Nisa Semione, MS is a certified trainer and dog behavior consultant and founder of Naturally Canine. Animals have been a part of Nisa’s life for as long as she can remember. In 2014 she began fostering for her local shelter and rescues. In 2015 she became an employee at her local shelter and was enthralled with canine behavior and development. While in school at the University of Texas at Austin, Nisa studied animal behavior topics before graduating with a BA in Anthropology.
In 2018 Nisa began her career as a professional dog trainer in her home state of New York. She served clientele in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan area. In 2021 she founded Naturally Canine – Behavior & Training upon her move back to Texas. She is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is also a Fear Free Certified Professional through the Fear Free Pets Animal Trainer Certification Program.
In 2024 Nisa graduated with her Master of Science degree from Virginia Tech’s Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare program. Her thesis research examined the effects of different enrichment activities on the behavior of shelter dogs. She is a believer in lifelong learning and has committed to continuing her education through the latest accredited articles, books, conferences, and more. In her free time she can be found with her two dogs, Hari and Habit, training, competing in dog sports, or outside enjoying nature.
Training Philosophy
Nisa practices a Positive Reinforcement/ Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) philosophy. Through this philosophy, we teach dogs that it’s easy, fun, and reinforcing to train desirable behaviors with us. For more challenging behavior modification, we utilize humane, science-based strategies to work towards desired behavior change that minimize stress and never include force or physical punishment.
Services
Naturally Canine offers a variety of services, including:
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Behavior Consulting:
This service is designed to help dogs with a variety of behavioral issues, including aggression, anxiety, destructive behavior, fearful behavior, sound sensitivity, reactive behavior, and resource guarding. The service includes an initial consultation and follow-up sessions.
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Dog Training:
This service covers a range of topics, including basic and advanced life skills, integration into your home, and solutions to common problem behaviors. The service includes an initial consultation and follow-up sessions.
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Puppy Training:
This service focuses on puppy development and common problem behaviors, socialization, and life skills. The service includes an initial consultation and follow-up sessions.
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Remote Coaching:
This service offers nearly every aspect of 1-1 private sessions, minus Nisa visiting your home. The service utilizes applications like Zoom and FaceTime to provide a rich training experience through the mixed use of live video, recorded video analysis and breakdown, and screen sharing.
Pricing:
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Behavior Consulting:
- Consultation: $300+tax
- Single Follow Up: $215+tax
- 3 Class Package: $575+tax
- 5 Class Package: $950+tax
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Dog Training:
- Consultation: $215+tax
- 60 Minute Follow Ups: $175+tax
- 3 Class Package: $450+tax
- 5 Class Package: $750+tax
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Puppy Training:
- Consultation: $215+tax
- 60 Minute Follow Ups: $175+tax
- 3 Class Package: $450+tax
- 5 Class Package: $750+tax
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Remote Coaching:
- Behavior Consultation: $225+tax
- 60 Minute Follow Ups: $185+tax
- Dog/Puppy Training Consultation: $200+tax
- 60 Minute Follow Ups: $150+tax
Certifications
Nisa Semione is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and a Fear Free Certified Professional through the Fear Free Pets Animal Trainer Certification Program.
Specializations
Nisa Semione specializes in dog behavior consulting, dog training, and puppy training. She has experience working with a variety of breeds and has a particular interest in helping dogs with aggression, anxiety, and other behavioral issues.
Training Methods
Nisa Semione uses positive reinforcement training methods. She believes in teaching dogs that it’s easy, fun, and reinforcing to train desirable behaviors. She also utilizes humane, science-based strategies to work towards desired behavior change that minimize stress and never include force or physical punishment.
