Dog training that improves your dog’s behavior and their wellbeing.
Serving folks in Baltimore & worldwide
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 doesn’t cause harm. Our understanding of dogs—their cognition, emotions, relationship to us, and more—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 dog’s needs while also meeting ours. That’s the cooperative approach to dog training that you’ll find here.
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For folks in Baltimore City and many parts of Baltimore County, I offer in-person one-on-one lessons.
Lessons are held in your home. This is the best place for your dog to learn as that’s where they’re most comfortable. We can also work in your neighborhood or local park if that’s relevant to your training goals.
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The magic of virtual training allows me to work with dogs and their people all over the world!
The pandemic taught dog trainers that virtual training is just as effective as in-person training—sometimes more so.
I love virtual training and I’ve done a lot of learning and troubleshooting to make sure I can offer meaningful virtual programs. We’ll do 1:1 live lessons, plus we’ll be in touch regularly between lessons to share videos, troubleshoot, etc.
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Group classes aren’t really my thing. I don’t think they’re beneficial in most cases, but there are certain aspects of training that benefit from a group setting, and that’s what I strive to offer.
Current classes:
Parallel walks (two dog-guardian teams)
Courses coming soon.
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coming soon.
Dog training services I offer
Here’s how I’d describe my training…
Positive
I use positive reinforcers and not punishment because while both “work”, only one has a lasting impact that’s positive.
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
I’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 I’ve always loved working with dogs who have “behavior problems” of all kinds, including leash reactivity, stranger danger, challenges in a multi-dog household, 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. We’ll achieve results, but they won’t come at your dog’s expense.
Hi, I’m Nikki.
What My Clients are Saying…
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![Best Baltimore dog trainer]()
"Nikki trained our dog Bentley and us! She worked with our super anxious rescue and helped him become Bentley the Brave."
- Kelli
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![dog trainer rescue pit bulls]()
"She gave me new perspectives, and always leads with compassion and grace. The truth is that Nikki trained ME so that I could train Ranger."
- Devin
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![baltimore dog behavior]()
"I can't say enough how great you were... Never thought my dog would be as good as he is now."
- Dann
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.