Hi! My name is Nicole Gossler,
Many of you have known me as “Zoo Keeper To The Rescue” for the last 6 years, but as my business and specialties have evolved it was time to change my name to "San Diego Puppy Coach", which better encompasses what I do for my clients.
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My Story
When I was 7 years old I stood in front of the Flamingo Exhibit at the San Diego Zoo and told my parents that I wanted to be a Zookeeper. Even then I had a deep rooted passion to work with animals. It was a passion that I fulfilled!
While completing my B.S. degree in Wildlife Conservation Biology at ASU I worked for a small zoo in Arizona where I did outreach programs . During this time I participated in several conservation projects in Zambia, South Africa, Panama and Costa Rica. I had the opportunity to work with Howler monkeys, Spider monkeys, Sloth and many species of parrots and native wildlife. One of my greatest joys was working in Zambia for five months with 5 young orphaned chimpanzees and rehabilitating them back into a troop.
After graduation I was accepted a Keeper/Trainer position with the San Diego Zoo. For 16 years I worked with numerous animals doing outreach programs, animal presentations and shows. Some highlights were traveling with animals, making live appearances on both local and national morning shows. I also worked in the nursery and was able to help raise numerous animals including my favorite, a mountain gorilla named Azizi. I was also able to participate in bringing animals to nursing homes and Children’s Hospital for over 9 years which left a lasting impression on me on how animals can have an incredible impact on people even in toughest times.
I wish I could just work with puppies all day……
After years with the zoo I needed a more family friendly schedule and decided to start my own pet sitting, and ultimately dog training business. Although I love working with animals I find that it's ultimately the people that I work with that makes my job so rewarding. After watching people struggle for years I found that when people started off on the right foot with puppies it was a game changer! I have been honored to work with hundreds (maybe even 1000) of amazing families and experience first hand the love they have for their dogs.
My Mission with Puppies
I work with dogs of all ages but puppies are my specialty. I provide the tools for the humans to raise a confident, well balanced puppy. Your puppy has a voice and I will teach you how to listen to that voice and give that puppy the direction it needs so it sees you as a strong leader that it wants to follow. Because who wants to follow a weak leader? You can have all the love in the world from a puppy but if you don’t have mutual respect through structure, rules, boundaries and manners you will not have a balanced relationship. What does that look like for a puppy ? That means I teach you to become a calm, consistent leader and manage your puppies time, space and other resources correctly so they are not stressed out.
My Mission with Dogs
As Humans we play a significant role in our dogs behavior. So it's no secret when I say that in order for your dog’s behavior to change so also must your behavior change. If your dog doesn't see you as a fair and balanced leader why would it listen to you? It’s important to have clear communion with a dog so you can build a relationship based on mutual love and respect.
Clear communication means using structure and boundaries while giving the dog not only physical exercise but the right type of mental exercise. I provide the tools people need so their dog feels like it is a valuable member of their pack. At the end of the day we all want an enjoyable (and easier!) life with our pets. I am here to help you find that balance and happiness with your dog.