My dog Leo just completed a three-week kennel training program, and it’s been almost two weeks since we brought him home. I wanted to take the time to write this review because I truly appreciate everything Nick has done for us.

As a first-time owner of a German Shepherd, I was feeling overwhelmed. Leo is extremely reactive—to people, dogs, motorcycles, bicycles—basically anything that moves or makes noise. Even someone just talking to us would set him off. We reached a point where we were losing hope. We would only walk him very early in the morning or late at night to avoid stress. It was no longer enjoyable to spend time outside with him.

Before finding Family K9, we had actually worked with another trainer, but unfortunately, that didn’t really help—especially considering the nature and breed of our dog. We also consulted a veterinarian who even suggested putting Leo on prescription medication to help manage his stress and reactivity.

What really stood out to me is that medication was never even part of our conversation. Instead, he focused entirely on understanding the root of Leo’s behavior and giving us the tools to address it through proper training and communication. That’s something I truly respect and value. It showed me that with the right approach, dogs don’t need medication to become calmer or more confident—they need guidance, structure, and an owner who understands them.

That’s when we decided to try working with Nick. From the very first consultation, we felt comfortable. He gave us the space to share all of our concerns, and, to our surprise, Leo was calm in his presence—something we didn’t expect at all. We were so scared he would bite or react, but he didn’t.

After the training, we had a detailed transfer lesson where Nick patiently answered all of our questions and taught us the tools he used with Leo. What I appreciated most is how he emphasized the importance of understanding our dog, rather than expecting to change his nature. He helped us see that with the right tools and approach, we could manage Leo’s behavior—and help him build confidence.

Since the training, we’ve been consistently applying everything he has taught us. Of course, we’ve had to practice, and I reached out almost every day with questions and scenarios. He always responded kindly, giving me tips and the confidence to keep going. We’re able to walk past many of his usual triggers without a reaction, something that felt impossible before. I even choose busier times of day now just to practice—and we actually enjoy our walks again.

It’s important to understand that this training isn’t about magically “fixing” your dog in three weeks. What Nick does is give you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to truly understand your dog and manage their behavior effectively. He helps you work with your dog’s nature instead of against it. Thanks to that, Leo has become more confident, and we’ve become more capable and understanding as owners. It’s not an instant transformation—it’s a meaningful, lasting change built on communication, consistency, and trust.

We are still in touch , and he’s always there to answer questions. If you have a reactive dog like mine, I highly recommend booking a consultation with him. He is a truly dedicated trainer who puts his heart into what he does. You can tell how passionate he is just by watching how he interacts with the dogs and their owners.

Thank you again so much.

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