Photo by Izabela Mattson Photography
My career in dog training began in grade school when my dad & I trained our Brittany Spaniel, Dame Tristana of Lemoore, to hunt. Even back then we used positive training methods without realizing it.
Dog training wasn’t my first career choice. I used my Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Southern Oregon University in the broadcast media industry working at the Entercom radio stations and the CBS TV affiliate in Portland, OR. My experience sharpened my customer service, public speaking, marketing, & media research skills.
My animal training story is about a dog.
Zoomies Dog Social Club and Training started as a love story. As a young adult, with no dog training experience, I brought home an English Pointer and named her Piper Maru. I quickly discovered that I did not know how to train her to become a beloved family member. While I loved her, I was also frustrated with her behavior and saddened by my lack of skills.
In attending many obedience classes & participating in agility with her I realized how much I enjoyed dog training & the way it built a strong bond with Piper. I obtained my first dog training certification from Animal Behavior College graduating with honors & went on to get a second one, the Certified Pet Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA).
Zoomies Dog Social Club and Training is my attempt to help all of the “Pipers” in my community. I use fear-free, rewards-based training to help owners truly understand their dogs and modify their behavior.
I live with my husband & our Cockapoo, Mandy on property that we've dubbed 'The Ruff Retreat.'
Quotable Nichole
"I love to share my passion for dogs & training with everyone. It is through this passion for training & helping others with their dog’s behavior challenges that I developed the idea for a dog social club, where dogs & their people can thrive in a safe, mutually beneficial environment."
"While I can train dogs, I mostly train people."
"I like to work with the dog that's in front of me."
"Sniffing is doggy meditation."
My commitment to safety and positivity for you & your furry family member is proven by my experience.
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2021-2024 Oregon Humane Society, Salem, Oregon - Dog Trainer
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2022 Attended the Shelter Playgroup Alliance Cohort & Workshop at Pasadena Humane Society, Pasadena, California
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2021 Fear Free Shelter course Graduate
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2014-2021 Willamette Humane Society, Salem, Oregon - Behavior & Training Instructor, Public Training Instructor, Animal Welfare Specialist, Adoptions Specialist, volunteer dog walker, & Adoptions Ambassador
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2021 Awarded Employee of the Quarter for Excellence in Safe Actions at Willamette Humane Society, Salem, Oregon
Member of:
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Pet Professional Guild
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Association of Professional Dog Trainers
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American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
I also do my best to help the underserved members of my community form stronger, healthier relationships with their dogs. Everyone can benefit from a tight bond with a dog—but not everyone knows how to build one or can afford it. This is why I donate free private lessons to local events like:
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SafeHaven Humane Society’s Rescue Round Up Silent Auction
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Deluxe Brewery & Sinister Distillery’s Dogtoberfest Costume Contest
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Out West Original Photography’s Annual Dog Calendar Contest that benefits SafeHaven Humane Society
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Furniture Share’s Annual Online Auction
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Linn Benton Food Share’s Annual Online Auction
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Cap & Stem’s Mushroom Festival’s Raffle
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Linn County Lamb & Wool Fair Pet Show in Scio
See Our Events page for more information.
It’s also why I am a volunteer trainer with Pets for Vets, a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving back to the brave military servicemen and women who have given everything to our country, while finding homes for deserving shelter pets. To learn more about this organization or apply for a pet, visit https://petsforvets.com/. I’m here to serve you now.
Photo by Izabela Mattson Photography
Photo by Lori Cegon Photography
