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No Monkey Business Blog
dog training concord new hampshire
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Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KSA, CDBC, OSCT: Posted on Friday, May 18, 2012 9:20 PM
I have been writing this post in my head for a long time now. Years, even. And some of you may think you are going to read something very different by what the title suggests, but this blog is about two subjects that are very near and dear to my heart, and it is my hope that by reading this, some people come away with a new perspective.  This past week (May 13th - 19th) is National Police Week, and next week (May 20th - 26th) is National Dog Bite Prevention Week. It seemed only appropriate for me to FINALLY write this blog post now seeing as these two weeks are very important to me both personally and professionally. I am a dog trainer married to a cop. This means I am bombarded daily with the stereotyping that is done by the media and the public on both pit bulls and police officers. Both parties suffer because of stereotyping and media portrayal and I wanted to take a moment to show the similarities between the two. Pit bulls are constantly in the media for "attacking" or "mauling" people and police officers nowadays can do nothing right, their every move is video taped, analyzed and publicized by the media in sometimes a very dirty and unfair way. Both parties get little to any real justice when the truth is finally fully revealed, and people are left viewing or perceiving that pit bulls are unpredictable, dangerous creatures, and police officers are brutal, racist, and not to be trusted.  The result of all this misinformation being thrown around is a love-hate relationship with both parties. People either love pit bulls, or run away screaming at the sight of one, and the same goes for cops. Most people who love pit bulls do so because they own one, they've worked with one, or they just like standing up against ignorance and intolerance. People who love cops are usually related to one, know one personally, or are in a similar profession. The people who hate or dislike pit bulls and/or cops, usually have had a negative experience with one, or had a friend who had one, OR are gathering most of their information from what they see on T.V. Am I saying that all pit bulls are wonderful and every cop is an angel? No. Of course not. But viewing one video of a dog or cop in a certain situation and then turning that into a stereotype that encompasses an entire BREED or PROFESSION is ignorant and cruel. The result is dogs dying and a war on the police profession. It gets us nowhere and ends tragically. What I AM saying is that we need to educate ourselves and those around us. When we see those news stories, or those videos on social media, take a step back and forget the drama of it and the "band wagon" we all want to jump on. Keep an open mind, ask critical questions and look at the situation as a whole, not as one incident that has been cleverly edited to appear as something else. Police officers risk their lives everyday protecting us. They miss holidays, birthdays and time with their loved ones to serve their community and keep us all safe. Tomorrow ends police week, and I ask that you take a moment to thank a local officer for his/her service. Trust me, it means more to them than you know. Pit bulls are an absolutely wonderful, loving breed and they die every day because of our ignorance. So for dog bite prevention week, I ask that instead of continuing to attempt to ban breeds, we ask how we can prevent bites by educating ourselves on dog body language, communication and factual information to prevent tragedies from happening. |
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Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KSA, CDBC: Posted on Friday, September 23, 2011 8:24 AM
It has been forever since I have been able to sit down and write a post for you all! I am so sorry, summer was very busy and there were lots of events and workshops I needed to attend. I am still here though, and excited for what NMBDT will have to offer in the next couple of months. Holiday manners and tricks classes will soon be getting up and running. Holiday manners will begin October 8th at 12pm - 1pm and will be a mix of refresher work, as well as building up the distance and distractions needed for keeping you and your pet sane through the holiday season. We will also do some tricks training (to entertain your guests) and discuss holiday safety rules. Please call or email me to register for this exclusive class. Puppy socials are going to be running as usual every Sunday, and please bring with you some halloween decor and costumes if you can to help get your puppy used to being around those sights and sounds early.  Lastly, get ready for a fun day at NMBDT! We will be holding the first Happy Howl-0-Ween [party on October 30th from 12pm-2pm. Lots of fun, games and prizes and all proceeds go to the SPCA and Granite State Dog Recovery! Keep your eyes on the website and on facebook for more news and events happening, and as always, thank you for choosing NMBDT for your dog training needs! |
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Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KA, CDBC: Posted on Friday, May 13, 2011 7:52 PM
Get ready, because I'm about to get really deep here! :)  Something many of my clients don't know about me is that I also have a degree in fine arts. On top of training dogs, I am a painter and artist and got into the crazy world of dog training through painting pet portraits in high school. People that find this out often are puzzled at how different dog training is to painting, but are always surprised when I tell them that in fact the two are very similar. Training a dog is very much like creating art, and critiquing a piece of art is very similar to working one on one with a client and their dog.   When I am creating a painting, there is a lot of planning, patience, brilliant moments and difficult mistakes that I have to work through in order to create a piece of work I am proud of. I work on the whole painting at once, layering colors, techniques and using different tools to help shape the art in the direction I want to go in. I am not afraid of mistakes, because they help me learn and move forward, but I am also careful not to get stuck on one area for too long because then the whole piece suffers. Training a dog is exactly the same thing. Only when working with a living, breathing creature, there is an even more delicate balance because they respond back with their own emotions and personality. Patience, consistency, a variety of tools, techniques and moments of brilliance and mistakes are all a part of the fantastic process. And in the end, the result is a breathtakingly beautiful bond between human and dog.  When critiquing someone's art, you are critiquing a part of who they are, and the same goes for working with a client and their dog. A dog is a family member, a friend. In college, I learned the very important process of critiquing someone else's art to help them not only feel confident in their creation, but also to help them see where they could improve without destroying their morale. Working with a client with a dog that has a problem behavior - whether it be jumping, or serious aggression - is not a time to be judgmental or critical. It is a time to educate, support and guide. Their dog is their family, and my job is to help steer them, and the dog, onto a road that is going to set them both up for success in the future, and right now.  So, in my opinion, there is a great similarity in painting and creating art, to that of training a dog, or any animal for that matter. The skills I learn from training dogs I apply to my art, and the skills I learn in painting I often apply to training dogs. Both are fields that I never stop learning in, and am constantly learning something new from, which makes the journey that much more exciting and fun! All images are owned and created by Helen Elizabeth Katherine Nicholls. Use of these images without permission or written consent may result in legal action. |
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Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KA, CDBC: Posted on Thursday, April 21, 2011 7:55 AM
I get asked whether it is better to rescue a puppy or an adult dog from a rescue several times a month, and since there is no easy answer to that question, I decided to write out a few things to remember when making this decision.  The biggest piece of the puzzle when rescuing or adopting a dog, is what's the rescue itself is like and what their behavior evaluation system is. Some shelters and rescues have behavior evaluation protocols in place so that they can tell you what your prospective new pooch's pluses and minuses are when it comes to his behavior. Others do not, but they may have the dogs in foster homes and the foster parents will be able to give you detailed information on the dogs behavior around children, other dogs, cats, etc. There are shelters and rescues that have none of these protocols in place, but may have dedicated staff that take the time to get to know the dog and can give you an outline of the dogs skill level and any issues they may see. Puppies and adults can be evaluated, but some shelters only do adults. However, my point is, before you decide on a puppy or adult from a rescue, assess your rescue and decide if they have an evaluation policy that is to your liking. Something that is important to consider if you decide to adopt an adult dog, is to settle on what kind of behavior problems you can live with, and those that you can't. It is not fair to assume that every dog in a shelter has a behavior issue, but there are some that do. Make sure that when you adopt your adult dog you are willing to put the time and effort into doing some training to help them merge into your family and situation successfully. If you like the look of one adult dog, but his behavior problems (like chasing cats when you already own four) would make the transition for you and him difficult, try to find a dog that would best fit your lifestyle - even if he isn't as cute as the other one. That way, both you and the dog end up happy and well adjusted, rather than frustrated and upset.  Adopting a puppy can be a lot of fun, but keep in mind that every puppy is different and unlike adult dogs, you may not be able to know what size they will be when they grow up. If you have your heart set on a particular size, color and look of dog, an adult dog may be best. Puppies also are a lot of work in general, and some shelter or rescue puppies may have been taken from bad circumstances, which could mean that potty training or socializing them may take a little extra effort. Take some time at the shelter to meet each puppy individually and see if there is one whose temperament speaks to you over the others. Although a puppy will be easier to mold to your lifestyle and household than perhaps an adult dog, puppies are still a lot of work and require a lot of training as they grow up - something that an adult dogs may have already had!  There is no specific right or wrong way to rescue a dog, because if you go to your local shelter you will see how many faces need homes. Rescuing an adult dog or a puppy is giving an animal a new lease on life and will help enrich your life in ways you didn't know possible. However, it is very important you do your research to decide what best fits your lifestyle. If you need help, contact your local trainer to see if they can accompany you to look at a few dogs you like and see what their opinion is. Some trainers even do behavior evaluations for potential owners with the shelters permission to ensure a positive adoption outcome. Take your time and you will find that once you find the dog that is best for you, both you and he will never look back! Thinking of adopting? Did you know that Helen will help you find the right dog for your home?? Contact us to learn more! |
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Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KA, CDBC: Posted on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 1:52 PM
 A dog park is a great place to let your dog mingle, play, and have some safe off-leash time, especially if they don't have a yard to play in and live in a big city. Dog parks can be found in almost every city in the country, and because more and more places are banning dogs from other public parks, they are becoming a necessity over a luxury in many areas. There are many great things about Concord's dog park, and there are a few things owners should keep in mind when visiting. Here are some tips to help you enjoy your trip! Make sure your dog is fully vaccinated and has the okay from your veterinarian. The dog park does not require any dogs to have had vaccinations before they can enter. Dogs do not have to be up to date on any vaccines, including Rabies, Distemper and Parvo before they can go play with the other dogs. This information is critical for those with puppies who want to take them somewhere to play with other dogs. The dog park may seem like a fantastic place, but because you do not know what dog has had what for medical care, it is not the safest place to play. Have a social dog. Although the dog park is a place for dogs to play and wrestle with each other, your dog may not be right for this kind of social arena. The dog park should be a place for dogs who are already social and playful with each other to go and have fun, so owners with dogs that need remedial socialization should steer clear and seek help from a trainer before venturing in. Exposing your dog to other dogs at levels that he is not comfortable with may only make his situation worse and can be dangerous for the other dogs playing. I should also mention here that small dog owners should use the small dog area to ensure their dog is safe and let them play with dogs their own size or maybe even smaller! Small dogs often look like prey and play with larger dogs can quickly turn dangerous.  Pick up after your pooch! There are few worse things than getting back in your car after a nice outing with your dog and realizing you have poop all over the bottom of your shoes. This is one of the main reasons dogs are being banned from other public places! Pick up after your dog and discard of the bag in an appropriate location. You may also want to consider wiping your dogs paws thoroughly when you return home to ensure he does not bring fecal matter into the house. Save toys and treats for when you get home. Even though it is tempting to bring cookies and the ball to the park, it can cause problems when there are lots of other dogs around. Dogs naturally guard resources that they deem valuable and toys or food can cause fights between even the most social of dogs. If you do want to go to the park to play fetch with your dog, go at a time when it is empty and have some special one on one time. A treat when your dog comes back to you when called is fine, but make sure you give it to him when he is not being crowded by other dogs. Lastly, enjoy watching your dog be a dog! There is nothing better than watching your dog get all his ants out of his pants while you get to sit and relax. Remember that dog play can come in many different forms and allowing your dog to chase, wrestle, and roll around with other dogs is not only crucial in helping develop sound social skills, but a great energy burner too. When you get home, he'll take a nice long nap, and you'll finally get some peace and quiet that you've been craving! |
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Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KA, CDBC: Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2011 8:52 AM
The new facility is almost ready and coming along beautifully! Classes are filling and many people are excited to bring their dogs to check out the new 1800sqft facility where positive training helps both dogs and people live together in harmony. I am so excited I can barely sleep most nights; this is a dream come true.  However, it has prompted me to finally put into place something I have wanted to do for a long time but never had the chance to do. I get calls every so often from families or people that need help with their dogs but cannot afford training. I do my best, and try to find a middle ground so that they get some help but I need to feed my growing family too and it just never seems like enough. So now that I have a facility and things are expanding even more, I am finally going to start a fund to help people who cannot afford dog training get the assistance they need. It is going to be named after dear furfriends named Dazzle and Buster, both of whom have past and are dearly missed. Dazzle was a fantastic dog with many quirks, but with dedication, positive methods, and a great trainer (and friend) - Dee Ganley - she became a dream demo dog and wonderful pet. She lost her brave battle with cancer recently. Buster was an amazing dog, helping to rehabilitate many aggressive dogs, knowing too many tricks to count and loving his owner and wonderful trainer (and friend) Julie Winkelman until his last breath. Both dogs were inspirations in my career.  The Dazzle and Buster Fund will be a fund that people may donate to and I will also add to. It will be set up in a jar at the facility and the funds we raise together will be used for people who need help with their dogs but cannot afford the costs of classes, privates, or workshops. That way everyone can benefit from having a professional, positive trainer help them with their dog and not be forced to use methods that may not be correct, beneficial or humane. To donate to The Dazzle and Buster Fund, you don't need to be a millioniare. Simply stop by NMBDT and donate what you can to help those in need of assistance. |
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Posted on Friday, March 11, 2011 8:30 PM
Many people ask me what type of dogs I have, so I figured here is where I will talk about my fur gang and all their many quirks. After all, you can still have challenging dogs and be a dog trainer, in fact, that's part of the fun!  First, there is Merlin, my eldest Papillon. (see him in the bottom right) Merlin is my best demo dog, and put simply, my soul mate of a furry companion. He and I have a friendship unlike any other dog I have ever known. He is outgoing but not obnoxious, sweet but not pushy and very smart.  Second, there is Sweet Pea (up top on the sofa), the perfect example of a little sister. Sweet Pea is much more vocal than Merlin, and although she sometimes drives me loonie, she is very smart and willing to please. She is the most affectionate dog I own, a lap dog through and through, but give her a task and she can't wait to get working!  Thirdly, and LARGELY, there is Atlas (can you spot him??) My very scary looking but wonderfully social German Shepherd. Atlas was bred to be a working dog but due to health complications could not achieve this and so is my worker bee. He lives for the tennis ball and although he needs constant stimulation and exercise, his sweet nature, unswerving loyalty and incredible intelligence make him a beautiful addition to our gang. |
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Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KA, CDBC: Posted on Wednesday, March 09, 2011 7:33 PM
So many new and exciting things are happening with NMBDT this year and here are a couple that are starting right away. Many more to come but I can't quite blow the secret yet! :)  I am thrilled and honored to be the new Assistant Director to The Family Paws Programs, Dogs and Storks and Dog and Baby Connections. These international programs are designed to increase awareness and promote safety and  harmony for both expectant families with dogs and families with young children and dogs. I am very passionate about these programs and working side by side with their creator Jen Shryock is a fantastic opportunity and a dream come true!  NMBDT is all about preventing bad behaviors before they even start. That is why Helen Nicholls has paired up with Russell Animal Hospital to offer a groundbreaking program that will help new puppy owners get off on the right paw with their new pup! Every new puppy that is seen at Russell for vaccines will automatically get a complimentary 30 minute consult (at a different time and date) with me to help address any initial concerns they may have, talk about proper socialization, positive training methods and so much more! This program has been long in the making and is finally starting this month. Every consult will be custom fit to that puppy and his individual needs.  The consult will be held at Russell. The goal is to help new puppy owners get informative, helpful tips that will guide them through the confusing, sometimes frustrating, but always fun job of raising a puppy. It will not replace a training class, but will help get owners and puppies started on the right paw until they can get into a class. This service will hopefully expand to adult rescues too! Please contact me for more information on this program. Keep your eyes peeled for more exciting news from NMBDT and as always, happy training! |
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Posted on Sunday, January 30, 2011 9:54 PM
I am really excited to have a new NMBDT site up and running! I think it ties perfectly with my new business cards and I love the paw prints! I am very excited for everything that NMBDT will be doing in NH this year and can't wait to offer new classes, workshops and go to conferences around the country! |
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