Nicole Wilde is the author of nine canine-related books, as well as a certified pet dog trainer and canine behavior specialist. She has taught seminars around the world to dog trainers, shelter/rescue workers, dog owners, vet techs, animal control officers, and others. Nicole’s background includes many years of rescue work with wolfdogs (wolf hybrids) and working with Los Angeles city animal shelters.
Nicole has hosted the Dog Talk radio show and co-starred in the DVD Train Your Dog: The Positive Gentle Method. She writes a column for Modern Dog Magazine as well as contributing articles and blogs to various sites including Dog Star Daily, Dogtime.com, and Victoria Stilwell’s Positively site. Nicole runs Gentle Guidance Dog Training in southern California, helping dogs and their people to achieve better communication and cooperation.
Photo credit: Monty Sloan
Wilde About Dogs 
I appreciated your presentations at the APTD conference. I am also appreciative of the council on wolf hybrids. I have ordered the book, but appreciate the assistance in the mean time.
Sarah A. Dean CPDT-KA
Hi Nicole,
I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog. I’m a dog lover myself but not as informed as you are. I would just like to ask you some questions privately, would you mind kindly contacting me at nairmichael8@gmail.com
Thanks,
Michael
Hi, I’m interested in aquiring some of your books, but I am having difficulties finding them. If you have any info That would be great. i’ve also done my own animal rescues including wolfdogs. I would love to speak with you about them if you have time. I also work at an animal shelter and would love to share stories…. Thanks, Cin
Hi Cindy,
If you are in the U.S., you can order any of my books directly through the Phantom Publishing website at http://www.phantompub.com. If you are outside of the U.S. let me know and I’ll let you know who the distributor would be.
Nicole
I am using your book Don’t Leave Me! to help our recent shelter adoptee Belle, and it’s a life saver. She has severe isolation distress and has broken out of her crate once. She is now staying eight minutes alone and has not visible signs of distress when we return. What a victory! Thanks for all of your tips. She is also reactive to other dogs, so I’m learning a lot from your blog and taking hope that our Belle will improve in this area as well.
Deb, I’m so happy to hear that! Eight minutes is a huge victory, especially since it sounds as though she started out with pretty severe distress. Hang in there with both that and the aggression issues. You’re doing a great job! 🙂
Nicole
I too am a fan and am reading your book on helping fearful dogs. I have rescued a fearful dog that is not addressed in your book: An Australian Shepherd pup (9 months) who is not toy, food or anything motivated as he is extremely fearful of all movement, mainly human. He is desperately afraid of humans. He goes completely stiff whenever humans approach him, follows the pack to the treat but when I give him the treat (even if I toss it gently) he runs away. He barely eats (I give him privacy… hand feeding definitely does not work) because he is so stressed. We have had him fro a month and from being catatonic, he now follows me (at a distance) even comes on the couch with me and bed and loves his walks. But he will not come up to me other than on the couch and bed and runs circles around me to greet me. I never approach him head on and follow all your rules. Can’t train if I don’t have anything he wants…. HEEEELP. Thanks. How do I know if you have answered this? Clementine (I “liked” your facebook page… is that a way to know what you think?)
Hi
I have rescued two dogs with this exact same fear–both were unsocialized kennel raised dogs. Sounds to me as if you are doing everything right. These dogs need a lot of patience and time. If you have other well socialized dogs in the home that definately helps. My first rescue was 18 months old and he hid for weeks. Also not treat motivated. Took nearly a year for him to voluntarily come to me for affection. 2 1/2 years later he is doing great. Also rescued a female 5 year old with the same fear issues only more intense than the first one. Have had her 2 yrs now and she allows petting and handling and will almost come up to me when we are out in the yard. She does still hide in the house. So you are on the right path– remember these dogs take a long time to trust but when they do they are most loyal and faithful companions. Good luck.
The dog in the picture on the left – what sort of dog is that? It’s an absolutely beautiful animal.
Thanks, Shelly! That’s Sierra, a dog we adopted from the shelter, so we have no background. Husky-Keeshond-who-knows-what is our best guess. 😉
Hi, I think Sierra looks very much like a Finnish Lapphund. The Lapphunds are related to the Keeshond, but larger. I have a couple of Lappies and they are wonderful dogs, intelligent, funny and in my mind very beautiful.
Hi Gunnar, her body shape is different but I can see the resemblance!
Nicole,
I found your book “Wolfdogs A-Z” at Amazon.com while researching help on the internet to train my newest dog companion. I’ve read through it once and am impressed with your presentation and understanding of the doggie mind. I am a life long dog person (nearly 45 years now) and have had a variety of canines in my life. The newest is Wyatt, a wolfdog from a rescue in Phoenix who is an absolute joy – at nearly nine months he is close to 90 lbs and getting bigger, so I want to be sure he is well mannered and easy (easier) to live with.
I just ordered your DVD “Train Your Dog” because I need some straightforward techniques on training. I have tried to find a local dog trainer who can help, but it seems most use a less desirable approach than the ones you advocate. While i would prefer to have the feedback of another person who is qualified, I’ll do my best to follow the instruction presented on the DVD. Do you have a forum where people like myself can ask specific questions related to their dogs?
Eric, you can email me directly at author@phantompub.com. I would be happy to assist you in finding a positive, gentle trainer in your area.
What an incredible photo of you with those two wolves! Amazing!
Hello! I found your blog through Freshly Pressed…and boy am I glad I did! I have 3 fur-kidz of my own at home. They are such a huge part of my life – they add so much joy and laughter to my life (and sometimes aggrevation)! I’ll be browsing your blog looking for helpful tips and other fun stuff!
I have a pet post now and then on my “The Nature In Us” blog (www.thenatureinus.com) and wondered if I could use your blog post on “How to Find a Lost Dog?” I would give author credit of course and your website link. I saw that article due to a post by a friend on Twitter, so wanted to find out what your protocol is for use of your wonderful articles.
Hi Donna, thanks for asking and yes, you are welcome to post the blog on your site with credit given and website link. The more dogs who can be helped, the better!
Thank you so much!!
I don’t see dogs that look like my own Finnish Lapphund looking rescue mutt Bo very often, but if you mixed Sierra and Bodhi you’d probably get something very close. Only Bo has a dark orange undercoat and wispy ankle fluffs. I’ve also been on the never ending quest to figure out what he is mixed with. Your blog has been very informative and very fun to read. I’d love to see you keep up the good work. 🙂
Thanks, Stacy, and I’d love to see a photo of Bo! 🙂
You’re welcome. 🙂
I will oblige as far as photos go:
Some background, Bo is currently somewhere around 9 or 10 years old, the Humane Society had him listed as a Chow/Husky mix and possibly as part GSD. he was a “last day dog” and was scheduled to be PTS, despite the issues we initially had with separation anxiety – and his continued issues with kennels and recall, I’m entirely glad we adopted him just in time, best pup we’ve ever owned.
Recent Photo:
Old photo (when he was about 6 years old and still recovering from being malnourished and needing a groom – this photo shows the orange in his coat pretty well though): https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/6608_113152686654_1529330_n.jpg
Thanks for the photos! Bo is beautiful, and how awesome that you rescued him on his last day. I can see how his head has a similar shape to Bodhi. 😉
Definitely, though he is smaller and only around 50lbs much like Sierra. Oh the mysteries of a mutt. ❤
Hello!
I have to say I’m very glad I found your blog. I love all the photos and content. It’s very easy to relate to, and sheds light on common interests and issues of dog owners. As a dog owner myself I really appreciated how organised the blog is so that readers may easily navigate when looking for topics relevant to their own puppy.
I have recently entered the blog world writing about my experiences with rescue dogs. I look forward to posting a link to your blog- it’s a great resource!
Hello,
I have some personal questions to ask you. May I contact you via email address listed above in one of the other comments/replies?
Amanda
Amanda, you can reach me at author@phantompub.com.
I am new to your blog and love your photography. I shall now be following with interest. We have a dog, she’s spoilt rotten and it’s all my fault. I love dogs, you may guess this if any of my posts are of interest.
I have a Sheltie that is now 9 yrs old. Shes home bound – well, because I cant take her anywhere. Multiple issues with her. Difficult to live with. Has had Obedience training, agility, Rally and the only thing she has been successful in is herding. She barks nonstop at everything, circles, attacks furniture when someone sneezes, out of control frenzy when tearing a ckeck out of the book, picking up a fly swatter, moving a chair, the vacuum, bites the agility equipment during training, in a barking frenzy even while playing on the floor with my grandchildren. Not a biter and never aggression toward humans or other dogs. Has been untrainable and I feel I have failed her. I also have three other Shelties that excel in performance events. Have been training for over 30 years. Its difficult to divert her from these behaviors and she has taught some of the negative ones to the others. She dominates me as well as our home. I find that I have had to adapt to HER. She is crated while I clean, I put her outside or in a closed room to write a check, kill a fly or climb onto a chair to reach something. Any DVDs on how to approach these issues? Have had private training sessions with various handlers, different approaches to training and have never had any success. Would appreciate any insight.
Hi Sandy,
It sounds as though you have a very sensitive girl there, to sound and perhaps movement. This isn’t a matter of training. It would be best to consult with a veterinary behaviorist, as this might be a case where medication could make her life (and yours) much less stressful.
Take care,
Nicole
I am new to your blog and so far I like what I see! I am a professional animal communicator and am wondering how you feel about intuitive/telepathic communication with animals. Thanks for all you do!
Just found your blog and am now following. Junior and I love it.
Jill
And Junior
Therapy Dog With Opinions
I really appreciate how honest you are! Pooh and I had a hard week (http://myshydog.weebly.com/blog/couldve-lost-her) and knowing that even YOU have tough times really helped. Grateful for your blog-as always.
Sarah
I’m glad to have discovered your blog. You provide such an honest and fresh perspective! I’m glad to know that my instincts with my dogs and their body language are coming from the right mind frame. If at all you are able to email me, I’d love to pick your brain! Cheers.
I’ve recently discovered your blogs. I enjoy reading them and learning a whole lot from them. I’m hoping to become a canine behaviourist in Canada.
Admire your work. Kudos to you Nicole!
Cheers!
Nicole is my shero! Her books helped me understand and raise a very neurotic wolf mix for 12+ years, may My beautiful LaQuinta rest in peace 💜🐺💜 and a very unpredictable dog aggressive rottie/chow mix for 14+ years 💙🐶💙. Now that I am getting German Shephard puppies (yes plural, 3, different litters, all will be fixed), I will be reading her books again for refreshers. Thank you Nicole!!!
Angela, I’m so glad to know that my books have helped with your beautiful LaQuinta and your rottie/chow mix. And wow, 3 pups at once is a lot! Congratulations and good luck with everything and thanks for the kind words. 🙂
Do you have any guides or tips on low content wolf dogs? My wife and I adopted a “German Shepherd” a year ago through a local rescue organization that was brought here from down south. A DNA test revealed that although he does not look like a wolf, he has some in him (very low about, around 6%), along with several other breeds (GSD at 25%, the rest is Husky, American Staffy, Golden Retriever, German Shorthaired Pointer, Chow Chow, and Boerboel (yeah, super mutt). We started him with obedience training, and he is great at the basics, but now that he is transitioning into an adult there are some issues coming up and I am not sure on the best way to train him out of these things, some of which may just be part of his nature. In particular, he does not like people coming into the house other than his pack (family members), he does not do well with aggressive dogs at dog parks (he leaves them alone but if they mess with him he feels the need to put them in their place), he keeps killing (and in several cases, eating) small animals that come into our yard, and he is extremely scared of loud noises from fireworks, cannon from the local high school football games, or distant gunfire during hunting season (we live in a rural area of Minnesota, he will hide and shiver in fear when he hears these).
Hi Lawrence, I do have two books about wolfdogs (www.nicolewilde.com) but my Help for Your Fearful Dog might be more helpful for the fear issues. As far as the aggression issues, you need a trainer to work with you in person. I suggest searching the Find a Trainer areas of the websites of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (www.apdt.com), the Pet Professional Guild (www.petprofessionalguild.com) and the IAABC (www.iaabc.org).
I have dog he is 9 years I just got 6week old Yorker my other dog hates the Yorker I am think of getting rid of the other dog he pees on my sofa poo on my floor what can I do
Gloria, please visit http://www.apdt.com and click on Trainer Search to find a trainer who can come and work with you on these issues.
Thank you so much for the dog park DVD. I loaned it to our local dog park/ humane society in an attempt to have them offer an instruction class on dog park behavior. So far no luck but I keep trying
I really appreciate how honest you are! You have some great blog articles. Keep up the great work. I love the photo of you and your dogs. Grateful for your blog as always.
I just want to let you know that I recently found your site, and you are absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for all of your hard work, very impressive knowledge and love of dogs. I plan to use much of your material.
Thank you so much for your article on the poor abandoned huskies. Ten years ago our beloved collie died of cancer. I had only ever owned collies and was ready for a change. I research the husky breed.. Found a beautiful boy pup.. I named him Balto yes from the Disney movie. My kids were still kids.. However, as I was talking about the special needs this breed has, I guess my now ex husband wasn’t listening.. I was vert impressed the breeder made a very long trip to deliver our puppy. He spent time in our yard, with us, almost figuring out if we would make a good match for his puppy. I have bought many dogs and never had a breeder care that much.. I bet if he thought for one minute what did happen to my beloved boy,, he would have left with him.
I got divorced from the abusive man when my boy was a year old.. I left the family home as I knew he never would. I told him I was looking for a place where I could take Balto. I went every day and picked him up and took him for at least two hours of running. I also brought him to visit in my tiny apartment. took him for car rides He loved car rides.. Howled with pleasure every time. I received a phone call from a shelter, not in my town. They had my dog.. they said he was found with a leash that he had ripped.. They told me no way he had walked that distance.. No damage to his pads. I stupidly left him at the ex es place again where he went missing a month later. The ex claims he jumped the fence.. Blatant lie. He never jumped a fence. I still cry when I think of him with his paws on the fence looking at me excited to see me and sad to see me go. I never found him. My kids and I searched for over a year.. I still lool.. He would be 11 now if he is alive.
I am writing all of this as another testament to never bring a husky into a home where he isn’t wanted.. I loved him and cared for him the way he deserved to be cared for.. My ex never could accept his husky traits.. He tried to make him listen and be obedient by yelling and I know abusing him I feel so terrible for this. These dogs are only for true dog lovers and lovers of dogs that may not be obedient and can cause K oss in your home and yard.. I always found his destructive antics hilarious. My ex did not.. these dogs have special unique personalities… Embrace them.. Dont try to change it.. You will lose. My life situations right now does not allow a huskky.. I was talking to a friend last night.. She thinks I am crazy.. I told her while all my friends are enjoying winter vacations in Hawaii and Jamaica.. My dream is to get another husky like my boy Balto. And I want to go to the Yukon ad experience dog sledding and see the Northern lights Beaches are over rated..
thanks for listening..
Deanna
Deanna, your story brought tears to my eyes. I’m so sorry for everything you’ve gone through, and the things your dog has gone through as well. I would like to think that someone found your husky, took him in, and has given him a loving home for all of these years. All the best to you. And I hope you end up getting another husky and seeing the Northern Lights. 🙂