Hello! My name is Nicole LaVarier and I have been professionally training dogs for over 5 years and had my own dogs for over 13 years. I specialize in helping owners with their pets enjoying themselves together and also in training service dogs for those with disabilities. I can train diabetic alert dogs, psychiatric service dogs and mobility assistance dogs.
I help dogs
*learn how to calm themselves instead of being hyper all the time
*make better choices on their own so you don't have to micromanage all the time
*follow obedience commands
*socialize with other dogs
*work around distractions
I also help owners how to work with and train their dogs through either private lesson or board & train programs for long lasting results.
I do board & train programs from my house on my 1.7 acre property. Dogs dog training sessions, socials with other dogs, hikes in the woods and field trips to neighborhoods/pet friendly stores to work around more distractions.
Private lessons can be taught at my property or in the client's home (within 30 minutes from my location). Private lessons can help with a variety of issues such as not jumping on guests, not running out the door, barking, pulling on the leash, anxiety and aggression.
My goal is to help you have a confident, obedient and happy dog!
Overview
Hired 20 times
Background checked
1 employee
12 years in business
Business hours
Sun8:00 am - 6:00 pmMon8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, and Zelle.
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Great 4.7
10 reviews
5
90%
4
0%
3
0%
2
10%
1
0%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Jaime L.
Aug 5, 2014
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Nicole at Great Pet Vacations was a Godsend to our family. Our 14 month old yorkie poo was disobedient and had awful manners. We did not have the skills to change the situation. In June, we did 9 days of board and train with Nicole and we all were amazed at the initial results. Cocoa immediately was more reliable with potty training, would not cry in her cage and did not attempt to escape her pen. In July, she went back for the additional 12 days of the board and train program and can now sit, lay, target, walk on a leash, leave an item alone and is a calmer more obedient dog. Nicole is a miracle worker and takes her time demonstrating how to continue working on reinforcing the behavior with the owners to ensure continued success at home. She spent more than an hour with us at the intake consultation in order to understand our training goals. In addition, she spent more than 2 hours upon exit. It is clear she loves the animals she cares for, treats boarded dogs as her own, and is a superb dogtrainer. This experience was every thing I hoped for and more than I expected. We plan to continue training sessions with Nicole and give her our highest recommendation to others.
Dog Training
Gayle S.
Apr 5, 2016
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Very thorough training experience. Nicole is knowledgable and patient. The ideal combination. My dog is so much easier to live with as a result of this training. I would definitely hire her again.
Dog Training
Maggie R.
Oct 17, 2017
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Nicole was awesome to work with! Very focused on Yogi and coaching us. She's even going to do a lesson at home with us (we did the board and train option).
Dog Training
Rennita J.
Nov 6, 2014
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I was really nervous when I set out to find a dogtrainer for my German Shepherd, but all that was put to ease when Nicole came by for a meet and greet with my dog. She explained to me all of her training methods and answered any questions I had. She was very easy to talk to about any problems I had concerning my dog. And after three weeks of her board and train program, I am wowed! Her results are outstanding. My dog now gives me her full attention, is much more calm, and no longer pulls while walking. I kniw these
Dog Training
Robert M.
Feb 21, 2017
•
Hired on Thumbtack
She turned our dogs around and made our lives better by helping us train our dogs. NO leash pulling and the off leash training was amazing and I feel that the price we paid was a steal! I would have paid double for the service she provided! Simply amazing! Thank you.
Dog Training - Board and Train
Credentials
Background Check
Nicole Lavarier
FAQs
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I start new clients with a Training Evaluation. This can be at my location or in their home. The Training Evaluation is a time when we meet in person to talk about your dog, meet your dog and determine the best training option to help the client and their dog. The Training Evaluation is $45 at my location and $75 in the clients locations (within 30 minutes of our location in Minooka, IL). Further away clients can have a Training Evaluation in their home for a travel fee.
If a client signs up for a training package or program at the Training Evaluation,
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I attend training workshops every year to continue my education in working with dogs and their owners. I also subscribe to many online options to also keep educating mysef.
Workshops I've attended include:
-Larry Krohn workshops in Tennessee, May 2016 & in Missouri, September 2017
-Difficult Dogs with Heather Beck in Utah, March 2018
-Training Between the Ears with Mark MaCabe in Ohio, May 2018
-Let Dogs Be Dogs with Marc Goldberg in Illinois, October 2018
-Diabetic Alert Dog Summit with Adam Gibson, in Texas, April 2019
-Level 2 Workshop on Loose Leash Walking and Conditioned Relaxation with Training Between the Ears July 2020
-Ecollar training with Training Between the Ears September 2020
-Targeting and Husbandry Group Class with Training Between the Ears February/March 2021
-Conditioned Relaxation focus class with Training Between the Ears March 2021
-Obedience group class with Training Between the Ears May/June 2021
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I have always liked working with animal and teaching. Now I get to do both. Teach owners how to have fun and enjoy time with their dogs and work with dogs.
