Meet Dogs 4 Life Nick Wilson
Qualified Canine Behaviourist and Dog Trainer.
Nick is an ex Police Dog Handler who specialises in solving dog behaviour and dog training problems. Nick has studied Applied Behaviour Analysis with Animals under Dr. Susan G. Friedman through Utah State University in the USA. He also has a Diploma in the Principles of Canine Behaviour from Massey University and a National Certificate in Animal Care. He is a Professional Member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and has trained with renowned Animal Behaviourist Mark Vette.
Nick analyses behaviour and introduces techniques that eliminate problem behaviours and reinforce desirable replacement behaviours. Nick has completed in excess of 1000 consultations throughout New Zealand, helping clients with behaviour and training issues such as:
- Separation distress
- Aggression related issues
- Excessive barking and reactivity
- Dog Aggression
- Jumping Up
- Over Excitement
- Digging and Chewing
- Lead work
- Obedience issues
- Puppy Training and Development
Nick purchased his first dog Carla, a Dobermann, when he was 13 years old. He began showing her and taking her along to Dog Obedience classes. He was awarded New Plymouth Kennel Club’s Junior dog handler of the Year in 1984.
When Nick was 24 years old he joined the New Zealand Police and soon after became an Operational Police Dog Handler with Ruger, a German Shepherd. Nick and Ruger went on to become a successful dog team, the highlights being that they were selected to attend the National Police Dog Trials and were attached to the Armed Offenders Squad.
Nick has been interviewed on the TVNZ Breakfast Show in relation to dangerous dogs in New Zealand and is a regular guest on talkback radio.
Some of Nick's qualifications and career highlights:
2018
Certificate of Excellence – Applied Behaviour Analysis – Living and Learning with Animals – Utah State University USA
2018
National Certificate Animal Care NZQA Level 2.
2013
Unit Standards in safe working methodology, applying hazard identification and managing first aid in emergency situations. Western Institute of Technology.
2006
Diploma – The Principles of Canine Behaviour – Massey University New Zealand.
2004
Placed 7th in the NZ Police Dog National Trials – top 12 Police dogs in the country.
2003
Qualified as an Armed Offenders Squad Dog Handler.
2002
Awarded Certificate of Excellence in Police Dog Validations – score above 90%.
2001
Qualified as General Purpose Dog Handler.
Nick has worked with a large variety of breeds ranging from toy poodles to great danes. He has also run group obedience classes which he considers a great way for dogs and owners to learn whilst socialising in a pack environment.
Nick enjoys meeting new dog owners and finding solutions to their dogs behaviour and training issues. He takes the time to show and coach new strategies and techniques and is available for ongoing follow up.
As a canine behaviourist and dog trainer Nick is always upskilling himself and regularly studies behaviour modification and the latest dog training techniques. Nick has received training from Mark Vette and has previously worked with and continues to work with the SPCA, NPDC Animal Control, Hearing Dogs New Zealand, New Zealand Customs and New Plymouth Vet Group.
As an author Nick has written 3 eBooks including ‘The BIg 3 – Come command, Loose leash walking, Down at a distance’, ‘Train Your Dog – how to effectively train your dog by understanding Canine Behaviour’ and ‘I’ve just brought my puppy home what now? – Your Complete Puppy Guide’. These eBooks have sold as far away as Canada and the USA and are available on this website.