Nicole Berthold, KPA-CTP, Trainer

Nicole’s curiosity towards reward-based training began with her first zoo internship. “Astonished at how keepers could encourage their animals to perform behaviors without coming in physical contact really attracted me to positive reinforcement…”


Nicole holds a degree in Biology and recently earned her certification as a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner! Click here to see what it means to be a Karen Pryor Academy trainer, and to see the pledge that she takes annually as a KPA-CTP.

She guides dog and puppy owners to success both by leading our group classes and via in-home private training. Nicole has an impressive career with animals, including working in the zoo field,  gaining training experience with a wide variety of animals.

Later, she generously offered her time volunteering and training at shelters around the state, helping improve the quality of life for animals living in the shelter.

Nicole eagerly pursues ongoing continuing education and professional development by attending seminars, volunteering and keeping current on all industry literature. When not helping clients to enjoy easier lives with their canine companions, Nicole currently volunteers by spreading joy with her own dog, River (above), as a Certified Therapy Dog Team.

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St Louis MO Dog Training and Dog Training Classes
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Animal Education & Certification

  • Karen Pryor Academy - Certified Training Partner
  • Karen Pryor Academy - Puppy Start Right Course
  • Karen Pryor Academy - Better Vet Course
  • PetTech Pet CPR Certified, First Aid & Care
  • Dickerson Park Zoo, Springfield, MO - Internship
  • St. Louis Zoo - Externship

Volunteer Work

  • Route 66 Rescue, Springfield, MO
  • Saint Louis County Animal Care and Control
  • C.H.A.M.P. Assistance Dogs – Certified Therapy Dog Team

Formal Education

  • B.S. Biology, Missouri State University

Continuing Education

  • Positive Gun Dog Training, FetchMasters, St. Louis, MO - June 2016
  • Cooperation On and Off Leash, Grisha Stewart, St. Louis, MO - October 2018
  • Aggression in Dogs Conference – October 2020
  • ClickerExpo LIVE – January 2021
  • Aggression in Dogs Conference - October 2021
  • The Lemonade Conference - February 2022
  • Aggression in Dogs Conference - October 2022
  • ClickerExpo LIVE – January 2023
  • Aggression in Dogs Conference - October 2023
  • Aggression in Dogs Workshop, Michael Shikashio, St. Louis, MO - February 2024