Testimonials
I highly recommend Nicholas Bell’s dog training. More than a dog trainer, Nicholas is a human trainer, and the skills I have learned and practiced with my pup Luna have deepened our relationship and made leash-less runs together possible. Nicholas is patient and takes the time to explain the how’s and why’s of the methodology. Understanding this would have been good for me to know when I was a mother of small children! Nicholas is kind and intuitive, and he listens to the desires of his clients, catering the sessions to meet us where we are and where we want to go. Not only is Nicholas a great trainer, he is a man of integrity and wisdom and spending time with him is time well spent. I also appreciate that when I have a questions or a hiccup, Nicholas is only a text away and is eager to give me direction.
—Katie Sutko Twit
I was hesitant when my husband suggested we use an e-collar for our 1-year-old Giant Schnauzer. Elvis was as eager to please as he was big, and he was plenty big. Elvis was so big that I struggled to effectively use the leash to redirect him when he was distracted. For reference, I am a petite woman, measuring at 5'1''.
When I heard e-collar, I thought of shock collar. I thought it was supposed to hurt or punish our dog. I had zero interest in that type of training tool. I am so grateful that Nicholas took the time to meet with us and explain how the e-collar works and how to work the e-collar. It changed my relationship with Elvis.
My husband and I call it his cell phone! Elvis gets so excited when the e-collar comes out. You see him focus in on me and my commands. I now feel like I am in control of my dog without having to rely on my own strength.
The e-collar unlocked an even better and closer relationship with my dog. No matter the conditions or environment, I feel safe walking my dog. Never again will I have to worry about being dragged into the street when he sees a rabbit!
—Mackenzie S. Mills
My wife and I decided quarantine during COVID-19 was the perfect time to get the dog that we had always wanted. We knew we had the time and ability to make sure he felt loved and safe. While we had love in our hearts and a desire to help him understand the rules of the home, we needed help communicating with our pup. Enter The DogPa! Nicholas is a communicator. He understands people, home environments, and, most importantly, dogs. He helped turn our cute little puppy into an obedient and kind dog. What makes him special? Nicholas will not only teach your dog the basic and advanced commands, but he will teach you how he taught your pup. When your dog starts misbehaving because of a lack of exercise or attention, an overabundance of stimulation, or just because he is being a little stinker, you will have the skills that will allow you to redirect your dog’s attention and keep the line of communication between you and your dog open. We all need help staying on track and our dogs are no different. Nicholas is kind, patient, compassionate, and intelligent. He will train your dog and help train you to be the owner that your dog needs and deserves. Let The DogPa help create the relationship with your dog that you always wanted and he always deserved. No need to get blue, The DogPa’s got you!
—Thomas Gross and Elvis Lavon Gross
See Spike’s before & after video here
My five-year-old French bulldog Spike Tyson had always been kind of a terror in some ways, as loving and wonderful as he could be at times. Spike was horrid around other dogs and certain people (mostly strangers). He did not listen to me at all. He would wildly bark, lunge, and pull on his leash during walks whenever he saw other dogs. Letting Spike out back was a nightmare, too — my neighbors on both sides have dogs and he would just go ballistic whenever he spotted them. And when I brought out the vacuum? Full-on attack mode.
I was constantly both embarrassed and exasperated. I knew SOMETHING needed to change and help was necessary. I heard great things about The DogPa and watched videos of his work with his past canine clients. I just knew it was time so I signed Spike up for The DogPa’s two-week Pawcademy.
Throughout those two weeks, I received daily updates and videos (a joy to watch but also instructional, too). The day Spike came home, Nicholas took a lot of time to thoroughly and patiently explain how I would be following through with Spike’s training. He then worked with us once Spike’s leash was back in my hands.
I have indeed followed through with Nicholas’ training at home and now have a different dog living with me — one who is a delight to take on walks and is a GOOD BOY when anyone shows up at my door. A dog who actually listens to me. Also, the neighbors’ dogs and the vacuum are no longer victims of Spike’s wrath.
Nicholas loves dogs, loves what he does, and has a genuine gift for working with dogs. I just cannot recommend him enough. Thank you so much, Nicholas
—Karen Campbell
My Cube, a Pitbull breed, was like Jekyl and Hyde. At home, he was this sweet, cuddle-muffin. Out for walks, he was on the lookout for something to attack. He drug me along, jerking and lunging at other animals. Walking him was a nightmare. Thanks to Nicholas Bell and 5 weeks of training, Cube walks obediently beside me and no longer tries to hunt down other critters. He listens to commands and is a joy to walk. He has recently been certified as a service dog thanks in part to his training with Nicholas.
—Michelle Troxclair
Nicholas is an AMAZING dog trainer! He helped my 2-year-old toy Aussie overcome her fears in just one lesson. During the covid lockdown, Honey suddenly became scared of men and this was very troubling to me, as she is usually very friendly and social. Before the lesson, I had no idea Honey could learn so much so quickly. Nicholas communicates extremely well--he listened to what we wanted and within a few minutes taught Honey what to do. The best part was that he explained to us what he was doing and then had us practice it with her, so we could keep it up at home. It was incredible how much we accomplished in just one lesson. Honey is one happy pupper and I learned so much from Nicholas about how to keep Honey on the right track. I totally 100% recommend Nicholas the DogPa!
—Lois Corey
See Jack’s before & after video here
We couldn't be more grateful for sending our Schnoodle, Jack, to Nicholas at The DogPa, for the 2-week academy. While we have tried other trainers over the years, Nicholas provided the consistency and expertise to help Jack and then provide us the tools to continue on. It was a very, very good experience and one I'd recommend to anyone. He is an excellent trainer and when your dog is gone for 2 weeks, the daily updates, videos, and pictures were very comforting. We will always reach out to Nicholas moving forward and again, thankful for all the accomplishments and improvements he assisted Jack/us with!
—Beth & Jeff Morford