Paw and Order

Paw and Order Dog Training and Behaviour is owned and operated by Nicole Courson CDBC KPA-CTP, in beautiful Nelson, BC, and the surrounding area. Nicole’s primary background and most significant experience is in working with dogs with aggression and reactivity towards people, dogs, or other animals, but she has a breadth of experience working with basic obedience and skills training as well as a wide range of problem behaviours.  Using proven science-based methodology and a combination of classical and operant conditioning focused in positive reinforcement, Nicole coaches owners and teaches dogs how to better manage their stressors and behave appropriately – after all, we get dogs because we want a companion who will enrich our lives, just as we do theirs.

Nicole follows the LIMA principle, striving to always find the least invasive and minimally aversive way to teach our dogs what we want from them. A Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), Nicole has demonstrated theoretical and practical understandings of animal behavior modification principles and practices. With a foundation in positive reinforcement and marker (clicker) training from the Karen Pryor Academy and a breadth of experience in different forms of teaching both animals and humans, Nicole knows the best approach is to teach our dogs not just “don’t do that”, but “do this instead” so that life for both you and your dog will be considerably more fun, relaxing, and enjoyable for you and those around you.

Whether you have major problems to address or you just want to have a dog that doesn’t jump all over house guests, Paw and Order can get you there!

Nicole Courson
CDBC, KPA CTP

Over a lifetime of living with them and enjoying their company Nicole had always made friends with canines, forming bonds readily from well before the first trip to an obedience class with a childhood dog. Dog-sitting and dog walking followed  along with voracious reading about our canine companions, from heart warming true stories to scientific discoveries along with the ideals of becoming a veterinarian that many pet-loving children consider. Volunteering followed, including over a year with shelter and rescue dogs that required some form of behaviour training to be suitable for adoption. There was even a season of learning to care for and run a team of sled dogs. Through one particularly reactive shelter dog that came into her care Nicole met Sarah Dixon, CDBC, who provided mentorship and additional opportunities in dog behaviour training. Nicole’s interest in the science of behaviour and it’s application in improving the well being of dogs and their families became her primary focus, and still is today as she continues to pursue further education from workshops and seminars to long and short form courses.

Nicole is a certified dog behaviour consultant with significant background experience in aggression and anxiety based problem behaviours, but also enjoys teaching puppy and adolescent manners, group classes, and specialty cases of all kinds. She lives in Nelson, BC, and trains dogs in the surrounding area.

Professional Certifications
CDBC – Certified Dog Behavior Consultant; International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
KPA CTP – Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner

Additional Education & Training
IAABC: Principles and Practice of Animal Behavior Consulting
IAABC: Defensive Handling for Aggressive Dogs – Michael Shikashio and Trish McMillan
Pack to Basics: Dogmanship and Socialization Workshop – Chad Mackin
Walks N Wags: Pet First Aid and Off The Grid First Aid certified

Beloved Side Jobs
Barks and Recreation in Trail, BC – Trainer and Daycare Manager
Kootenay Canines Offleash Adventures – Team Leader, hiking with dogs

Private Lessons & Behaviour Consultations
For dogs with behaviour problems or dog owners with busy schedules, one-on-one private lessons ensure total focus on your specific training needs. Coaching can be done at your home, at a park or other location, or even remotely via phone or online video call.  Your dog is unique, and your training plan should be too! This is ideal for dogs with  aggressive or reactive behaviour, environmental stress, fear or anxiety issues, or simply for those dog owners seeking one-on-one focus to address specific issues. I show you exactly how to teach your dog, troubleshooting and adjusting along the way until you’re a successful and happy team again! Enjoy a well trained and well behaved dog that can share your adventures and that you can relax with afterwards.

Day Training 
If you want all the perks of private lessons but simply don’t have the time, having the professional train your dog while you’re otherwise occupied is a great option. Day training means your dog spends that time in the hands of a certified behavior consultant and trainer, fast-tracking the skills and manners you want them to have while you’re at work or otherwise occupied during the day. Enjoy the benefits of my years of experience and education in dog behaviour, training, and direct professional handling in a program I can tailor to your needs to save you time, finishing with a one-on-one lesson and a well behaved canine companion.

Group Classes
Do you have a nice dog but you’re looking for a chance to build their basic manners, social skills like polite greetings, and maybe even learn a cute trick or two? If your dog is comfortable in a group setting then classes may be just the thing! Age will determine if your dog is about to become a Polite Puppy (up to 5 months) or a Well Rounded Hound (6 months and older). Enjoy teaching your dog foundation skills amidst distractions in a controlled environment, and benefit from dog-dog socializing overseen by a professional who can teach you about how to read dog body language and ensure you’re providing the kinds of social experiences your dog will benefit from including behaving appropriately around people and other dogs of all shapes and sizes.