Hello Nick,

I’d like to take a moment to thank you for your professionalism and dedication.

It was a real pleasure and a privilege to work with someone like you.
The two hours we spent together in our transfer lesson were very enlightening and productive.

I truly enjoyed my time with you. Your intelligence, sensitivity, and insight did far more than just teach me how to train and work with our dogs; they helped me truly disconnect and relax.

Sometimes life brings us into contact with people who are good for us, and you are one of them. I wish everyone who works with you the same happiness I’ve experienced. All this with great humility (on my part).

See you soon, and thank you again.

I can’t thank Nick enough for everything he’s done for Sage and me.

After Sage became critically ill and recovered from meningitis, the anxiety and fear he developed from a bad reaction to the steroid treatment completely changed our lives. The confident, adventurous puppy I once knew was suddenly terrified of the world. I felt lost, overwhelmed, and honestly wasn’t sure if we’d ever get that part of him back.

From our very first session, Nick never judged us or made me feel like I had failed my dog. He listened, took the time to truly understand Sage’s story, and helped me understand what my dog was experiencing instead of just focusing on the behaviors.

Nick has a calm, compassionate way of teaching that makes you feel supported every step of the way. He explains everything in a way that is easy to understand, celebrates every small victory with you, and reminds you that progress isn’t always linear—and that’s okay.

The biggest gift Nick gave me wasn’t just training techniques. He gave me confidence as a dog owner again and helped strengthen the bond between Sage and me during one of the hardest periods of our lives.

If you’re looking for someone who genuinely cares about both you and your dog, I wholeheartedly recommend Nick. Thank you for believing in us, for your patience, and for helping us see the light at the end of the tunnel. We are so grateful.

Absolutely outstanding experience!

My dog Vince came home a completely changed dog after training with Nick. He now stays in his place, listens beautifully, and has a calm, centered energy that he never had before. Nick’s training truly transformed him — the results speak for themselves. The service was professional, effective, and exceeded all expectations. I couldn’t be happier and would highly recommend Nick to anyone looking for a dedicated and skilled trainer who truly understands dogs.

I have had the amazing privilege of training with Nick with 4 different dogs over the past 20 years. His approach is unlike any other place I have ever seen, he is really in tune with the dog’s body language and teaches you how to understand that language.  Basically, Nick is like a translator for humans into dog language!  Nothing can truly describe how amazing Nick knows his stuff and how amazing he will get the results for you if you listen to his technique.  I strongly recommend him, we drive an hour and a half to go there because he is really unlike any other dog trainer we have ever worked with!

An Outstanding Dog Trainer Who Truly Cares—Nick Goes Above and Beyond!

Finding the right dog trainer can be a challenge, but working with Nick has been nothing short of exceptional. From the very beginning, it was clear that he is not only highly skilled and knowledgeable, but also deeply passionate about helping dogs and their families succeed.

Nick’s training methods are effective, thoughtful, and tailored to the specific needs of both the dog and the owners. His ability to read and understand canine behavior is truly remarkable, and he provides clear, practical guidance that makes training both productive and empowering. Just one week into training, we have already seen incredible progress in our 10-year-old rescue dog with a history of abuse, and we now feel more confident than ever in our ability to reinforce these positive changes.

What truly sets Nick apart, however, is his unwavering dedication and willingness to go the extra mile. Understanding our complicated availability, he not only accommodated our situation but also went above and beyond to ensure we had all the support we needed before leaving our dog for extended time. While a one-on-one session is typically conducted at the end of a training program, Nick graciously offered to see us not just once, but twice while we were available—a gesture that speaks volumes about his professionalism, kindness, and commitment to his clients.

It is rare to find someone who is not only exceptional at what they do but also genuinely invested in their clients’ success. Nick has been an absolute game-changer, and we couldn’t be more grateful for his expertise, patience, and generosity. If you think that your dog’s bad habits will improve with age or that it’s too late to train an older dog—this is simply not true. Seeing the transformation in our senior dog, we only wish we had started sooner, so that the quality of life for our fluffy one—and for us—could have been better from day one. If you are looking for a trainer who is not only knowledgeable and skilled but also truly cares about you and your dog, look no further than Nick. He is a rare gem, and we highly recommend him to anyone seeking top-tier training with a personal touch.

From the bottom of our hearts—HUGE thank you, Nick!!

Before working with Nick, I couldn’t leave my dog Esme alone in the house for more than 30 minutes without her getting anxious and barking non-stop. Now, thanks to Nick, she’s able to stay home alone for several hours. It’s truly a huge transformation! Nick was incredibly responsive to all my emails and always sent detailed updates throughout the process. During our training sessions, he took the time to explain Esme’s behavior, why she was struggling, and what solutions and tricks that would help her feel more secure. One thing that really stands out is that even after the training program was over, Nick has continued to be available and responsive whenever I have follow-up questions. That kind of support means a lot. I highly recommend Nick without hesitation. If you’re considering leaving your dog with him for training, don’t worry your dog will be safe, happy, and getting the right kind of training. Honestly, don’t hesitate. Nick is amazing!

Nick is an amazing trainer, and we’re so thankful for everything he’s done for Dash. This is the 3rd dog we’ve trained with Nick, so we already knew how great he is, but every experience with him just confirms it.

Dash is a rescue who had a rough start in life. He’s confident, goofy, and full of personality but also incredibly stubborn and in serious need of structure. That’s where Nick came in.

After completing Nick’s 3 week in-kennel training program, Dash is still the same happy, playful pup we love, but now he listens, walks well on leash, and responds so much better when we give him direction. The difference is amazing, and it makes life easier for both Dash and the whole family which includes 2 other dogs!

What we really appreciate about Nick is that he doesn’t just train the dog, he trains us too. He gave us the tools to keep up Dash’s progress at home and helped us understand how to work with his personality instead of against it.

I have no hesitation in recommending Nick as a dog trainer; he’s very passionate about his field, and it shows!

With over 30 years of experience Nick was fantastic at helping us train our 9 month old maltipoo rescue, Rusty. Just trust the process and you will get results! Rusty and our entire family are so much happier with Rusty – we just needed to be educated on how to communicate with him. We highly recommend Nick!

Our experience with Nick could not have been more positive. Firstly, Nick is a tremendous person. Second, he really understands how to make his message stick while teaching us how to train our two dogs. Other trainers base their methods on rewarding your dog with treats. Nick gets to the psychology of the dog, helping you understand what dogs need from their families, and how to make your dog feel safe when with you. That’s the key. We couldn’t recommend Nick more.

We recently adopted a 2 year old dog from a rescue that had been taken from a hoarding situation where she had very limited exposure to the outside world. Ellie had no training whatsoever and was very apprehensive around new people and reactive with kids. She was also a challenge to walk because she would react to any dog that barked at her. We knew we needed help with her and chose to entrust the training with Nick after reading multiple reviews (thanks for those….so helpful!) and watching his educational videos. What a great decision. The consult with him enlightened us to why she was displaying the behaviours and what training she needed to help her feel safe and more confident. She spent 3 weeks in the in-kennel training while we were away on vacation and we came back to a huge transformation. When new people come to the house she greets them calmly and confidently. She heels like a pro on the leash and we are able to use the tools we were taught (yes, you have to be trained too 🙂 to avoid confrontation with other dogs. Two days after we brought her home the grandkids came over and she was amazing with them. It is obvious that Nick is very committed to helping dog owners have the best possible life with their pet and appreciate being able to reach out to him down the road if we have any questions/concerns. It is without hesitation that we recommend Family K9 Dog Training.

Nick understands dogs and he understands people who have dogs. He has a depth of knowledge about dog behaviour and is able to lock into each dog’s temperament. One size does not fit all with dogs. We learnt a lot about our dog who is of a nervous and reactive temperament. How a dog interprets the world and reacts accordingly. We also learned about how our own behaviours helped or hindered the dog. It is worth listening closely to Nick and his examples – there is a wealth of tips and information there. We saw a marked improvement with our dog. I have only 1 regret: That we wasted our time with other trainers, and didn’t find Nick sooner. We love our dog. And now we have a better relationship and happier dog.

Working with Nick has truly been a life changing experience for us! Nick is professional, kind, and you can tell that he loves and values what he does. He’s been available for follow up questions and also is very quick to reply.

Tabasco spent 3 weeks with Nick and we were blown away by all of the progress he made! His leash manners are terrific, he is less anxious around people near our home, and we’ve seen improvement in all areas of concern. Would absolutely recommend Nick to all those looking for help and guidance concerning their pup, one of the best experiences we’ve had! 🙂

We reached out to Family K9 Training for our Chocolate Lab, Rosie, after years of failed training with other trainers across Montreal. Rosie is a great dog but has very bad reactivity towards dogs, cats, kids, bikes, cars, squirrels—you name it. Taking her on walks was something we dreaded for a while because it would take a toll on us every time, and we would come back home more stressed than ever.

We are expecting a baby and didn’t know how we would be able to live with Rosie in case something were to happen. Thankfully, we found Nick at Family K9. Nick helped us understand our dog better, and I must say his training works! He helped us build a better relationship with Rosie, and we now look forward to walking her daily. We are very thankful that we won’t have to make that difficult decision once the baby is here. Rosie is still the same dog that we have learned to love; we just understand better how to handle her and what to look for in her body language.

Nick explains everything very clearly and loves to use real-world examples from daily life so we can understand as best as possible. It’s a significant investment but 100% worth it.

Thank you again, Nick, for all you’ve done! We are very happy with the training and recommend him to all dog owners with reactivity issues.

Nick Zevgolis is the best trainer and teacher! He shows the way to obedience in a very clear way, for both owner and dog. The change in our hyper, anxious, drivey young dog has been remarkable – and we still have two lessons to go! I have been so impressed with Nick and his foundational building blocks to training. I would give a thousand stars if the system would allow me more than 5 🙂 If you want a well-behaved dog, Nick is your go-to person! He is a joy to work with.

Impressed with results and incredible care given to our dog

We’ve had our precious french bulldog Leo for 3.5 years. Although he struggled somewhat with obedience and made walks stressful by constantly pulling on the leash, we somehow managed it. However, following a few back to back veterinary visits last year, Leo also became a reactive dog, especially towards humans. It escalated to the point where we were hesitant to have guests over because Leo would bark non stop at them and we had little control over what he might do. This lasted over 6 months. We realized we needed help. Skeptical about finding a solution, I started to google and stumbled upon Family K9 dog training. After reading every single review, I contacted Nick.

We started the 3 week boarding program with Nick after 3 in person lessons. Let me explain…From the very beginning, Nick’s professionalism and deep understanding of canine behavior stood out. He took the time to observe Leo and evaluate his specific needs . Nick felt our dog was not quite ready to be boarded as he was very nervous and would benefit more from 1 hour in person lessons with us present. So that’s what we did. Nick was so good with Leo and gained the dog’s trust from lesson 1, teaching him to walk next to us rather than pull us. By lesson 3- Leo was taught to go on place and to stay there . By lesson 3 means after only 3 hours training. Obviously we would practice at home and Nick was always available to guide us and to answer our questions.

Imagine how well trained the dog could be if he went to the boarding program! We asked Nick again and he felt the dog was now ready. Not an easy decision in the least to part with Leo but we trusted Nick and his connection with the dog. So off Leo went.

Throughout the program, Nick kept us updated with Leo’s progress through pictures, emails and YouTube videos. What impressed me even more was the incredible care Nick gave to our dog during the boarding program. He ensured Leo was not only trained but also well cared for, paying attention to his hygiene and overall well-being. It was clear that Nick treated him as if he were his own. I find this important because Nick trains so so many dogs, day in, day out, yet he treated Leo with dignity and respect and not like just another dog in training.

At the transfer lesson, Nick told us to ignore the dog when he brought him out. I remember telling him ok, but thinking that the dog would just run to us. Could not believe that when Nick came out with Leo, Leo just looked at us and followed Nick’s command to go on place. WOW !!!! Nick then gave us tips to maintain the training and had us practice the commands.

In just three weeks training, Leo is now calmer, more obedient, and much more confident. Walks are enjoyable, interactions are less stressful and people now come over again with Leo on place . Not perfect but so much better. Nick didn’t just train our dog—he made our life and Leo’s better.

If you’re on the fence about picking a dog trainer, trust me, do not waste your time. Nick is the one to call. His expertise, honesty, dedication and understanding of dogs are unmatched, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Wish I had met this man earlier…

Nick is absolutely brilliant at what he does. Not only is he the best dog trainer around, he is just as good at teaching people!

We are first time dog owners, and adopted our little dog Luca from the Humane Society after they rescued him from a dog meat farm. He was traumatized, anxious, and scared of just about everything, including my partner. We had a consultation with Nick, and were immediately won over by his approach. He really gets to know the individual dog (and the owners) to come up with a plan for their specific situation. He sets realistic goals for the training, and explains what is possible. He told us, as we suspected, that leaving Luca at the kennel would be far too stressful for him. So we decided to drive out for lessons. You can trust that Nick always has the best interests of the dogs he works with at heart.

We learned so much just in that initial consultation. Nick distills his years of experience studying dog behaviour into clear explanations that anyone can understand. By the end of the training we were confident dog owners with the tools we needed to support our dog. Luca went from belly crawling through doorways, and spending every walk scanning for threats, to a being a happy little guy who trusts us to keep him safe. He heels and sits on command, comes when we call, and snuggles up to my partner on the couch every evening.

We really can’t thank Nick enough, and highly recommend him to anyone looking for a dog trainer, or a dog-owner trainer! We found his youtube videos really helpful before we even went in for training – check them out to get a sense of how he works! Thank you Nick!

We hired Nick to do a 3 week in kennel training with our 6-year-old rescue dachshund named Penne. She’s a very anxious dog with reactivity towards other dogs/cats and some people. Nick is very professional and gives you the tools you need to make sure you train your dog correctly. He always keeps the dog’s best interest at heart and ultimately relies on you to continue the work he’s done with your dog. He’ll also continue to support you after your training is done if you have any questions. We can’t recommend Nick enough! Thank you!

My dog recently completed the 3-week board and train program offered by Nick.

Before we committed to this program we met with Nick for a consultation where he assessed my dog, and explained his approach. It was very clear right from the start that Nick has a skill set to deal with reactive dogs like mine.

After this consultation I was very eager to sign up for the program, where he offered me a spot within a week.

Nick was incredible from the start. The attention to detail from the start was exceptional. He made sure he had all the care instructions to host my dog in the kennel, both with his food and medication. He then spent the first part of the training bonding with my dog and playing, to bond with him and earn his trust.

The training, as you can see on his social media, focuses on creating a skill set for the dog and their handler to interact more safely with the world.

Through the process Nick was regularly emailing me, providing me with updates on how the training was progressing. He also sent incredible photos too.

At the end of the program we had our “transfer lesson” where Nick gave me all the time in the world to pass on the skill set to me. Essentially for me to learn how to use this new knowledge and apply it myself. This was extremely helpful.

Having reintegrated my dog back home, we have been able to avoid previous triggers that would’ve caused a bite or a lunge without any reaction. The tools he equipped us with allow me to be more safe with my dog in the world, and allow my dog to feel more at ease being in it.

Nick has offered continued follow ups at no additional cost. It is abundantly clear how much he cares about what he does, and how he believes in it too.

I’d give Nick 10 stars if I could. He is also exceptionally kind and personable.

We are grateful for you Nick 🙂

Nick is an exceptional dog (and people) trainer. We brought our 3-year-old dachshund, Walter, to him for help with severe separation anxiety and reactivity to dogs. It was starting to take a toll on our quality of life and, more importantly, Walter’s. We found ourselves avoiding everyday situations just to prevent him from getting overwhelmed.
Nick has an amazing understanding of dogs and their behavior. He helped us see the world through Walter’s eyes and gave us practical tools to help him manage his stress, build resilience, and gain confidence — not by trying to “fix” him, but by meeting him where he is. The transformation has been incredible. Walter’s reactivity has improved so much, he’s noticeably calmer, and his separation anxiety continues to get better every day.
What really stands out about Nick is how deeply he cares — not just about the dogs, but about their people too. His approach is honest, thoughtful, and always supportive. We wouldn’t hesitate to bring any future dogs to him, and it’s comforting to know he’s always there if we need help down the line.
We can’t recommend him highly enough — he’s made a huge difference in all our lives!