Business Details
Gentle Guidance Services
Gentle Guidance has been dedicated to transforming canine behavior through compassionate methods for over 25 years. Our approach focuses on positive reinforcement and understanding the psychology of how dogs learn, ensuring effective results without the use of harsh techniques. We offer personalized training solutions for puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs, addressing issues ranging from basic obedience to complex behavior problems like fear and aggression. Our founder, Nicole Wilde, is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer with extensive experience and recognition as an author and lecturer in canine behavior. We provide both in-home training in Santa Clarita and virtual consultations worldwide, tailoring each session to meet the unique needs of dogs and their owners.Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our testimonials from satisfied clients and local veterinarians. We believe training should be a cooperative process that strengthens the bond between dogs and their humans, making the experience enjoyable for both. With flexible session options and a focus on practical, lasting solutions, we aim to help every dog become a well-adjusted, valued family member. Our dedication extends beyond individual training to include rescue work, education, and community outreach to improve the lives of dogs everywhere. This philosophy has earned us a reputation as a trusted leader in humane dog training and behavior modification.
Services
Puppy Training
Obedience Training
Behavior Modification
Virtual Consultations
Fear & Anxiety Solutions
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience in canine behavior and training.
- Our methods use positive reinforcement without choke chains or shock collars.
- We offer virtual consultations for clients worldwide.
- Our founder is an award-winning author of 12 books on dog behavior.
- We provide customized training programs tailored to each dog's needs.
Associations and certifications
- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers
What people say
Excellent results
Positive reinforcement
Highly recommend
Professional and thorough
Miracle with our pup
Services
Puppy Training
We address common puppy issues like potty training, nipping, chewing, and jumping through positive reinforcement techniques. Our programs teach basic manners while building trust between puppies and owners. Sessions focus on creating good habits early through reward-based methods that align with natural canine learning patterns.
Obedience Training
From basic commands to advanced skills, our obedience training develops reliable responses through positive reinforcement. We teach owners to communicate clearly while making training enjoyable for dogs. Programs adapt to each dog's learning style and temperament for lasting results.
Behavior Modification
We assess and address fear, aggression, and anxiety through customized behavior modification plans. Our science-based approach identifies triggers and implements gradual desensitization techniques. Owners learn to recognize emotional cues and create positive associations for long-term improvement.
Virtual Consultations
Remote sessions via Zoom or phone provide expert guidance for clients worldwide. We demonstrate techniques through video analysis and real-time feedback. Virtual programs include personalized training plans with follow-up support to ensure consistent progress from any location.
Authoring & Education
Nicole Wilde's 12 published books and educational materials provide valuable resources on dog behavior. Our educational content covers topics from fear management to training fundamentals, combining professional expertise with practical applications for dog owners worldwide.
People
Nicole Wilde
Trainer/Behavior Specialist/Author
Certified Professional Dog Trainer with 25+ years experience. Award-winning author of 12 canine behavior books. Lectures globally and appears on Animal Planet's Pit Bulls and Parolees. Serves on multiple industry advisory boards.
Questions
What services do you offer for dog training?
We provide puppy training, obedience training, behavior modification for fear/aggression, and virtual consultations worldwide using positive reinforcement methods.
Are virtual training sessions available?
Yes, we offer virtual coaching via Zoom or phone for clients anywhere in the world, with the same expert guidance as in-person sessions.
What makes your training approach different?
Our methods focus on compassion, not compulsion, using reward-based techniques that respect how dogs naturally learn and think.
How experienced is your trainer?
Nicole Wilde has over 25 years of experience, is CPDT-KA certified, and has authored 12 books on canine behavior and training.
Can you help with severe behavior problems?
Yes, we specialize in complex issues like separation anxiety and aggression, with customized programs to create reliable, lasting behavior changes.
Reviews (5)
Mark Eddie
Apr 27, 2020
Report
Amazing lady who has a clear love for dogs and all animals. Highly recommend her. She is very professional, prompt and has such an incredible personality. It's no wonder why dogs love her so much. Lol. We'd give her 6 stars if we could. Excellent value as well.
Linda Weingarten
Jun 03, 2019
Report
Nicole came to see my dog, Sugar and me. She made me feel comfortable. The ideas for ways to work with Sugar seemed like ones we could do. It has only been one day but we have put them to use and so far so good. Nicole seems genuine in her feelings towards dogs and their families. Thank you
Amanda Hogan
May 10, 2019
Report
Nicole just started helping us with our 6 mo old Lab puppy. It's only been a couple days but we've tried all the suggestions and tips she's given us so far and we are already seeing results! Nicole really knows what she's talking about. She is very friendly and explains things so you understand. I felt extremely comfortable with her and you can really see the compassion she has for animals. We have more sessions scheduled with Nicole and we are looking forward to them!
Kimberly Kramer
Apr 25, 2019
Report
Nicole came over to help with my reactive 10mo puppy. She is very knowledgeable, sweet and very easy to talk to. Even my puppy who is very people reactive loved her! That's says a lot. We had a great conversation and she gave me great tips for working him.
Tianna Lesinski
Mar 12, 2019
Report
We love Gentle Guidance! Nicole is extremely helpful and provides you with the tools you need to train your dog. She is very thorough and friendly! She does a great job explaining training tips, we learned so much even after just one session with her! She has helped our family feel more confident and comfortable with the training process.
