Testimonials

Private Training
My experience with Nikki Ivey has been quite the history. I had a Maltese (Lived to be 18 years of age) and Nikki was just at that very young age when she had her in her care as a vet tech. She knew my instruction for my dog’s weekly grooming was “Don’t let her outside”, which Nikki would do before her bath. Long story short, I got a new Maltese and called a “dog trainer”. It’s Nikki. Nikki trained ME to allow my dog to actually be a dog. She gave me confidence to take control of my cute dog-child for her betterment. She is the life of the party for humans that visit. I have Nikki to thank for this blessing and joy in my life.
—Bonnie (Roxie’s person)

Seminar
I have been fostering dogs for 7 years and have thoroughly loved most minutes. The minutes that made me seek help for me and my fosters were when I had to say to a prospective adopter “this dog is great with…., but not so good at….” A couple of years ago I started reading and watching all I could about dog behaviors so I would not have to  make excuses to adopters, but could say, “this dog is great!” I am always open to learning more techniques so I can “listen” to my dogs better and find the fosters the best homes ever. Thanks to Nikki for teaching me more “tricks for my bag”, because all of us who work with animals know that not every approach works with every dog. We are all different, so why shouldn’t dogs be different too? Thanks Nikki!

Private Training
My first encounter with Nikki Ivey was a last desperation attempt to save a young German Shepherd my husband and I had rescued. The creature was gripped in anxiety, fear, and low self esteem. After applying Nikki’s techniques, that German Shepherd is now well adjusted and confident and will shortly earn her certification as a search and rescue dog. Nikki has literally changed our lives by teaching us the universal language of dogs and how to interact with them. She possesses the rare balance of being an expert in her field with the heart of a teacher. Because of her, we’re not only better dog owners, we’re better people.
—Shirley (Gretta’s person), Mt. Juliet, TN

Seminar
After attending just one of Nikki’s seminars I learned many helpful tools that were easy to understand and immediately implement with astounding results!!!  We (me and Sundance) have literally made huge progress on some major on going challenges!!  Our leash, door and crate skills aka “self control” skills have improved 100% and it was easy and fun to teach!!  It was so much fun because I realized (again and again) that I was really learning to communicate with Sundance and he was understanding! I have been taking obedience and agility classes for while and so I was very amazed with how much I learned in just one 2.5 hour seminar from Nikki! Besides the seminar being packed full with new tools and information I thoroughly enjoyed it!  She is an engaging speaker and had video examples of her methods in action and handouts to refer to after the seminar. Sundance sends his regards for teaching me how to teach him how to play with plush toys instead of eating them!!  They are his favorite and he is ecstatic to have them back in his life! I truly admire and appreciate Nikki’s passion to help the dog rescue community and educate the public about dog behavior.  I hope that more and more canine guardians receive behavior education to help guardians form even better relationships with their dogs and in turn maybe there will be less dogs given up or lost! After this seminar I went on Nikki’s website and see so many more classes and seminars I want to attend!  She has something for everyone, from pet guardians to pet rescuers to pet professionals!!  My next seminar will be learning about Dog-Dog & Dog-Human Communication!!  Thank you Nikki for what you are doing for pet guardians and their pets!
~Michelle & Sundance, Mars Petcare US

Private Training
I really appreciated the time you took on such short notice with Tess (she was worn out). I did as you suggested and purchased the “Gentle Leader” and it made a world of difference. I am also training her to sit and stay (got the sit part) still working on the stay. Please take me up on doing a training DVD. It would be sort of like Dog Training for DUMMIES.
—Perianne (Tess’s person) Hermitage, TN

Private Training
“Pugs aren’t very smart.” I heard that so many times when I first got my adorable little pug, Baxter. However, all those folks are now eating their words thanks to the training we received from Nikki. Baxter was quite shy at first and my own training techniques just weren’t working. Thanks to Nikki’s unique approach, Baxter has competed in recreational agility, received his Canine Good Citizen, and probably has more manners than most children I know. I really feel there isn’t anything I couldn’t teach him! Thanks, Nikki, for helping make Baxter a true member of our family!
—Denise (Baxter’s person), Brentwood, TN

Group Training & Seminars
DogSpeak has been working with our organization, Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue(www.proverbs1210rescue.org), for a few months now. She has proven to be an excellent resource and is working with some of our volunteers, to be specific, my husband and I so we can work with our fosters. We participated in the 6-week group class at Woof Waggin and participated in the Be Safe, Be Responsible:Understanding Dog-Dog & Dog-Human Communication and the Understanding Dog Dynamics of Play & Interaction, seminars. It is amazing at what you learn and how you can observe behaviors differently once you have participated in these seminars and training. The response I’ve seen with our animals and some of our fosters have been amazing. I would recommend her services to anyone who has a new puppy, no matter age, and/or a newly adopted older dog. The great thing about her style of training is it works for any age dog.
—Penny (Toby’s Person), Kingston Springs, TN
www.proverbs1210rescue.org

 

Group Class
“Before the class I thought that I was fairly knowledgable about dogs and was doing most of the right things for mine and their health…needless to say, I had a lot to learn and still do. The class I signed up for was 1-2 hours. We covered some of the basics of walking, sit, stay, going in/out of doors, and ignoring on command. Even though that doesn’t sound like much for the time, it was plenty. I learned ways to accomplish these I would have never thought of own my own and since neither Cooper or Roscoe excelled at any of these, they would have a chance now. “”The training was really for us not the dogs. How do we react when ‘anything’ happens, what do we say or do when they’re bad or good. Sending confusing signals and not being consistent were things I didn’t realize I was doing, but I was. We have progress and walks are more enjoyable. If things aren’t going the way I want them I can change it. We can go through doors or gates without me getting run over and if it’s time to leave something alone, it’s left alone…most of the time. Still working on that one.”So, if you have dogs and are challenged like me, take a class or two. You might just learn a little about yourself and your dogs might be happier too. Special thanks to everyone at Woof Waggin for hosting and Nikki Ivey for the training.”
Click here for Brian’s blog.
—Brian (Roscoe & Cooper’s person), Pegram, TN

 

Seminar
All of us from Country K-9 Rescue really enjoyed the Mars seminar. You had a great presentation, you made it interesting, fun and educational. I had three fosters at the time and started working with them using your methods the next day and had incredible results! Thanks for help us give the dogs a better life!
-Carolyn Sharp, Foster, Country K-9 Rescue

Group Class
Hannah, our pit bull mix, was totally different than our other two dogs, she was hyper and chewing everything in the house. She also had accidents in the house and would fight with our other dogs. You could tell she was fearful and nervous. We researched several trainers/classes but didn’t want a class that just taught sit & stay. We also didn’t want a trainer that used heavy handed techniques. We were then referred to Nikki Ivey and her classes at Woof Waggin. After starting the Group Class we learned what motivated Hannah. We learned how to train Hannah to think for herself and to use problem-solving skills so we wouldn’t have to tell her everything to do in certain situations. We were amazed at how quickly Hannah began to respond with positive behavior. Nikki’s skill and insight on dog behavior is right on target. Her techniques provide common sense solutions to real life problems that all pet owners encounter. Hannah is continuing to learn and grow and is nothing like the dog she was when we first started class. I would highly recommend Nikki’s training and training classes to anyone who is looking to bring a positive change in their pet’s behavior.
-Alice & Paul (Hannah’s mom & dad), Nashville

Private Training
We hired Nikki for personal home training with our new British Lab puppy, Flo. Flo was a much anticipated addition to our family for the pure joy of being a family dog. Labs are known for their exuberance and certainly Flo is no exception. We knew early training would be crucial in developing a great relationship with Flo and simultaneously a well-mannered dog. What we didn’t know was what a gift we found in Nikki. The first time she came to our home I was in awe of her “DogSpeak”. It was as if she knew exactly what made Flo tick and how to get her to respond without shouting out commands or physical intervention. She really trained us more than she trained Flo. She taught us how to think like a dog (I know that may sound funny) which allowed us to appreciate Flo by learning what motivates her, and how she problem solves. It was through this method, we were able to gain a mutual respect for each other and simultaneously still be leaders. We are so grateful to Nikki for showing us who Flo can be by setting clear expectations and following through with consistency. By putting the time and effort into training, we have begun a life-long relationship with Flo.
-Gratefully, The Crawford Family

 

Seminar
Nikki, I had the pleasure of attending your seminar at Mars this past January.   This was the second time for me to attend because we (Hope’s Haven Pet Rescue) enjoyed seeing your seminar last year and had to do it again.  I also hit so many of the “what not to do” points that I think I qualified for a repeat course.  Thank you so much for your useful tips to help train our foster dogs as well as our personal ones.  I really saw a difference when I ignored the rowdy behavior and acknowledged and rewarded the good behavior.  I would recommend anyone with a dog to listen to your advice on the best approach and importance of  teaching a dog everyday manners.  This knowledge is a huge asset to our rescue group and has helped us place our animals in their forever home. Thank you again!
-Kathy Richards, Hope’s Haven Pet Rescue

Private Training
I have had a private session for Shooter and myself (mostly for me, of course). As soon as possible, we plan on more. These are a great way for Nikki to see the everyday environment and pinpoint what needs to be addressed for a better relationship with your pet. In my case, I’m a control freak and we had gone through the typical obedience classes using the unkind and forceful approach to training. This left my little Shorkie, Shooter, insecure and lacking confidence. Nikki offers something gentler and more effective. While we both need more work, I have seen improvements with him trying to figure out more things on his own. I’ve watched his little brain start to problem solve. He is one smart and funny little monkey. He seems to have a little more confidence and has done well in doggy day care with other dogs. I look forward to continuing my training and working more with Nikki.
-Pam Farnsworth-Shooter’s Mom

Seminar
Just wanted to say “thanks” for the many useful dog training tips that we received from your presentation at Mars / Pedigree headquarters on January 22nd.  We are trying out several of these tips on our own dogs to develop our skills, and then plan to educate our foster families on several of the training exercises and desired behaviors to create a more-adoptable dog.   So far, we have made great progress with our 6 large dogs on better door manners and using the “ignore” method to get more favorable behavior at our kitchen table and other places in our house.  Thanks again for all the ideas – and keeping us awake at your seminar!  Thanks, also, to Mars Corporation for their support of shelters and rescues.
-Jackie Baker, President, Wags and Whiskers Pet Rescue, Inc.
Crossville, TN
www.wawpr.org

Daycare Inception/Seminar
The insight Nikki Ivey has into the world of dog language is unsurpassed. Nikki’s knowledge has made a large contribution to the success of our Interactive Daycare program at Crossroads Pet Professionals, LLC. I feel that anyone in the pet industry will greatly benefit from her seminars.
-Gina Chandler, LVMT

 

 

Daycare Staff Training
Nikki came into our facility with her wealth of knowledge to do seminars and hands on training with our staff. Her highly effective approach and understanding of dog behavior has benefited our facility tremendously. Fantastic training style! Thanks Nikki for all that you do!
-Myra Starko, General Manager
My Second Home Pet Resorts of America

Daycare Staff Training
I was one of those people who started this business without having any dog daycare, training experience or knowledge. Our staff have been through Nikki’s training and have done a lot of hands-on work with her, and we have been able to turn people with no experience into dog daycare supervisors (including myself) and run fun, successful daycare groups. Not only did we get to learn how to manage and deal with the dogs, but also how to sell daycare and to convey the right information to the dogs’ parents like explaining their different behaviors. The knowledge and education you get from her seminars and training is phenomenal and I would highly recommend her to anyone wanting to further (or start for that matter) their knowledge about dealing with dogs in daycare or training. It’s really helping us to be good at what we do and be successful. So far we are having a great time.
-Jen Rinehart, Woof Waggin’ Board & Biscuit
Pegram, TN

Daycare Staff Training
Nikki has provided in-depth dog communication
training for the staff at The Farm at Natchez Trace.  Her knowledge and understanding of the way a dog communicates and her ability to share that information with humans is unique.  She has the ability to think “outside the box” and go beyond the traditional methods of dog training. Whether you have a puppy or an older dog, we are happy to recommend Nikki Ivey. She won’t disappoint you!
-The Farm at Natchez Trace

Dog Daycare Staff Training
I had been working at different doggie daycares for 5 years, but recently found myself in the position of opening my own and both the game and the rules were different. All of a sudden, it was all me. The preliminary steps taken to achieve doggie harmony had always been done by someone else and I got to do the fun parts (show up, play with dogs for a few hours and then go home). For the first time I was doing the temperament tests, controlling the dogs’  environment and finding the right mix of dogs. I decided that I needed some help in understanding dog behavior and language, so both my mother (who works with me) and I took Nikki’s Daycare seminar. We got so much out of it that we enlisted her help on a one on one basis at Bark-O-Lounge. Now we understand calming signals, warnings, acceptable humping, splitting and much more. It has made a huge difference in, not only our interactions with the dogs, but their interactions with each other. For example, on the second day of opening we had a large lab, Harrison, that was being aggressive to the other dogs. We followed Nikki’s step by step rules for handling the situation and was amazed at how quickly the situation turned around. Within hours Harrison not only kept his aggression in check, but for the rest of the day when the play of the other dogs got too rough he would separate the dogs and look to us for approval. We had 2 small puppies that day and Harrison also became their protector from unwanted attention from the other dogs and again looked to us for approval each time he intercepted. Nikki is a great teacher, but  also a great friend. She made a point to go out of her way and attend The Bark-O-Lounge Yappy Hour meet and greet and stopped by opening day, as well – above and beyond. Nikki’s instruction is invaluable and highly recommended.
-Bark-O-Lounge family

Seminar
Nikki, I have a great story to share with you! Of course everywhere I go now, I find a dog in need. But the last time it happened to me, was a bit miraculous the way it all played out and I have you to thank for knowing what to do! I took my son to the mall to shop for clothes. We were dressed up and in his small sports car! Not a good rescue scenario, but of course I have that big flashing beacon over my head now, that apparently all dogs can see! Anyway, as soon as we pulled into the mall I saw a stray on the small grass island under a tree in a parking lot, right next to an incredibly busy street, near an intersection! A man was crouched with his hand outstretched trying to get the dog to come to him. I decided to get some Chic-fil-a and ice water to try to help him out. It was right next to the intersection and I could see he was getting no where with the stray. My son thought I was nuts, because we could not put a stray dog in his mustang, but I had to try. By the time I got the food and water back to the stray, the man was gone. So I parked a little bit away, and used “Dogspeak” to approach her at a wide angle, with averted gaze and a soft posture. I crouched down a few feet away with my body angled away from her and slightly turned my head from her and didn’t speak. She watched me a bit, but was very polite with a midline tail, relaxed mouth and body, using her perfect doggie manners to say hello to me! After a second, I tossed a bit of chicken her way and spoke softly to her. She walked to the chicken, sniffed it, left it laying on the ground and walked over to me instead! I kept my eyes on her, but remained calm with my head slightly turned, and my body still angled away from her. She sniffed my hand and then my shoulder and was very relaxed. She ate chicken from my hand and drank water from my cup! After only no more than a minute or so! A car then pulled up and began to tell me more about this sweet dog, who by the way, was also in heat. The lady, Leigh told me she worked in that very shopping center and the dog had been there for more than two weeks! Many people had tried to approach her, but she always ran in fear. Leigh had even tried to feed her and tried to catch her to give her a home. She said the stray wouldn’t even eat the dog food she left, she was so afraid to approach. During our talking, two different cars pulled up, with people trying to help. Every time, the dog ran away to hide, only to return to me after the cars pulled away! I sat on the curb near her and she actually approached me and nuzzled my hair, and licked my hand! It was absolutely amazing. Leigh and her daughters walked over and tried to pet, which spooked her a bit, but after I told them to pet her chest, instead of her head and a few other “Nikki-isms”, she began to trust them a bit too. It was obvious the dog was so…..relieved and overwhelmingly happy to have contact and love! It reminded me of you saying in one of your classes, “thank goodness, someone who finally understands me!” You could see those feelings in every ounce of her being! Leigh asked me more questions and offered to take her home, if I would be her resource person in case it didn’t work out, which I was glad to do. They believed I spoke to animals after watching me with the dog, and asked all sorts of advice! I have since talked to Leigh a couple of times to arrange vetting using my discount, and to check in on her progress. A close friend of their family fell in love with the stray girl, and she now has a home with a big fenced yard and kids, which by the way, she adores! Leigh promised to keep me updated and to return the dog to me if things don’t work out. I can’t tell you how wonderful that experience was and I have you to thank! I’ve used your methods many times with rescues, strays and my own pups of course. I’ve helped neighbors who thought they had an aggressive dog, that wasn’t in the least! I always tell them about you and give them your website. If everyone took your class, we’d have fewer unwanted pets in the world! I really believe most surrenders are just a lack of communication. I don’t have perfect dogs by any stretch of the imagination, but we understand each other better and therefore trust each other more. It makes for an amazing bond with my pups and I manage 4 large dogs in my home better than I might have managed one dog in the past! Oh, I had a funny experience at the dog park too a few weeks ago! Two people came in to the fenced dog park, each with a dog they kept on leash. The dogs were obviously alert, with stiff high tails, body language saying “back off”! Little mini fights broke out all over the park! My rescue Golden along with many other dogs ran up to the two brats to greet and see what the issue was. I learned that day, that Molli, my sweet, loves-everyone & everything, happy go lucky Golden (who by the way you reminded me at dog event, when Molli growled, that I shouldn’t react negatively, because she might be reacting to the other dog’s attitude or behavior!) was also the Enforcer of Doggie Manners! She promptly told those dogs they needed to check the attitude! It was all growly and teeth with no contact and was completely harmless and kind of funny, if you know what your looking at! The owners of the dogs with attitude grabbed my Molli by the collar, yelling at her. I calmly and promptly informed them to release my girl because she was reacting to their dogs attitude and was not the issue. They did and Molli returned to me with just my soft recall. They then left the park and everything returned to peace and play time immediately! “Nikki says” rules again! Sorry so long, but this stuff happens to me all the time now. It’s the coolest and I had to share!
-Stephanie, Mt. Juliet, TN

Seminar
Nikki Ivey is a fabulous dog (owner) behavior consultant and trainer! I’ve attended her seminars which are extremely informative and helpful, not to mention, fascinating. They give so much insight into the working of a dog’s mind and pack behavior. By attending these seminar you can better understand your beloved pet and make their lives so much better because of it. These seminar should be recommended to everyone that works around dogs and/or is a dog owner.
-Nashville, TN

Seminar
You’re ears must be burning since the last time we met your name has become a household name in my world of rescue, and it seems daily I am dropping your name to someone………

I have been bragging on your seminar/technique to everyone that asks me any dog related issue questions as I found it quite refreshing, and a welcomed change from the traditional training antics that we were all typically raised with.  Your style of training is not only unique, but totally makes more sense, and I have already gained results with some of my most stubborn dogs/rescues…..amazing!…..thank you!
-Joni Willoughby
Collie Rescue of Chapel Hill, TN
colliesrool@yahoo.com
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/TN516.html

Seminar
I attended the Mars seminar by Nikki Ivey and it was absolutely wonderful. She had so much knowledge about training and offered so many good tips and training methods. I have been using them and even tell my potential adopters about them . The videos were very good and reinforced the training methods. I would recommend this seminar to anyone who worked with dogs on a daily basis.
-Anna Niggeler
Susannas SafeHaven Rescue

 

Seminar
I was one of four from Bedford County that attended a recent seminar put on by Nikki at Mars and every one of us came away from the seminar blown away! Having been in animal welfare for several years, this was the first time I had heard about some of these easy techniques that can be used on shelter dogs as well as my own animals. I went home that night and put some of these techniques into use and they worked so easily. I was very impressed. Nikki is very easy to talk to and makes you think. I would recommend her seminars to everyone. In fact, I have told many people about her since and hope to attend another seminar in the future. You owe it to yourself and your animals to give her a try. You will learn and be better for it.
-Kimberly Warren
SBCHA Volunteer & Middle Tennessee Spay & Neuter Clinic President

 

 

Private Training

If you’ve ever owned a Dachshund then you know they are not recognized as being the most obedient of the canine’s family.   Obedient is a category reserved for other dogs that just don’t see the constant thrills a life of lawlessness can offer.   Dachshunds, known for being intelligent, loyal and playful, consider themselves on par with humans.   Herein lies the problem with training.  They occasionally entertain their human(s) by feigning obedience and then roll with laughter as they run out the front door (when you weren’t looking) and you chase after them.  We were those humans until we discovered Nikki.  

We have two dachshunds:  Hunter and Buddy.  In addition, my family (two adults and two kids) fosters puppies for All American Dachshund Rescue.   We have a constant flow of pregnant moms and their pups in our home and as you can guess, it can be chaotic.  We sanctioned parts of our home for the dogs and erected barriers to keep their ‘misbehaving’ to a minimum.  We lived in our self-imposed human kennel for a month before discovering Nikki and learning the training techniques that would allow us to reclaim our home and our lives.

Nikki’s techniques are simple to learn and apply; most training techniques are.  What differentiates Nikki is the philosophy she bases her work on and this is what leads to the phenomenal results.  Her approach is so radically different from the many other approaches we tried that we wondered if it would work, especially given the challenging task of training a dog(s) that frankly, doesn’t see the need for change.  Hands down, it is THE most effective method we’ve ever used.  It has restored serenity in our home and has enabled us to train our foster puppies to become obedient dogs as they transition to their forever homes. 

No other techniques or trainers have yielded such phenomenal results in such little time.  No one else has taught us to understand how the dog learns and what our actions communicate to our dogs.  Although it seems like an oxymoron, we now have well behaved Dachshunds!  We recommend Nikki to all of the families who adopt pups from our rescue because she is the only trainer in my many years of owning and fostering Dachshunds who can deliver lifelong results.

 Melissa Cooke
Middle Tennessee Dachshund Rescue