Nicole Powell began her career in animal rescue in 2008, working for a local dog rescue in Los Angeles. Her passion for animal welfare quickly grew, leading her to work with several major animal welfare organizations for over a decade. During that time, she gained extensive experience as a veterinary nurse, volunteer coordinator, manager, kennel master, and dog trainer.

While working in shelters, Nicole developed a deep appreciation for animal behavior and saw firsthand the overwhelming number of dogs surrendered due to behavioral challenges. This realization shifted her career path, and in 2018, she committed herself fully to dog training. She began training and selling protection dogs while also taking on severe pet dog behavior cases, rehabilitating dogs with extreme aggression, fear, and reactivity. Her work in high-level obedience, behavior modification, and protection training eventually led her to Coronado Naval Amphibious Base, where she worked as an Assistant Navy SEAL Multi-Purpose K9 Trainer, refining her expertise in elite obedience, scent detection, and bite work development.

Since then, Nicole has continued to expand her knowledge and specializes in behavior modification, advanced on- and off-leash obedience, engagement and bond-building, rattlesnake aversion, scent work, protection dog training with a focus on bite work development, AKC Canine Good Citizen certification, and therapy/service dog training. She actively participates in bite work training with her Dutch Shepherd, Caliber and is passionate about protection sports. In addition to her working dog, Nicole has four rescue dogs, reinforcing her deep commitment to animal welfare both personally and professionally.

Certifications & Credentials:

• KPA Certified Training Partner – Karen Pryor Academy

• Basic Combat Medical - Sarah Simpson, DVM, MAJ, Force Veterinarian

• Certified in Basic & Advanced Off-Leash Obedience – Dustin Winn, North County Canine Training

• Trikos by Mike Ritland – Team Dog Online Academy Certificate

• Sophia Yin’s Low Stress Handling University – Silver Level Certified

• Fear Free Pets – Fear Free Elite Certified

• Former Certified AKC Dog Handler – Lend A Paw Therapy Dogs, Canine-Assisted Therapy

• Certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator – STAR Puppy/CGC/CGCU/CGCC

• Certified in Pet CPR & First Aid