REWARDS FIRST. STRUCTURE ALWAYS.
BUILD THE BOND.
REWARD THE WORK.
KEEP IT REAL.
I offer reward-forward balanced training for dogs of all ages. We teach the behavior with food, toys, and praise first—then add clear structure and fair follow-through so it actually works at home and in public.
Choose the training path that fits your needs:
For Good Buddy Canine’s full reward-forward balanced training approach.
Rover bookings follow platform guidelines and use a positive-only approach.
Rewards + Structure
At Good Buddy Canine, training is built around clear communication, fair guidance, and rewards that help dogs learn with confidence. Every dog is different, so training is tailored to their needs, personality, and goals.
Real-life training
Practical skills that help at home, on walks, and in everyday situations.
Clear communication
Dogs learn best when expectations, timing, and follow-through are consistent.
Tailored support
No one-size-fits-all approach — each plan is adjusted to the dog in front of us.
Tailored Training Sessions
Private Training (1-on-1 Coaching)
$82/ 60-Min Session
Private sessions are recommended after your first consultation.
Puppy Foundations (3-Phase Program)
Starting at $246 (Jumpstart) • 3 sessions/week
Program placement is determined during the consultation.
Off-Leash Reliability (Obedience + Safety)
Starting at $335.71/week • 3 sessions/week • 7 weeks
or $2,250 paid in full
Available after evaluation and foundation skills.
Training FAQs
WHAT IS REWARD-FORWARD TRAINING?
ARE SPECIFIC TOOLS REQUIRED?
Reward-forward means we teach first with food, toys, and praise so your dog understands the job. Once the behavior is learned, we add clear structure and real-world practice so your dog can follow through around distractions. It’s about clarity, consistency, and results you can live with.
Not always. Every dog is different. If your dog needs clearer leash communication, I may recommend a properly fitted prong collar. If your goal is off-leash reliability, I may recommend e-collar work. Tools are used as communication—not punishment—and I coach you on fit, timing, and rules so it stays safe and fair.
HOW MUCH ARE SESSIONS?
WHERE DO WE TRAIN?
Consultations are $75. Single private sessions are $82, or $328 for a 4-session package. For full pricing on Puppy Foundations, Functional Basic Obedience, and Off-Leash Reliability, please visit the individual program details pages.Travel beyond 15 miles from my location includes a $15 flat fee. For locations over 25 miles, travel pricing is adjusted based on distance.
We train where the problem happens. Sessions may be at your home, your neighborhood, or a local park/public space depending on your goals. The point is to build real-life obedience—not perfect behavior only in one quiet spot.
WHEN SHOULD I START?
As soon as possible. The earlier we build structure and good habits, the easier training is. Puppies can start right away, and adult dogs can improve at any age—it just depends on consistency and a clear plan.
CAN I BOOK ON ROVER?
Yes. If we connected through Rover, we’ll keep booking and payment through Rover and follow Rover’s training guidelines for those sessions.
If you’re booking privately through Good Buddy Canine, training plans are customized to your dog and goals, including a reward-forward balanced approach when appropriate. If you’re not sure which option fits you, start with a consultation and I’ll guide you.
"Nikki blends different training styles to suit your dog's needs. He works with you, not at you to help teach owner techniques as well as modify your dogs habits; all in a friendly, professional, calm manner. After only three sessions my dog is already making great progress in soothing/conditioning her fearful behaviors. I highly recommend Nikki to help you and your pet achieve success."
— Marta
Rover Review
Good training should feel clear, practical, and doable. Here’s what clients are saying about their experience with Good Buddy Canine.
REAL CLIENT WINS
"Nikki has been so helpful in training my high energy puppy. He gives clear instructions and has an outlined plan for each training session with the ability to modify it depending on new puppy behaviors. He also gives specific goals to work towards in between sessions that keep the training progressing from session to session."
— Jayden
Client Review
"Nikki is extremely educated and patient! He worked with my adult dog who was very stubborn and set in his ways. He explained why he was using certain techniques, not just what to do. I’ve seen great progress in my dog & certainly feel a lot more confident and comfortable handling him. Nikki has been a great communicator and has even provided us “homework” for in between sessions, highly recommend :)"
— Brooke
Client Review
