Join the pack for off leash adventures! I'll pick your dog up at home, bring them to my 6.5 acre property, hike and socialize them off leash for an hour, load them up and drop them back home tired out and fulfilled. Your dog will be out of the house for a total of two to three hours. To get started please fill out the online canine behavior and history questionnaire form located here. 
I am a dog professional that arrived in the Asheville area in December 2018 from the SF Bay Area, California. I wish to meet the local Asheville dogs in need or want of an off leash, social experience on approximately 6.5 acres of fenced, partially forested, private land. Canine off leash, social activity is what I do! In California I carried a trail permit to take dogs in groups of six for off leash adventures on public hiking trails for physical activity and socialization. Recall and trail etiquette were continuously reinforced in the face of horse riders, other groups of dogs, pedestrians and sometimes even cattle! Here in WNC I have my own large parcel of fenced hiking trails for the dogs to run, play, hike and explore.
I am currently seeking dog friendly dogs from the following neighborhoods to add to the current pack: North Asheville, West Asheville, RAD, Mission Hospital/Kenilworth area. Please feel free to email me if you have questions. For rates click here. I am happy to provide references should you want them.
If you are interested in signing your dog up for hikes please fill out and submit our online canine form here.
Who I am:
Dana:
I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and a Certified Training Partner with the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA-CTP). My understanding of canine behavior and learning is rooted in the science of animal behavior. I strive to continually learn and apply science supported, rewards based, operant and classical conditioning methods to dog training, pet sitting, socializing and group hiking.
I LOVE dogs and pups of all kinds and believe that mutual respect is the basis of true learning, understanding and communication between humans and canines.
Love of the Pup started out of inspiration for Mango, a blue-nosed Pitbull mix. Click here to read more about Mango's story.
Please Note: After many years of both working for LoTP in The East Bay, CA as an independent contractor and being partner for six years here in WNC - Nicole has retired from LoTP and is currently pursuing a different professional endeavor.
Formal Training Includes
Karen Pryor Academy
Dog Trainer Professional Program
A prestigious, advanced, positive reinforcement clicker training program for dog training professionals. I graduated with distinction earning the KPA-CTP credential (Certified Training Partner).
Dog Sports Essentials
(With a Focus on Agility and Scentwork)
Completed a three month trainer course on training for canine sports.
Pat Miller's
Canine Behavior and Learning Intern Academy
Beginner clicker training course. Worked with dogs from Frederick County Animal Care and Control Shelter in Maryland to enhance adoptability.
Dog Tec
Dog Walking Academy
Coursework in the basics of canine behavior, learning and body language and how it pertains specifically to hiking/socializing groups of dogs.
Living & Learning with Animals
With Dr. Susan Friedman
Coursework focusing on behavioral theory, ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) and humane behavior modification protocols.
IAABC's
Aggressive Dog Mentorship
Deep dive into common causes for aggressive behavior, behavior modification and defensive handling for aggressive dogs.
