AKC Evaluator Trainers
Nikolett, owner of Naughty to Nice Dog Training, has been passionate about animals since childhood in Greece, where her love for stray animals inspired her to educate others on transforming pets into well-behaved family members. After high school, she worked at Petco’s infirmary, became an Avian Specialist, and later earned her A.A. and A.S. degrees, becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician. Nikolett spent over 11 years at a veterinary hospital, educating pet owners on behavior, training, and health. She then became an AKC Certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and focused on full-time dog training, specializing in service dog prerequisites. Since 2004, she has trained over 7,000 dogs and volunteers at local shelters to improve animals’ behavior before adoption.
Nikolett’s family began with two pups: a half Pit Bull, half Rottweiler rescue named Spartan, who quickly became her four-legged shadow. He was rescued from Oakland, and after months of training, Spartan passed the Canine Good Citizen test, proving to be a loyal and devoted companion. Along with Spartan, they also have an Aussiedoodle who keeps the family active and engaged. With two kids in the mix, they soon realized they needed more animals to complete their family, continuing to grow their bond with pets and deepen their love for animals.
Recently, Nikolett’s family welcomed an Anatolian Shepherd named Poppy, who loves patrolling the property and keeping critters at bay. Alongside Poppy, they have a new addition—a loyal and protective Anatolian Shepherd pup named Theo, who has quickly bonded with the family. All of their pups will be going through training to become Certified Canine Good Citizens, ensuring they are well-mannered and ready to be the best companions possible.
Lil Bobby, our new rescue, found us just two days before Christmas. He survived a cold night in 30-degree weather, seeking shelter with our chickens until we discovered him the next morning. We rushed him to the vet, where we learned that at only five weeks old, he had six different intestinal parasites. Thankfully, after treatment, Lil Bobby is now parasite-free and settled into his forever home, where he’s surrounded by love and care.
In addition to their dogs, Nikolett’s family also adopted two kitties, Buffy and Garfield, who have a unique personality and act more like dogs than cats. With their faith, their children, and their animals, Nikolett and her family find even more purpose and joy in their everyday lives, creating a loving and lively home filled with companionship and meaning.
Angela began working with Nikolett in 2011 and quickly discovered her passion for dog training. Growing up in Greece with Nikolett, she saw the lack of knowledge in animal care and wanted to help pet owners understand their dogs’ needs. Angela holds an A.A. in Liberal Studies and Early Childhood Development and has 13 years of teaching experience. As an AKC evaluator and certified trainer, she’s worked with dogs of all sizes. Angela’s love for animals began at age ten with her family’s poodle, later owning a Pomeranian, German Shepherds, and now a Boxer named Diesel.