Molly, my Shiba Inu, did not know how to play nice with other dogs, but after Nicole's Puppy Kindergarten class, she was totally socialized. We ended up taking Obedience (a necessity with a Shiba Inu!) and also Agility (FUN) with Nicole. She makes dog training a joy, and is an excellent trainer. We love Nicole!!

Patti H.
Pasadena, CA

When I walk my Miniature Dachsunds Scarlet & Tori the difference between a trained dog and an untrained dog is obvious. You see an owner with a dog in the distance and when they see you they duck into a driveway or hold their barking and snarling dog at bay as you walk by. My dogs, trained by Nicole, walk by the untrained dog who is having a conniption with a look on their faces saying, "What's wrong with this dog?" Her training classes are fun for both the dog and the human.

David D.                                                                                                                       Pasadena, CA

We had our concerns about getting trained, my two rescued Italian greyhounds, Maddy & Letta, and I. Letta was afraid of all dogs; Maddy was afraid of all people; and I am a bit clumsy and have always had difficulty understanding spoken instructions. Then, we found Nicole and it has been all smiles and tail wags ever since. People ask why I drove such a long way to go to Nicole's class; the answer is because class is so much fun and you learn so much at the same time. Nicole is a very experienced, kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable teacher who uses only positive training methods. I have seen her work miracles not only with my two scared little dogs but with many other dogs of various sizes and personalities. I recommend her very, very highly. She gets 8 paws and 2 thumb up from us!

Alice Espey, Ralph Heidsick
Northridge, CA

All of the classes with Nicole have been quite productive for my dog, Princess Molly Bear . Her approach to dog training is non aggressive and both the owner and dog enjoy the classes. We have attended many classes with Nicole and each class was beneficial to both of us. I have a dog that is a pleasure to be in my home because of her training with Teacher´s Pet. I would recommend this dog training school without hesitation. No rough stuff here, just rewards and consistent, patient, loving training.

Frances Thomas
Monrovia, CA

Nicole is an amazing teacher for Obedience, Tricks and Agility. She so clearly loves dogs but is firm. My dog, Divot, has had to have more than one timeout, and he has learned what is acceptable class behavior from those timeouts. Nicole also understands how dogs learn and how to break down behaviors into the little steps and then encourage the dogs to repeat those steps, building on their success.

Patty Oertel
Pasadena, CA

Being a first-time dog owner, I wanted to make sure to bring our Corgi pup, Satchel,  up right. So I enrolled Satchel, my daughter and myself in Nicole's beginning dog obedience class. This was in the summer of 2002. Since then , we have taken advanced obedience, two trick classes and agility with Nicole, due to her tremendous teaching ability. One of the things I like best about Nicole is how positive she is. She does not believe in using negative enforcements on dogs such as choke chains. When an owner or dog makes a mistake, she guides them in such a way that nobody feels inadequate because they didn't get it right. She understands our canine and human quirks and finds the best in all of us. On a personal level, Nicole has taught me how to have fun with my dog and how to enjoy socializing with other dogs and owners. One of the things that really impresses me about Nicole is that she never asks us to do anything that she couldn't get her own dog, Lucas, to do. In addition, Lucas is a wonderful teaching aide as he allows us to see first hand what can be done by a well-trained dog and owner.  Another thing that is special about Nicole is that she never gives up on a dog or owner and won't stop trying until she finds an approach that works, allowing everyone in her classes to realize their goals with amazing results. I never would have imagined I could have taught Satchel how to bowl until I took Nicole's advanced trick class and saw him knock down those pins! Nicole also puts safety first, never subjecting any dog or owner to an unsafe environment. Nicole has not only helped Satchel mature into a delightful and well behaved dog, but has taught us how to be more responsive, fun-loving and thoughtful owners. We've had great times with Nicole and look forward to future classes. You won't go wrong with Nicole. She's the best!

Helen Simmons Conroy
Pasadena, CA

I have a Vizsla pup named Diego. He is VERY smart and VERY energetic. This combination could be disastrous! Luckily, he is a well-trained dog, in large part due to Nicole's classes. Diego has taken Obedience Basics, Tricky Dog 1, and Beginning Agility with Nicole. Nicole uses POSITIVE training methods (with the occasional time-out for bad behavior). Diego is a sensitive dog and negative training would ruin him. Diego has learned his lessons quickly and accurately. He LOVES her classes! In addition, Nicole takes care to make sure the dogs are properly socialized. I am glad that I found Nicole, and I would highly recommend her classes, especially for rescue dogs, sensitive dogs, and dogs that need special handling, or to people who just like a positive, fun approach to training. Did I mention that Diego has TONS of FUN in class?

C. Butler
Pasadena, CA

Our dog Bella has taken almost every class that Nicole offers. We continue to take Nicole's classes because of her kindness, compassion, and enthusiasm toward her job, as well as the dogs and their owners. Classes with Nicole are a fully interactive experience for the dogs and their owners. One reason that Bella has learned so much from Nicole's classes, is because we did too! Nicole is well informed of the newest training techniques and utilizes a positive reinforcement system which the dogs really learn from. She realizes that animals, and people, learn best when they are having fun. Therefore, Bella really looks forward to Nicole's classes. Bella has learned some very important and life saving skills from Nicole's classes. On occasion, Bella used to run down our driveway to the dangerous street. However, after 'Obedience Masters', and 'Tricky Dog' classes, she no longer does this. She waits for us by the door. She even obtained her 'Canine Good Citizen' certificate. People who come over can't believe that Bella can do addition by banging on a bell, a trick she learned in 'Tricky Dog 2'. Guests think she is smarter than I am! Nicole also allows the dogs to socialize with each other, which I think is very important. I have seen several dogs in Nicole's classes learn to interact with other dogs and play nicely with them. Thanks to her classes, Bella met her best pal, Darby. Nicole has the ability to train dogs as well, if not better, than those who use chokers, pinch collars, or scare tactics. Thanks to Nicole, we have a kind and obedient canine citizen. Thank you Nicole.

Chris and Bill Miller
Altadena, CA

My Mommy started me in training with my teacher Nicole when I was 5 months old. I have learned so many things and try very hard to be a good boy. Nicole has taught me everything from walking next to my Mommy or friends very nicely and to leave things alone such as opossums, skunks and other curiosities. I have been through all of her classes (including some private lessons) and passed the Canine Good Citizenship test my first time. I almost always make my Mommy and friends proud. I am now doing agility and love Nicole because she knows how to make learning fun.
Darby

I have absolute respect for Nicole as a trainer due to her love of animals, the way she connects with the animals and parents by teaching us both how to work together. My dog Darby loves for me to give him a command because to him it is fun. He has very good social skills with humans as well as other animals and has made numerous friends by taking the classes (including his best friend Bella). I highly recommend Nicole as a trainer whether it be private lessons or in a class.
Gayle (Darby's Mom)

Pasadena, CA

Contact Us! via Email at teacherspetdog@aol.com or Call (626) 841-1327