dog we are working with. He is also great for my clients to practice skills they are struggling with, since he knows most behaviors already we can really focus on the owner's handling skills.