Dog Guy

Training is offered exclusively through private lessons, which are customized to the dog’s needs and conducted in-home or in the client’s environment. Sessions focus on behavior modification and obedience using positive reinforcement. A 5-week indoor obstacle course was previously offered for mental and physical engagement, but is currently suspended. Video and phone consultations are available for remote support.

Pricing Summary

Private lessons are $150 per hour; Skype or telephone lessons are $100 per hour. Indoor Obstacle Course class was $125 for 5 weeks (currently suspended). No packages or discounts listed.

Policies

Group classes are suspended indefinitely. Private lessons require completion of a form and scheduling via an automated system. No cancellation or rescheduling policy is explicitly stated.

The Dog Guy is a professional dog trainer based in Bellingham, WA, offering private, one-on-one training sessions focused on positive, humane methods. Michael Nichols, the trainer, holds CPDT-KA certification and strictly avoids any tools or techniques that frighten or harm dogs, aligning with the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s guidelines. He helps dogs of all ages with behavior issues such as fearfulness, barking, reactivity, leash pulling, separation anxiety, and recall, using reward-based training. He also offers an indoor obstacle course class designed to build teamwork and mental stimulation, though group classes are currently suspended. Michael has trained dogs for agility, therapy work, and tricks, and has been running his business full-time since 2016. He travels throughout Whatcom County and is known for his compassionate, patient approach, especially with anxious or rescued dogs.

He also provides guidance for multi-pet households, including cats and other animals, and offers Skype or phone consultations for remote support. His services are tailored to individual needs, with no group classes currently available.

Michael is a graduate of Western Washington University with a BA in education and communication, and he received the Whatcom Humane Society’s Woof & Whiskers Award in 2010 for animal transport work. He lives with three dogs and two cats, and emphasizes learning from animals as much as teaching them.

Accomplishments

Michael Nichols is a CPDT-KA certified dog trainer. He graduated from Western Washington University with a BA in education and communication. He received the Whatcom Humane Society’s Woof & Whiskers Award in 2010 for animal transport work. His dog Iggy received a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award from the same organization for work in schools and therapy programs.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must complete the private lesson form on the website and schedule appointments using the automated booking system. Initial contact is made via email or form submission.