Compassion. Integrity. Excellence.

A Message from Your Dog's Mental Health Counsellor...

Hi! Thanks for stopping by to get to know a little bit more about who I am and how I help families and their dogs.

I'm Niki, a board certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA®), a Registered Professional Canine Counsellor (RPCC), a Certified Family Dog Mediator (CFDM) and a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPACTP).

In 2024, I graduated from Kelowna College of Professional Counselling upon completion of the Diploma of Professional Counselling and Psychotherapy Program. Being trained in professional counselling gives me the tools I need to properly support the whole unit into a loving and peaceful family system.

I also am a Certified Equine Massage Therapist, a Reiki Practitioner, Canine Herbalist, Pet Food Nutrition Specialist and an Essential Oils Practitioner.

On a daily basis, I work with animals that are struggling emotionally, physically and within their soul essence. My approach to helping them heal takes consideration of the whole body and all of the intricate systems that make it function optimally.

From the mind to the body to the soul, everything must work together to create unity, balance and wellness.

I have spent the past 25 years immersing myself in the sciences of applied ethology, biology, neurobiology, and behaviour learning theory. My journey has also embraced natural wellness, pet nutrition, and the therapeutic use of herbs and plant extracts. By weaving these disciplines together, I have mastered my art as an Integrative Canine Behaviour Counsellor, bringing a blend of evidence-based education, clinical wisdom, and intuition to every course, workshop, and teaching session.

In 2022, I expanded my commitment to healing by earning a Diploma in Professional Counselling. Today, my work is dual-focused: I support canine and family well-being through my private practice and serve as a social worker at a Métis Family and Child Agency. This experience in supporting human family systems allows me to bring a uniquely holistic approach to my work with dogs. I don’t just look at "training"—I focus on healing and helping families thrive by strengthening the deep-rooted connections between all members of the household.

Coming in April 2027: The Dogs are Alright

I am thrilled to announce that my first book, The Dogs are Alright, will be released in April 2027. This work takes guardians on a journey of discovery into who their dog truly is and what they need to heal, thrive, and enjoy a peaceful life together.

The book introduces my signature Canine-Centred Therapy model, a six-pillar path to building canine resilience. This model serves as the foundational philosophy for everything we do within the Thriving Connections Community. Watch this space for more information on the official release and pre-order dates!

Can't wait until 2027? Get an early look at the Canine-Centred Therapy framework inside our Skool community today.

My Mission Statement...

With a specialty in canine reactivity, fear, aggression and canine communication, I've made it my mission to help humans better understand their animal companions, bridge the communication gap between them and build a deep-rooted connection based on trust, cooperation and compassion.

Through ethical practices, reward-based learning systems, applied ethology principles and natural healing practices, I am committed to providing the resources and support my students require to create a life long relationship with their dog.

My Core Values

Diving into the depths of applied ethology, behaviour and cognitive learning theories has been a central theme of my life since I completed high school. I’ve had the opportunity to study in extraordinary learning environments with some of the top behaviour experts in the world and I’ve made it my mission to pass on that wisdom to my clients through transformative behaviour coaching. My focus and core values are threefold:

ONE

Create a harmonious and connected partnership between humans and their animal companions without the use of force, fear, intimidation or pain.

TWO

Respect each client, the community, municipality and environment through honest and ethical business practices that exceed current standards in the industry.

THREE

Continue to grow and receive education to ensure my behaviour coaching approach, knowledge, principles, techniques and methods will continue to serve my clients needs.

My Counselling Philosophy

My counselling philosophy is founded in compassion and based on the scientific principles of applied ethology, behaviour, social and cognitive learning theories, with an emphasis on intuitive connection and building understanding through mutual communication. I never use coercion, force, pain, fear, intimidation or corrections when interacting, teaching or raising animals. I constantly strive to educate and inspire my coaching clients through mutual respect and gentle guidance with the most up to date, scientifically backed, teaching technologies and wellness protocols.