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Certified dog trainer
Carolyn Nussman
Carolyn Nussman

Dallas, TX

Carolyn Nussman

Carolyn Nussman is the owner and head coach of PAWSitive Canine Coaching. She grew up in Waco, Texas, and has always had a love for dogs. She raised her first Golden Retriever, Gracie, and now is the proud parent to her sweet Golden Retriever, Libby. After working in the IT profession for over 20 years, she decided to follow her passion and work with dogs full-time.

Training Philosophy

Carolyn Nussman teaches through Positive Motivation utilizing Reward Based Methods while teaching you how to communicate with your dog on a level your dog will understand and consistently respond to.

Services

  • In-Home Training: Training sessions are done in your home where most of the behaviors and problems occur. Sessions last about 60-75 minutes. Initial Consult/Training session is $115 and lasts about 90 min. Additional Individual training sessions are $95 and last about 60-75 min.
  • Overnight Stays: Your dog is truly a part of the family for the duration of their stay with us, giving you peace of mind while you are away. Overnight stays are $75 per night.
  • PAWS Pics: We enjoy capturing candid shots of your pup while they are staying with us or when we come to train in your home. PAWS Pics is part of each of our Training Packages and our gift to you for allowing us to care for your dog and help with their training needs.

Certifications

Carolyn Nussman is an Honor graduate of Animal Behavior College where she earned her certification as an ABC Certified Dog Trainer. Animal Behavior College (ABC) is approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education and is an internationally recognized school. She is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and also a volunteer at Operation Kindness, North Texas’ Oldest & Largest No-Kill Animal Shelter.

Specializations

Obedience training, puppy training, behavior problem solving

Training Methods

Positive Motivation utilizing Reward Based Methods

Customer Reviews

Leo's Owner: My golden retriever, Leo, is so excited when we pull up to Carolyn’s house! He starts wagging his tail and swiftly moving back and forth across the backseat of my car. He can’t wait to jump out and run to the front door, eager to play and to see Carolyn and her dog, Libby! I feel so comfortable and relaxed taking Leo over for the day to Carolyn’s house, knowing that he will be enjoying playing. I have even left him for a week when I have been out of town, and he is as happy as can be. I know he is treated like a part of her family. He is not caged. He runs, goes on walks, plays, eats, and naps. He does not stay for the day in a crate. He is free to enjoy being a dog in a friendly, playful environment. Carolyn will also work on training Leo while he is staying with her, and she has helped to communicate with me about how to help him follow the commands. Carolyn is kind, experienced, and deeply cares about each dog that she takes care of and trains. She is wonderful!

Houser and Gypsy's Owner: Carolyn Nussman, owner of PAWsitive Canine Coaching provides an exceptional level of service you rarely see these days. Traveling is no more a concern now that I know my pups, Houser and Gypsy are in Carolyn’s hands. In fact, they are just as at home boarding with Carolyn as they are at my house, because of her love and true passion caring for and training dogs. Gypsy, my shepherd mix was not the social butterfly when she was rescued, but through Carolyn’s patience, wisdom and expertise – she is no longer the timid wallflower she was. Thanks, Carolyn & PAWsitive Canine Coaching, for my complete peace of mind when I am away and for the best training in the DFW metroplex!!!

Pouncy's Owner: Carolyn has taken care of our precious Boston Terrier, Pouncy, many times. We love being able to go out of town knowing that she will be in such great hands! Pouncy sleeps with us at home, and we love that she gets to sleep with Carolyn as well! Carolyn is such a passionate, gifted trainer, and knows how to give great customer service. She at times, will even send pictures showing what our puppy is up to, which are really fun to get as well! It is an added bonus that Pouncy gets to run loose, play with a new friend and gets a bit of instruction just from being there with Carolyn. I highly recommend Carolyn for boarding and training! We will never have her stay at the vet in a crate again!!! You will have a fabulous experience with Pawsitive Canine Coaching, and your pooch/pooches will have a blast while you’re away! 🙂

Max's Owner: My Basset Hound Max is my everything and anyone that knows me understands that leaving him with someone new is terrifying for me. I decided to use PAWSitive Canine Coaching for boarding for a short weekend instead of my usual friends. Carolyn was so welcoming, attentive and loving towards Max right away. He is extremely high maintenance (and stubborn) at 14 years old. His “special needs” require a lot of attention and patience. She updated me with pictures and said he was having a ball with the other dogs. She was around so much he didn’t even have one accident indoors which is amazing! I am absolutely impressed with how she handled the other dogs in her care all the while teaching them manners and rewarding good behavior. I will refer everyone to her for coaching and boarding and plan on using her again in two weeks. Consider your dog lucky to be in her hands.

4 and 8 year old dogs' Owner: Who says you can’t teach an old dog, new tricks, with Carolyn you can! My dogs are 4 and 8 and they have made great progress with Pawsitive Canine Coaching! Carolyn has helped us have our “babies” be better behaved when guests come and when they are out and about! Thanks Pawsitive Canine!

Pepper's Owner: Carolyn has been such a great resource for us as a family of 4, AND 1st time dog owners. She takes each of our personalities and helps us use each of our strengths to best teach & nurture Pepper. Carolyn was very positive when coaching us as a family on how to interact with Pepper. She lets us be individuals but yet reinforces the basic rules of Consistency and Positive Reinforcement.

Nash's Owner: My dog Nash is always in great hands when going to PAWSitive Canine Coaching. The professionalism, friendliness, reliability and excellent care Carolyn provides for her customers makes her my first choice when looking for a dog sitter.

We've got the answers for your questions

Who are the dog trainers listed on this page?

We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.

How can I select the right trainer for my dog?

Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.

How do I ensure these trainers are competent?

All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.

Why is positive reinforcement emphasized, and what is it?

Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.

Are these trainers equipped to address specific behavioral problems?

Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.

How do I initiate a training program with a trainer?

Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.

How do group sessions differ from private ones?

Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.

Which training techniques do these trainers abstain from?

All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.

When can I expect to see results using positive reinforcement training?

Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.

Can I attend a training session to observe before committing?

Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.

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