I would give Nikki 6/5 stars if it were an option! Nikki Ivey is a brilliant dog behaviorist!!! She focuses on positive reinforcement training so you build a stronger bond with your dogs and so your dogs build more confidence in themselves and you!
I hired Nikki to help one of my dogs who was experiencing severe anxiety and dog reactivity, Bella. I adopted Bella from a shelter's ICU where she was recovering from a severe dog attack and was in extremely poor health. At the time I was just finishing college and interning in PR at the shelter, and I really had NO clue what I was doing or getting myself into at all - I just knew I wanted Bella. For the first few months after adopting Bella, the focus was entirely on her physical healing as she had to spend 2 weeks in ICU, had a fever of 108, was covered in wounds and scars from her past trauma, had developed pneumonia and demodex mange. After she became stronger and healthier, her mental state was becoming noticeably more unstable. When I called Nikki, Bella had reached the point that she would shake, scream/squeal, and lunge when she would see other dogs due to fear reactivity. Within THREE training sessions, Bella was able to walk past other dogs on leash with more confidence!!!!!!!!!! Nikki teaches the owners how to best understand your dog's behavior, as well as other dogs around you! Nikki trained me so that I could give the best care to Bella and keep her safe and happy in all situations!!! Bella is now a VERY happy pup who is calm, confident, and much more relaxed in situations that used to be very stressful!!! I cannot say enough how much Nikki helped our family!
I have worked with several trainers through animal rescue volunteer work, and I now only recommend Nikki to friends, family, and other volunteers in the animal welfare/rescue scene in Nashville... because Nikki is just amazing! Nikki's confidence is contagious, so even if you are a very sensitive, completely clueless, and an overly worrier of a person like me... Nikki will also build YOUR confidence so you can be the best dog mom or dad you can be! Also, Nikki is hilarious!!!
I have done 3 private sessions with Nikki for Bella, attended 2 of her 3-hour dog behavior seminars, and attended several of her animal welfare volunteer safety seminars - I would recommend her for all the above!!!!!!! read more