Nicole Mackay is the owner of North Island Canine and has been in the industry in an official capacity for six years. Her passion for animals was fostered at an early age. Nicole grew up in Telegraph Cove where her family owned and operated the first whale watching company on the coast of B.C. Known for advocacy and safety of marine mammals Nicole learned husbandry early on. Her passion for marine life with focus on killer whales behaviour assists her on a daily basis in understanding and respecting all animals.
Nicole began working with dogs in an informal capacity at the age of eleven when her family moved to Port McNeill. She would often be found walking family friends' dogs on a daily basis. Although to be honest, most days they were walking her.
After spending time traveling Nicole settled in Vancouver in 2010 for eight years and decided to adopt her first dog Cooper. Cooper arrived with an array of behavioural issues like separation anxiety and containment anxiety. Never having encountered such behaviours Nicole hired a trainer and thus began her journey in all things dogs.
While starting her own proprietorship Nicole also worked for two years at a dog boutique which taught her a wealth of knowledge on equipment, nutrition and store management. During this time she learned how to clean dogs teeth without the use of an anesthetic. She transitioned into teeth cleaning which she is still currently operating after six years.
Also in her time in Vancouver she managed a dog daycare/ walking facility so she could bring Cooper to work with her. Nicole was encouraged to learn and grow her abilities. She established a schedule for the dogs in daycare and during nap time she read many books on positive training.
In 2015 Nicole attended and graduated from her diploma program at Good Dog Academy where she was accredited in the top of her class as a Certified Pet Dog Training.
"Training should be fun! I strive to build respectful relationships based on trust with all of my clients and their dogs. Nothing is more important to me than the success and happiness of all involved."
In 2016 Nicole was hired by Master Trainer Annika McDade with Canine Connection Training where she was mentored and encouraged to flourish as a professional trainer. Annika invested in furthering Nicole's training where they attended Karen Pryor Clicker Expo 2017 in Portland as well as a separation anxiety workshop put on by world expert Malena DeMartini to name a few. Annika's knowledge and compassion for owners and their dogs was instilled in Nicole. Under Annika's guidance Nicole was given the opportunity to train basic obedience, puppy classes, therapy dogs and other training programs with Canine Connection. Nicole is forever grateful for Annika's leadership, guidance and friendship.
Credentials:
Certified by Good Dog Academy (CPDT-GDA)
Science- Based Dog Training (With Feeling) online workshop by Ian Dunbar
Karen Pryor Academy Clicker Expo Portland 2017
Malena DeMartini Separation Anxiety Workshop
Certified Pet First Aid Level 1 & 2
Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers