This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

We asked Nicholle a few questions so that you could get to know her better!
Nicholle: In 2014, I found myself in a position where I was working in an office but felt as though I was missing something. I was able to secure myself a position to apprentice under the guidance of the lead trainer and supervisor for the NYPD’s prestigious Counterterrorism K-9 Unit. It was here that I found my passion as a dog trainer. I was able to work hands on with a variety of dogs from working dogs to pet dogs, and learned how to identify, dissect, and modify both simple and complex behavioral issues.
Nicholle: I believe there are a lot of talented dog trainers in this world, where I can offer the greatest assistance to our clients is by my understanding of how the dogs mind works and, in my ability to teach people. Being a talented dog trainer can’t help our clients if we can’t effectively relay the information so that our clients can be the best dog handlers and pet parents they can be. My number one goal is to help our clients and their dogs live together in harmony
Nicholle: When I was a small child I was deathly afraid of dogs. Whenever we were around a dog my dad had to hold me or I’d cry.
Nicholle: I like to cook and bake, I also love the beach and hiking when its warm enough. This San Diego girl likes to hibernate during the winter with Netflix and snacks.
We asked Susan a few questions so that you could get to know her better!
Susan: I apprenticed under a Master Trainer who was very well known in the dogsport world. I learned my craft on dogs who were bred for policework, security and protection. I became a Petco trainer while I was working a managerial position. I was always wanting to know more so I attended endless seminars around the country…some of the seminars I attended were Bart Bellon, Michael Ellis, Henny Bolster and Mike Suttle. I learned all systems of training obedience as well as scent discrimination and protection.
Susan: I know how frustrating it can be living with a difficult dog or be so overworked that training your family pet can become a daunting chore. I love to teach and simplify the whole process. I love to take that difficult dog whose next stop is the shelter and teach manners. I have patience of a Saint, and will under promise and over deliver. Just as I can evaluate a dog, I can also evaluate the owner and improvise a perfect plan that will suit both. I personalize the experience. No cookie-cutter dog training here!
Susan: I am a tropical fish enthusiast! I am working on my planted discus fish tank as we speak. Another fun fact is that one of my dogs was in the movie The Joker (and we got to meet Joaquín Phoenix)!
Susan: I am an avid outdoorsy type who loves camping, hiking, fishing, mountain biking and exploring waterfalls.
We asked Erin a few questions so that you could get to know her better!
Erin: I apprenticed under Frank right here at Best Friend’s Dog Training!
Erin: I’ve worked with horses for many years and it definitely helps see each dog in a different light and helps me problem solve. I think that I’m relatable to clients, and I’m good at understanding the issues the owners are having and figuring out a way that will solve the problem on both ends.
Erin: I have been riding horses since I was 4, and I graduated high school when I was 16.
Erin: Ride horses and work on my Jeep!
We asked Anthony a few questions so that you could get to know him better!

Anthony: I have been with BFDT for about a year, and I was a K9 patrol/bomb detection handler for 15 years.

Anthony: I trained and worked two patrol/bomb protection dogs for 15+ years as a police officer with the MTA Police Department, and have bomb detection and patrol dog certifications; in addition, I’ve attended countless K9 handler courses and seminars.

 

Anthony: From experience, I have learned how to read and understand dogs, and find what motivates them to want to listen, and learn what the owner is trying to teach them. I feel that training the owner, and making sure they understand the program and why their dog is behaving a certain way is the key to any good trainer.

 

Anthony: I am in my high school’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Anthony: I enjoy coaching my daughter’s travel softball team, and attending as many concerts as possible!

We asked Michele a few questions so that you could get to know her better!

Michele: I am a Bart Bellon® NePoPo® Gold School Training Program graduate and have NePoPo® Gold School Training Program Ecollar Training Certification. I am also an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, AKC Fit Dog Level 1 Instructor, and AKC ATT Evaluator. I have attended seminars with: Tyler Muto; Betsy Scapicchio & Linda Brennan (TopDog Obedience School); Diane Bauman; Karen Lechner, Suffolk Nassau Agile Paws, and am a member of the IACP (International Association of Canine Professionals).

 

Michele: I have my own private company, GoDogGo K9 Academy, and I was also a Nassau Dog Training Club instructor.

Michele: As a school teacher, I work with students from high school to adults. Being able to connect with people and ameliorate their insecurities in a new area of learning is not easy. By trying to teach the practical skills and dog training language in a way that clients can process and understand using in every day language through every day experiences, it helps them feel comfortable with learning a new set of skills.

 

Michele: I am a foodie…I love good food, practicing culinary arts, and trying different, authentic, ethnic foods. I’ll try any strange ethnic food item twice, but I draw the line at bugs–not that I have not eaten one!

 

Michele: I studied music and dance most my life, and I play piano and sing. I competed in ProAm Ballroom dance. I coach swimming and teach American Red Cross lifeguarding and CPR classes.