Martin N.
Weaverville, NC
Once a coach... always a coach
Pet care experience
You know the guy who comes to your get together but plays with your animals the whole time? Yeah, guilty. That's me. I've always loved animals and have always been good with them. I have worked as a bather, walker, sitter and kennel attendant and am studying to be a dog trainer and intend to specialize in anxious, scared and reactive dogs. As a former strength and conditioning coach (20+ years) naturally, I am also studying canine S&C, canine anatomy and canine massage. I'm very comfortable giving meds, cleaning scrapes and scratches and turning dogs don't like into fun. (Medicine, Baths, nail clipping and things like that.)
Reviews
Great dog expert. My dog is a challenge. His knowledge really helped us understand our digs issues. First intro meet and greet was very insightful to dog behavior. I look forward to future encounters.
Martin was great! Will definitely use again. Thanks so much
Martin has a truly special way with animals, and they love him too. There is a soul connection there. He has years of experience with his own pets, as well as grooming, bathing, and now training and studying behavior and body language as well. Keeping your pets safe, and happy is his main priority.
Martin is the kind of person that just loves all animals and for some reason they all respond to him too. he's like the animal whisperer! I've seen him befriend all kinds of animals but most of all dogs are drawn to him. I believe it's his calming presence that puts them at ease. I was a groomer for 20 years and I can tell you there are some people that have no business being involved with animals and some like marty that just have the gift. I know he will treat any pet under his care as his best friend and buddy!!
About Martin N.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
My half hour rate is for a full hour. I do not beleive that a half hour is enough for most dogs. My hour rate is for 2 hours *recommended for high energy, working line or anxious dogs and includes relaxation time at the end of the session. * I am happy to meet any special and/breed specific needs. Brain games, prey or herding games, agilty games (for play and engagement only. I do not know or follow the rules or specifics of these sports) *I will not institute any new training without permission from dogs human. (Including games or enrichment activities)However, I do and will practice threshold training and proper walking skills as I believe these are essential factors in dogs understanding of leadership. *I will not deviate from any current training you are doing with your dog. I beleive in balanced training with a strong lean towards positive reinforcement. I will follow any current training you are doing that falls under those guidelines. *I will not take a dog that is not a good fit and will not enforce training methods that I do not believe in. My concern is your dogs comfort, safety and happiness. I am happy to work through anxiety and/ or fear based issues, however I will not put an animal through any unnecessary stress.
Information Martin N. would like to know about your pet
What lights your dog up? What makes their tail wag so hard that they can't keep their paws on the floor? Favorite game? Favorite treat? Do they like to do tricks? Are they a cuddle freak or like my boy, selectively cuddly? Is your dog fearful or anxious? What triggers them? What calms them? Any meds or special health needs or concerns that I need to watch for. What (if any) are acceptable treats for walk and visits? Does your dog like other dogs? Does your dog like people?
A typical day
I love playing games and practicing tricks or training. I love what I call "pure puppy joy"... when a dog is having fun just being a dog. For me it is all about relationship and interaction. On walks I like to mix things up. I start every walk with engagement activities. A few tricks and rewards or short lead work. Just to get us on the same page for the day and excited for our walk. (If their in a hurry to relieve themselves, of course we handle that first.) We get a bit of sniff time and exploration. A bit of structured walking and of course, some play time. When appropriate I like to use long lead so we can get some games and exercise in. I also firmly believe that teaching a dog to relax is very important. Just sitting at the edge of the park or just in the front yard and just watch. Listen. Air sniff. Take it all in. Especially with high energy or reactive dogs. *** I do not do dog parks***
Services
Martin can watch in your home
Availability
Most of my time is spent training my Border collie mix or studying dog training. After a spine and brain injury ended my career as a martial arts instructor and strength coach, training my dog for service dog work has given "coach" a new direction, leading me back to working with animals full-time.
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About Martin N.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
My half hour rate is for a full hour. I do not beleive that a half hour is enough for most dogs. My hour rate is for 2 hours *recommended for high energy, working line or anxious dogs and includes relaxation time at the end of the session. * I am happy to meet any special and/breed specific needs. Brain games, prey or herding games, agilty games (for play and engagement only. I do not know or follow the rules or specifics of these sports) *I will not institute any new training without permission from dogs human. (Including games or enrichment activities)However, I do and will practice threshold training and proper walking skills as I believe these are essential factors in dogs understanding of leadership. *I will not deviate from any current training you are doing with your dog. I beleive in balanced training with a strong lean towards positive reinforcement. I will follow any current training you are doing that falls under those guidelines. *I will not take a dog that is not a good fit and will not enforce training methods that I do not believe in. My concern is your dogs comfort, safety and happiness. I am happy to work through anxiety and/ or fear based issues, however I will not put an animal through any unnecessary stress.
Information Martin N. would like to know about your pet
What lights your dog up? What makes their tail wag so hard that they can't keep their paws on the floor? Favorite game? Favorite treat? Do they like to do tricks? Are they a cuddle freak or like my boy, selectively cuddly? Is your dog fearful or anxious? What triggers them? What calms them? Any meds or special health needs or concerns that I need to watch for. What (if any) are acceptable treats for walk and visits? Does your dog like other dogs? Does your dog like people?
A typical day
I love playing games and practicing tricks or training. I love what I call "pure puppy joy"... when a dog is having fun just being a dog. For me it is all about relationship and interaction. On walks I like to mix things up. I start every walk with engagement activities. A few tricks and rewards or short lead work. Just to get us on the same page for the day and excited for our walk. (If their in a hurry to relieve themselves, of course we handle that first.) We get a bit of sniff time and exploration. A bit of structured walking and of course, some play time. When appropriate I like to use long lead so we can get some games and exercise in. I also firmly believe that teaching a dog to relax is very important. Just sitting at the edge of the park or just in the front yard and just watch. Listen. Air sniff. Take it all in. Especially with high energy or reactive dogs. *** I do not do dog parks***
Location
Weaverville, NC
Pets
Martin N.
Weaverville, NC