This site
Welcome to a supportive space designed specifically for you and your dog. At Chaotic Dogs we understand how hard it can be to try and figure out what our dogs are telling us through their behaviors. Many times, we think our dogs are just ‘bad’ dogs who don’t listen and don’t want to do what we ask of them. Most of the time though, when we learn to dig deeper, we find they want to please us but there are things getting in the way, such as fear, anxiety, not knowing how to respond to different situations, etc. Being equipped with some knowledge of how to ‘read’ their signs, and what to do about those signs goes a long way to helping both you and your dog.
Our hope is to provide this place as a resource to guide you through your journey, whether you are facing behavioral hurdles, raising a new puppy, or simply strengthening your bond with your furry companion. You will find specific help in the form of short videos,illustrated instruction sheets, and blogs for many of the common issues that owners, fosters, and rescues are dealing with. These resources will be arranged by behavior categories to make it easy to find what you are looking for.
Our goal is to present tools that will enable dog guardians to be able to make progress with their dogs on their own, but if further help is needed, you can contact Christina to arrange more personal support.
As a passionate Positive Reinforcement Trainer, Christina Niels understands the unique challenges and dynamics that come with training, especially when working with rescue and rehabilitation dogs. Emphasizing patience and positivity, Christina offers insights into effective techniques that enhance communication between you and your dog. Positive reinforcement is not just a training method; it’s a philosophy that fosters confidence and happiness in dogs, leading to long-lasting behavioral changes. Christina, or one of her team, can provide practical advice, step-by-step training methods, and emotional support tailored to you and your dog's needs.
Together, let’s celebrate the little victories and foster a harmonious relationship that thrives on understanding and trust. Dive in and explore the tools available to empower your training success. Your journey starts here!
Owner-Head Trainer
Christina Niels
IAABC-ADT, CPDT-KA, PTS-CI
I’m Christina Niels, a positive reinforcement trainer with a passion for rescuing and rehabilitating fearful and aggressive dogs. I’ve spent the last 20 years in the pet industry, dedicating myself to helping animals live their best lives. My life is centered around dogs, and I work tirelessly to ensure they receive the care and attention they deserve. At home, I’m a proud mom to two humans, eight dogs, two cats, and four cows (and the list keeps growing!). Whether I’m training, rescuing, or simply sharing my love for animals, my goal is always the same: to create a harmonious, loving environment for both pets and their families.
Blog Author
Lori Hall
I've loved dogs ever since I can remember. I grew up with a herding dog and a small mixed mutt. Those two dogs taught me a lot about what dogs need and how they learn, which only fueled my desire to learn more. After getting married and having 2 kids, I talked my husband into our first dog, another herding dog named Jessie. He didn't have any sheep to work, so we channeled that energy into baseball - the kids at the park would take turns hitting the ball while Jessie played outfield. He would chase that ball and then run in and tag the kids out as they ran the bases, which filled his need for herding. I love watching dogs do what makes them happy and fulfilled! My other dogs have included raising a golden retriever for Guide Dogs of America, and 3 golden retrievers of my own.
I volunteered for a golden retriever rescue in So CA for 8 years. During that time, I worked with multiple positive reinforcement behaviorists and trainers, including Christina Niels, to help dogs with many different behavior issues. I was also fortunate to have the opportunity to follow one of those trainers around for a couple years and gain much more knowledge and experience with reactivity, resource guarding, anxiety and more.
Dogs are such loyal companions and have so much to teach us if we just know how to listen.
