Training
Reviews
"If you are looking for a trainer you should stop looking now and hire Nikki! My husband and I adopted two cattle dog mixes from a rescue at 8 months old and we were struggling to potty train them, teach them to be attentive to us, walk them comfortably and, in general, train them to be the dogs we wanted for our family (and knew they could be). We had tried another facility, in both group and private lessons, that was not helping at all.
Even after our first session she taught my husband and I so much that it changed how our dogs responded to us almost instantly. Every session has felt like its own little miracle and has made the bond between us and our pups so much stronger. Her reviews are why we reached out to her and I would like to affirm that they are all true. If you need help with your dog then I hope for your sake you hire her!"
-- Jessica W.
"I adopted a pit mix and while I've owned dogs all my life, I've not done a ton of formal training. Nikki came in the first week and I quickly learned that Macey was smart and wanted to learn and please. I am sensitive to her breed and want both of us to be successful and not provide anyone any excuses because she's a pit mix so training was essential.
Nikki's been amazing. She gave me exercises that I could follow and willing to exchange e-mails when I had feedback, concerns or when Macey showed additional behavior that needed to be addressed.
What I also like is Nikki trains in the real world. We're at the dog park with other distractions or Bellevue Park with lots of people to learn how to walk on the leash, greet and be around noise and everything else.
Macey and I would definitely struggle without Nikki!"
-- Colleen W.
"Nikki is an excellent trainer for both me and my puppy Jing. I highly recommend working with Nikki. She showed me how to set limits for Jing using simple and effective techniques. We learned how to reduce reactivity to other dogs when walking in the street, potty training and many other techniques on how to effectively communicate to and teach a puppy good behavior. It’s no easy task :). Nikki is flexible, honest, kind and a straightforward person, which makes her easy to work with, learn from and talk to. Thanks for all your help, Nikki!"
-- David M.
"We adopted a 3-year-old hound-retriever mix. He is now 5 years old, and we needed help in training him for the following: Walking next to us, come on command, and not being aggressive with other dogs. We did not want to use any devices that punished the dog. Nikki's training only involves positive reinforcement without using treats
Nikki met with us at different places where she could identify the issues. She provided clear instructions and demonstrated the methods we would use for training him. She also provided written instructions for us to work with Toby.
Last week we were at the Downtown Bellevue Park and working on Toby walking next to us. We were also working on the "come" command. Another couple, who were impressed with Toby's behavior, approached us and asked us how we trained him so well. They had adopted a dog recently and were having difficulties, even with a trainer, getting their dog to follow instructions.
I think that demonstrates that Nikki's training methods work!!"
-- Julius A.
"We have two dogs of a larger size, an American lab, and a Greater Swiss mountain dog, both the same age, a year and a half. Both very sweet, kind hearted dogs. We socialized them at puppy play and had another trainer when they were young pups. As they got bigger and stronger they became pullers on their leashes. The Swissy also became very play aggressive on his leash, meaning when he saw another dog he wanted to go and play with it so bad I would have to basically use everything I had to hold him back because not everyone wants a 100 pound pup charging over to their dog. My wife and I couldn’t take our dogs for walks together anymore, and I definitely couldn’t take them both at the same time. We tried the trainer we used when they were young pups. Nothing was working.
Enter Nikki!! On our first training session with her she introduced us to a new type of collar and handling technique. Boom instant change! The next day I had the best walks with both my dogs in months. Now my swissy could almost care less about other dogs when we’re out walking, and both do not pull any longer. Also when taking them to an off leash park it was a big game of keep away trying to get them back on their leashes when it’s time to go. Now we can walk them to the gate, get their leashes on and away we go. All from what we learned from Nikki! The biggest thing is that my wife and I are walking our boys together again, be it on the trails by our house or around the neighborhood. She also helped with jumping, staying, and coming.
Thank you Nikki for your guidance for us to teach our boys!"
-- Derek and Meriann
"Nikki has been amazing working with our dog Max! He was very reactive to other dogs while on leash which made walking him in Seattle a stressful experience and we typically avoided places with lots of other dogs like parks. Nikki helped us get to the root of the issues and start establishing more clear, consistent boundaries with him. She also taught us better leash and walking techniques to manage and correct his behavior while out walking. Routine walks are now much more pleasant and we are feeling more confident taking Max to crowded places!
Nikki was also flexible with scheduling and super friendly. She really took the time to explain why she was suggesting different techniques/responses to Max’s behavior and to answer our questions, as well as emailed all the info so we could review. Would highly recommend Nikki for any dog’s training!"
-- Emi N.
"We are forever grateful for Nikki! She really helped us define boundaries for our dog (and for us) and it has made a huge difference in her behavior! She seems so much happier and relaxed! Spruce has also learned new words thanks to Nikki's encouragement!"
-- Yvonna Dorantes
"Nikki had helped me tremendously with my young collie. I went to an obedience class with my dog first, and it was too chaotic for me and my pup. I'm so glad I found Nikki! She recently had to help me re-potty train my dog. She gave me explicit instructions to teach her to "leave it outside", including how to make her stop using the bells just to go outside, and how to make her a better traveling companion. Thank you so much!"
-- Ginger R
"Nikki is an amazing trainer. We had several significant issues with our pup, Bella, including growling and snapping at everyone who came in the house; pooping on the bath mat every. single. morning.; excessively licking people, furniture, and insoles; running excitedly across the furniture and anyone sitting on it; and several other frustrating habits. We love Bella, but were very frustrated with her behavior.
After a single visit from Nikki, 95% of Bella's behavior issues were resolved. Nikki identified the underlying issue and taught us how to resolve it. She gave us tools right then and there to handle the situation, and from that one visit we have a much happier and calmer pup and household. Now we're working on leash training and healing after a second visit. So much gets done in a single visit that we spend a month following up on our own to practice all we've learned.
Nikki's the best! Now we can enjoy how smart Bella is rather than being mad at the mischief."
-- Colleen Laing
"Today Sadie and I had our first training session with Nikki. She worked a miracle! Sadie had been lunging and jumping in her excitement whenever she encountered anyone. After a few minutes Nikki had both of us trained and walking calmly on leash. We still have more training to do so we can work on all the issues we are having. I'm looking forward to learning all I can from this knowledgeable trainer."
-- Elsa Byrd
"My family and I had the pleasure of working with Nikki to correct some issues we were experiencing with our dog Juno.
Juno had become so hard to walk on the leash, that it was not fun for any of us to walk him anymore.
This was unfair to him, so we realized that we needed to get help.
After reaching out to Nikki and a couple of lessons (both short and long-leash training) teaching us what we weren't doing right, we are once again back on our walks. Juno is much calmer and now knows what we expect of him when on the leash."
-- Ken Gaddis
"Nikki has been great with my golden retriever, Sophie. My young dog's life (and mine) have really turned around. Nikki is
straight forward, consistent, caring and listens to your concerns. During training sessions, Sophie tunes right into Nikki- who intuitively
reads the dog thoughts and actions. Nikki also is direct in training me, and that I assure you is not easy! I highly recommend Any Breed Training."
-- Turie Martineau
"Nikki has been a real gift in our lives! She started working with us when our golden retriever puppy, Tallie was 10 weeks old! I was a nervous
and anxious first time dog owner. Our family had a real connection when we first met her at our house. She is very professional, has a great sense of
humor and makes dog training fun and rewarding. I appreciated Nikki's honest and direct feedback while she was training "me"! Our family is now
enjoying a very well trained and mannered puppy."
-- Kate Gratzer
"Nikki was a life saver for our family when we brought our new puppy home. Since Sugar is our first dog, we had a
lot of questions and Nikki had a helpful answer for every one of them. I found our training sessions very worthwhile since we were able to get so much
accomplished working individually with Nikki. Not being a previous dog owner I felt intimidated or unsure about what to do with Sugar in certain settings;
Nikki helped me become more comfortable handling Sugar in any situation. I continue to appreciate Nikki's expertise and I value having her as a resource
when I have questions regarding care and training for Sugar. Thanks so much Nikki!!"
-- Jill Veith
"You need to know that your kindness allowed me to have and train one of the best family members we have ever had. I have used what you taught me
about "long-lead" training with every dog that has crossed my path since. I love your common sense methods that make sense to THE DOG!
Dogs may not speak English but they sure do speak "Nikki Vanoni".
-- Patricia Carlson
"Nikki, you are like the dog whisperer!! My dogs totally behave when you are here. I want a
life size cardboard cutout of you to keep in the house!! Then I know they will continue to behave!"
-- Pamela Hamblen
