NICOLA PICK
Agility & Obedience Trainer
Admin & Marketing Assistant
I’m Nicola and have grown up with dogs from a young age. There are many family photopraphs of me learning to crawl by following my grandparents black Labrador Chester aruond the living room.
During childhood my ambition was to become a police officer with the route of progression being either becoming a police dog handler or a police dog trainer. I went to university to study Criminology and during my studies became a PCSO (Special Constable), however whilst volunteering as a Special I realised that a career in the police force was not ideal for me. But I knew I still wanted to work in crime prevention or with animals.
My Leaps and Bounds journey started when I became a client with my second dog Copper. I already had a Teacup Chihuahua called Bailey and got Copper when Bailey was 2 years old. As Copper got older he became reactive towards other dogs barking and lunging, then he became fearful of new people. It got to a point where walks with Copper were not enjoyable and his behaviour was getting worse, I just didn’t know what to do. I contacted Leaps and Bounds for some behavioural 121 session’s. Through the training and guidance provided I began to see a change in Copper, his behaviour started to improve, he was becoming more confident and in general a much happier dog. It even got to the point where we were able to join a GIVE ME SPACE course, working around other dogs without Copper reacting.
Seeing these changes in Copper, I knew I wanted to help others who were having the same struggles as I had. Helping my dog to transform into a happy, more confident little dog was so rewarding, it made me so feel elated that I had improved my dogs overall wellbeing and therefore mine too. It was then that I decided I wanted to do the same for others that were experiencing the same thing as us. Which is when I decided to persue a career as a dog trainer.
I also have a Working Cocker Spaniel called Ace who is soon to turn 3. He currently trains in both agility and gun dog. I am not sure if her will compete at agility or will work on a shoot, but he loves to learn and be active so for him training is something we do as we both enjoy it and it helps to strengthen our bond and working relationship.
My role at Leaps & Bounds is extremely varied. I currently teach obedience classes on a Monday evening and Saturday morning. I also assist with gun dog classes on a Saturday afternoon and run agility 121’s all day on Sunday’s. I am also one of the trainers who heads up our variety of workshops that we offer and oversee our pack walks. I always aim to make sessions fun and enjoyable whilst working on the fundamental obedience skills. I want our clients to see traning as something both them and their dog can enjoy.
When I am not working with owners to train their dogs I am usually in the office, three days a week I work in the office managing emails, calls and bookings. I also look after our online shop Leaps & Bounds Shop for Hounds and am responsible for keeping our website up to date.
All my dogs have helped me develop skills and understanding of working with dogs who have very different needs. From handling and working with small breeds, reactivity, to dogs with high drive and relentless energy.
I have a keen interest in behaviour and nutrition as well as agility. This interest has led me to complete courses in both Canine Behaviour and Canine Health and Nutrition.
I have been working for Leaps & Bounds now for nearly 4 years and feel that I have grown over that time in both confidence and knowledge. I love my job and find it so rewarding when both owners and dogs begin to thrive and their relationship grows stronger.
Nic x
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