Hendersonville Dog Training

I came to Nick discouraged about Togo. I adopted him at ~4 months old and worked daily with training him until he was almost 1 year old. Through those 8 months of training, I researched sooo many of the positive reinforcement training practices and consistently applied them to Togo's training. However, approaching 1 year of age, there were some undeniable manners Togo needed to improve: impulse control and consistent listening to be precise. I found I was stressed in more and more situations because as he got older and the treats for the commands he followed became less common, he was less reliant---especially in a setting where he got over-excited or nervous. I have to say, coming from a girl who had her dog in a harness and only used positive reinforcement training up to this point, I was nervous about reaching out to balanced trainers. Although, upon further research, an increasing desire to have a dog I could consistently trust and not always stress about, and a lengthy consultation with Nick, I knew I could trust Nick and that his balanced approach is exactly the structure Togo needed to be his best self. Togo completed Nick's jump start program and I cannot be happier with the obvious results. I think the part I appreciate most about Nick's training is that he takes his time making sure the handlers/owners of the dogs feel confident in maintaining the training he implements in the time frame you give him. He is professional, punctual, truly cares for dogs, and is patient with all my questions. I can't recommend Nick enough to get your pup where you want him/her to be. It is undeniably worth the investment to build your relationship and trust between you and your dog. Togo is going to miss Nick for sure and looks forward to various boarding sessions down the road!

We enrolled our 4-year-old dog, Brewer, in training with Nick and had an amazingly positive experience. Not only did he communicate well with Brewer, he taught US how to better communicate with him and improved our relationship with our dog. Our goals were to have a well behaved dog at home and in public who wouldn’t pull on walks, would come when called even when distracted, was more trustworthy. Brewer’s training accomplished all this and more, actually giving him a structure that ultimately allows him to enjoy more freedom. He no longer whines, barks or pulls at the leash when I leave him in the care of a friend for a moment (he had some separation anxiety) or when other dogs approach. He calmly retains “place” - which means I can give him a bath and trust he won’t be getting his wet fur all over the couch while I’m doing something else - and he comes when called. The unexpected benefit of his training is the joyful freedom he can now experience, now that he’s gained my trust off leash. I always thought he hated water and running (which is a big bummer living in WNC). Turns out he just felt uncomfortable in these situations when leashed. Now we go trail running together and he splashes around in the rivers, because we both know he’ll come back when I call. He’s honestly a happier dog who’s way more enjoyable to be around. I recommend Hendersonville Dog Training wholeheartedly (and keep taking Brewer back for refreshers and boarding)!

We asked Nick to help us with our previously untrained 9 yr old dog Max. We wanted to finally give Max and ourselves some structured commands to work with. We opted for two weeks of board and train and are so grateful for the results. Max is so responsive to commands now and we have the tools to continue giving him the right reinforcement. I love watching Nick work with Max. Nick's knowledge, manner and real commitment impressed us greatly.

I have been super happy with my experience working with Nick over the past few months. We got a golden retriever puppy this summer, and my goal was to get her trained well enough that she would be a loved, integrated part of our family that wasn't a nuisance. She's still a puppy and has the energy of one, but now we have so much more control over how she behaves and what our expectations are for her...and I definitely would not have been able to do any of it without Nick's help. Highly recommend him!