Leading the Way
to Positive Change
Meet the Heart Behind Niigaanii K9
Brittany is the Owner & Founder of Niigaanii K9.
Brittany found herself in the same spot that you may be in, and struggled with her own dogs behaviours. Through that hardship, she was able to work virtually with an amazing trainer (Jess at Balanced Behaviour Dog Training), who helped transform her relationship and mindset with her dog Opie, which grew into a passion to help other owners with the same struggles.
Brittany has completed a 5 day intensive shadow program with renowned dog behaviourist/trainer Stephanie Vichinsky at Method K9 and she continues to further her knowledge through; books, videos and courses but most importantly through the dogs, as they are the greatest teachers of all! .
Our Approach: Why Diversity Shapes Our Training
Every dog is unique, which is why we choose to work a balanced training program that focuses heavily on building a healthy, meaningful relationship and calmer mindset with you and your dog.
Our training program focuses on the dog that is in front of us. Tools that are used are based off of the dog and where they are at in their training journey.
Some tools that we frequently use are; food, spatial pressure, marker words, verbal commands, place bed, long line, slip lead, prong collar, 6 ft leash, flat collar, toys, praise and affection.
Help Your Dog Find Happiness and Balance
Get started today to get the training your dog deserves
Meet Our Pack
Eli
Ever since I was a little girl I dreamed of having a dog to call my own. At 23 years old, I finally got my wish and hand picked my first dog, Eli. Eli was my soul dog, he was that unicorn dog you hear about, the dog who never barked, who was neutral with people, kids and dogs, who wouldn’t leave your side even if his life depended on it, which meant he had a lot of time off leash and got to go everywhere with me. He was a very confident, faithful, obedient, trustworthy, loving dog.
At this time in my life I had no idea what I was doing, and did a lot of things wrong. I took him to the dog park frequently, never practiced loose leash walking, allowed everyone and their dog to greet him and vice versa. He was allowed on the couches, sleeping in the bed and the list could go on.
The things I ended up doing right (that I didn’t even know I was doing), was taking him everywhere with me, exposing him to different places, sounds, noises, people and dogs, which helped shape him into who he was. Eli was what is classified as a “middle of the pack” dog, which made him very pack driven with an easy-going temperament. Eli was given to me in a time where I had no clue what I was doing as a dog owner, but he gave me a lot of grace when trying to find my way. Eli helped me learn about myself and gave me a sense of confidence that led me to getting my second dog.
Unfortunately, health issues came with old age and we helped Eli cross the rainbow bridge on July 27th, 2023. He will forever be a big part of my story and one of the greatest chapters written. xoxo
Opie
In 2020 we decided to add another dog to our family, enter Opie. Opie is a Mastiff mutt, think of every mastiff breed possible mixed into one and that’s our Opie. Needless to say he does not have the greatest genetics, covid did not help with his socialization and he is what they call a “back of the pack” dog. He is/was reactive to people and dogs, he is insecure, barked at everything, anxious, over-excitable and had no off switch. With all that said, Opie has been not only my biggest struggle but also my greatest teacher. This dog has made me cry, want to give up and throw in the towel countless times. But I owed it to him to do better. I made it my mission to help him, and along the way it allowed me to become a better version of myself.
Opie and I have been on a journey together. We have worked with a lot of trainers and ultimately found a trainer who we worked with virtually (shout out to Jess at Balanced Behaviour Dog Training). She helped really open my eyes and gave me a whole new mindset and perspective into the world of dog training. She was our saving grace.
Opie helped me become the leader he so desperately needed, someone to advocate for him when he’s feeling unsure, someone to guide him to make the right decisions because he ultimately didn’t want to take on that role, but felt like he needed to step into it because I wasn’t at the time.
Opie is nothing like Eli and it took me a long time to accept that.
When I started training the dog in front of me and accepting Opie for who he was, our relationship blossomed, trust was earned and our story continues. This did not happen over night, this was a lot of hard work, dedication and consistency.
I knew that I was not the only one in this situation and that other owners are struggling with their dogs and looking for someone to be their saving grace. I want to help other owners build their relationship with their dogs and become the leader their dog is looking for.
Sadie the Cat
Sadie was found by my husband at 5 weeks old on the railroad tracks in the middle of the night, and what turned into a NON cat home, quickly turned into a cat home.
Sadie has a lot of personality and makes us laugh on the daily. We are pretty sure she thinks she’s part dog. Sadie is inquisitive and fearless. She fits into the family perfectly! Even Opie thinks so and that’s saying a lot!