Equilibrium Canine

10 stars! Nick is a gifted dog trainer who helped me learn the tools to train my dog-reactive German Shepherd. She was very reactive, and I was scared. At the beginning, my dog would bark and lunge at other dogs. I had tried everything -- putting her in heel, luring her with treats, practicing the engage-disengage game, "exposure," therapy, walking her on a prong collar, even visited a behaviorist at Angell -- and nothing worked. When my dog was lost in the moment, she could not hear me and did not care about anything else. When I first reached out to Nick, I was in tears because my dog had run across a field at another dog (nothing happened but it scared me). We started with a visit a few days later at my home and took a walk around the block to see how she'd do. After that my dog and I visited Nick on his property in Wilmington, and occasionally in public parks in Boston. My dog and I learned about staying engaged/on task, playing in a relationship-building way, impulse control, communicating what behaviors I appreciate and those that are unacceptable, placing predatory behavior (like hunting) on command, and using an e-collar properly. I have gained so, so much confidence that her reactivity isn't hopeless - she just needs communication of boundaries, freedom to choose, and consequences from someone she truly respects. By the end of a few months with Nick, I've rebuilt a trusting relationship with my dog and can trust her to walk past any animal on the same trail/sidewalk with no issues. My dog is visibly more relaxed and happier on our walks. We haven't gone over threshold in months. She knows she can still do "predatory" things like hunt small critters... but only with my explicit permission, and that has made all the difference. She won't react/hunt without me giving the go-ahead. We even moved recently and found that our neighbor's dog is a fence-fighter. Using Nick's methods, we have a peaceful life in the backyard, even when the other dog is antagonizing her. Nick has a talent for understanding what dogs think. He will listen to you, meet you where you are, and not make you feel ashamed of your reactive dog. He will push you to do hard things, and help you proof new learning. I very highly recommend him to anyone looking for a trainer. I needed reactivity training, but he can do it all. Thank you, Nick!! Callisto says hi!

I am forever grateful to have found Nick; his work with Percy has made it possible for us to finally begin to enjoy a peaceful, cooperative, fulfilling, safe, and fun life together with our pet. Percy is just shy of two years old - an 80-pound wild child with a heart of gold and an independent, unfocussed and headstrong spirit. He grew to be very strong physically and his ‘exuberance’ became difficult to manage and a true safety issue. He had been to three (yes, three) board and trains with other trainers prior to his seven-week B+T with Nick. For us, here is the Equilibrium Canine Training difference: - First, Nick took the time to really get to know Percy – his temperament, personality, play-style, history, and family. - With this understanding, Nick, being a masterful communicator, broke through the noise or anxiety in Percy’s head so that Percy truly began to understand what was expected of him. - Nick works steadily in stages, gradually increasing expectations at appropriated junctures. These building blocks fostered deep understanding. - Importantly, Nick worked with Percy in all manner of environments (city, suburban, woods) and weather, with unpredictable varieties of distractions just like real life (squirrels, geese, people, dogs, noise, wind, rain etc.). - Percy lived as a pet with Nick’s family, including kids, dogs, company, etc. Along with clear expectations, great kindness and generosity was shown to Percy. - During the B+T, Nick communicated with me almost daily, sending photos and progress updates. This way I could see what and how Nick was teaching – I learned a lot from this. Much appreciated! - Nick teaches the value and absolute importance of play in building relationship with Percy. - Nick teaches obedience, of course, but also so much more. The relationship and communication between the dog and his guardian are key to a peaceful and respectful co-existence. - Nick is very invested in every dog he trains. He also understands that the dog parent needs training and support too. Since Percy’s been back home, Nick checks in with me frequently and encourages me to come by for training with Percy as many times as possible. Super generous and deeply committed. I know that Nick will remain part of our lives going forward. - On top of all that, Nick’s a super nice guy and a pleasure to work with! Thank you, Nick! Your work with Percy has made a huge positive difference in our lives!

Nick is an exceptional trainer. In just a few weeks of board and train, he made real progress with my rescue pup, Hettie. Hettie is extremely sweet, but would get (too) riled up to play -- or as Nick would say, "spicy." He bonded with her right away and clearly understands how to work with each dog’s unique needs. When I picked her up, her overall demeanor was noticeably calmer. I feel a deep sense of trust toward Nick and his whole approach to training. I confidently recommend him to anyone looking for dog training.

I can’t recommend Nick enough. My friend sent her dog for a board and train and afterwards, her dog was the most well behaved dog I have ever met! I sent our 18 month old golden retriever to do a board and train with Nick for the last month. My dog is 70 pounds and before he went to Nick, he would become very frustrated and jump on me and bite at me. This was incredibly overwhelming and made it feel unsafe to walk him by myself. Nick was very clear about his approach and helped my dog understand what is expected of him. Through his work with Nick, my dog learned so much and I still can’t believe everything that he knows! Most importantly, Nick has helped me start to rebuild my relationship with my dog, be very clear about what I expect from him and follow through. Nick is patient, firm, and clear. I was nervous to leave my dog for so long but after a day, I knew it was the right decision. Nick sent me regular updates, including videos of my dog working on skills and having the best time with the “pack”. He is now off leash trained so we can start to hike with him, which will be great. My dog loved being with Nick and I think was sad to come home! We are so happy to have him home, though, and are continuing to work on all that Nick has taught us. I feel safe walking my dog now and more empowered to be clear with my dog about my expectations. Choosing Nick at Equilibrium Training was the best decision we could have made.

Millie stayed with Nick for a 4-week board and train program and the results far exceeded my expectations!! Millie is a sweet girl but extremely environmentally sensitive and has a number of triggers: bikes, scooters, strollers, sudden movements, loud noises, etc. and struggled with stranger danger at times. Living in the city and walking her was nearly impossible as we encountered her triggers at every turn resulting in her becoming fearful, shutting down, and attempting to flee the area. Nick truly understood Millie’s needs and tailored the board and train to be focused on exposure to the world and her triggers. Millie went from being unable to have an enjoyable experience outside to confidently walking around the commotion of Boston Common on pick-up day! Now she encounters her triggers and is able to bounce back immediately. Nick also taught her a majority of her obedience commands from scratch (down, place, wait, back, heel, and her release word) and she is now reliable off-leash. Nick was not only super communicative during the process (sending updates, pictures, and videos) but also spent hours with me on pick-up day to make sure I understood the commands/techniques and how to support her. He continues to be available for every question that I have. I’m so thankful for Nick and his process that truly transformed the relationship I have with Millie.