🐾 Nick 🐾

Behavior Specialist | The Puppy Den Location Coordinator | Lead Senior Playgroup Leader
B.S. Animal Science, Fear Free Certified, CPACM, Pet First Aid Certified, Family Dog Mediator (FDM)

With a decade of hands-on experience, Nick is a cornerstone of The Puppy Den team—combining expertise in puppy development, fear-free handling, and enrichment to give every dog the best start possible. As Location Coordinator and Lead Senior Playgroup Leader, Nick ensures that both pups and people feel supported, safe, and empowered.

Nick’s training style is positive reinforcement and relationship-focused, with a special emphasis on overcoming fear through empowerment. He uses techniques like pattern games to build confidence and strengthen the human-dog bond, helping each puppy grow into a happy, well-adjusted adult.

What Nick loves most are those “lightbulb moments”—when a dog suddenly understands what’s being asked and their joy is matched by their owner’s excitement.

Nick shares his life with Magnolia, a spirited 2.5-year-old Vizsla who loves stalking birds, running through fields, and swimming with her best friends Bourbon and Gertie. Supporting Magnolia’s natural passions is one of Nick’s favorite ways to deepen their bond—whether it’s bird watching or a summer swim together.

His journey into dog behavior began with a lifelong love of animals and a goal of becoming a veterinarian. But after working closely with dogs, Nick realized his true passion was in behavior and relationship-building—and he’s been dedicated to it ever since.

When not at The Puppy Den, Nick enjoys playing video games, encouraging Magnolia’s tracking and stalking adventures, and savoring quiet early mornings with coffee and Mags curled up under the blanket.

Day-to-day, you’ll find Nick running puppy classes, coordinating activities, and constantly creating new ways to keep puppies mentally and physically engaged. His focus is on helping them—and their families—start their journey together on the right paw.