Meet The Team!

I’m Nikki and I am the head of The Heeling Hound. My journey began in 2019, when my hound Archie came into my life. Training a difficult breed to be fully off-leash ignited a deep passion for dog training and a love for spending time in nature with dogs. Since then, I’ve been immersed in the world of dog training, constantly learning and growing. 

With nearly 10 years of experience working with dogs, my journey started as a dog walker in high school and evolved into a full-time role at a dog daycare, where I was responsible for handling up to 30 dogs at a time. Realizing this environment wasn’t the right fit for me, I moved over to the training world. For nearly 2 years, I worked as a trainer at a dog training facility specializing in behavioural rehabilitation. I gained priceless hands-on experience at this kennel that I carry with me! I’ve continued to expand my knowledge, including completing a hands-on shadow program with the head trainer at The Balanced Lab, where I honed my skills in real world balanced training techniques.

My philosophy centers around balanced training, with a specialization in off-leash and e-collar skill training. I believe in empowering dog owners with the skills and knowledge they need to build strong, trusting relationships with their dogs. I help dogs make better choices in their daily lives, creating a dog that is not only loved but enjoyed. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the bond between a dog and their owner flourish, and I’m dedicated to helping make that happen.