Simply Canine Training

Training begins with a 1-hour in-home evaluation to assess the dog’s behavior and owner goals. Clients then choose between private in-home sessions or weekly group classes held in real-world environments like parks, town centers, and trails. Group classes are limited to 3–10 dogs and focus on managing distractions. Ongoing participation is encouraged, with options for intensive 2–4 week board-and-train programs or short-term maintenance stays during vacations. Training emphasizes non-treat-based motivation through praise and owner-led communication.

Pricing Summary

Private in-home evaluations cost $75 for 1 hour. Group classes are $30 per session or $270 for a package of 10. Board-and-train programs are available for 2–4 weeks (traditional) or short-term maintenance stays; pricing not specified publicly. No free initial consultation is offered.

Policies

Group classes require advance reservation via social media or direct contact. Classes are non-refundable but may be rescheduled if notice is given. All family members are welcome to attend. In-home sessions require payment at time of booking.

Simply Canine Training, founded by Nicole Panico in 2008, offers dog training services focused on building calm, fulfilling dog-human relationships through patience and real-world practice. Nicole has been training dogs since 2003 and specializes in both obedience and behavior modification, helping dogs and owners navigate distractions like traffic, crowds, other animals, and environmental triggers. Training emphasizes praise and motivation over treats or clickers, and focuses on teaching humans how to communicate effectively with their dogs. Services include private in-home sessions, group classes in public settings like parks and town centers, board-and-train programs, and virtual evaluations. Group classes are held weekly in locations such as Wakefield, Lynnfield, and Horn Pond, and are open to families with children. Nicole also offers a maintenance boarding option for short stays and traditional 2–4 week immersive training programs. Her approach is family-centered, with clients reporting dramatic improvements in leash walking, reactivity, jumping, barking, car anxiety, and socialization.

Clients consistently highlight Nicole’s calm demeanor, clear guidance, and ability to train the human as much as the dog. Many families have worked with her for over a decade, and her methods are praised for lasting results without reliance on food rewards. She works with dogs of all sizes, ages, and temperaments, including anxious, fearful, reactive, and strong-willed breeds.

Additional services include in-home evaluations, virtual consultations, and dog walking through group classes. Nicole does not offer grooming, boarding as a standalone service beyond training, or pet retail.

All training is conducted with the goal of empowering owners to maintain progress independently, creating well-behaved dogs who thrive in everyday life.

Accomplishments

Nicole Panico has been training dogs since 2003 and founded Simply Canine in 2008. She has trained hundreds of dogs and families over two decades, with many clients returning for multiple dogs over 10–14 years. Her methods are consistently praised for effectiveness, patience, and family inclusivity.

How to Get Started!

Begin with a 1-hour in-home evaluation ($75) to assess your dog’s behavior and training needs. Virtual evaluations are available upon request. After the evaluation, clients can enroll in private sessions, group classes, or board-and-train programs.