Originally from Connecticut, I moved to Florida in 2015 to attend Florida Gulf Coast University with one big goal in mind: to become a zookeeper. I began volunteering at Naples Zoo as soon as I moved and while completing my bachelor's degree in Biology, I was offered my dream job as a zookeeper.
While working at the zoo, I quickly fell in love with animal training. I had the opportunity to crate-train a clouded leopard, teach macaws to participate in voluntary nail trims and even train a red fox to voluntarily receive an injection-all using positive reinforcement techniques. This style of training focuses on rewarding our animals for the behaviors we want to see rather than punishing them for those that we do not want.
In 2022, I adopted a Belgian Shepherd mix, named Mango. Suddenly, all of my animal training experience shifted into a new environment: my home. Mango and I faced some challenges early on, but once we learned how to effectively communicate, everything began to change. Seeing his behavioral changes and the transformation in our relationship through training is what inspired me to start Leah’s Training & Treats.
I believe the animals we love have a lot to say if we know how to listen. My goal is to bring the principles of professional animal training into everyday homes. Through the use of two way communication and positive reinforcement, I believe that every dog owner can create behaviors and relationships that will last a lifetime.
Meet Leah: Owner
Hello!
Meet Nicole: Trainer
Growing up in Decatur, Illinois, Nicole always had a deep love for animals. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Southern Illinois University and began working with dogs at 15 years old in both kennel and in-home settings.
Before joining Leah’s Training & Treats, she worked as a zookeeper, where she spent several years working with antelope and other hoofed species. She later transitioned to working with predators, learning an entirely new set of behavioral skills. While in the zoo field, she completed numerous training programs focused on medical care, husbandry, desensitization and animal enrichment.
This unique experience taught her the importance of patience, trust-building, and fear-free communication when it comes to working with all animals—skills she now brings into her work with dogs of all breeds and temperaments.
In 2021, she stepped away from zookeeping to welcome her first son, and in 2023, her second. Now, she’s thrilled to return to her passion in the animal behavior field. She finds immense joy in helping dogs and their families build stronger, more understanding relationships and we are lucky to have her as part of Leah’s Training & Treats team!