No Monkey Business Dog Training

No Monkey Business Dog Training No Monkey Business Dog Training offers one on one behavior consultations, classes, and workshops to

Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KSA, CDBC, OSCT
Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant
Licensed Dogs and Storks Presenter
Licensed Dog and Baby Connections Presenter
Assistant Director to Family Paws Parent Eduation

So I know many of you are probably off to trick or treat tonight, or you're getting ready for the barrage of cute kids t...
10/31/2025

So I know many of you are probably off to trick or treat tonight, or you're getting ready for the barrage of cute kids to come knocking on your door. But, while we're busy having fun this evening lets remember some simple things for our dogs -

1. Management is key. If you're going to have lots of people coming to the door, keep a gate or pen set up so your dog can't barge through the door in excitement or behave in a way that may not be welcome. Some dogs don't take to visitors at the door well and its best to have them not set up for failure by giving them a buffer. Even for those who can't or don't have a gate, have your dog dragging a leash so you can move him quickly away if you need to or step on it should he decide he wants to go out too.

2. If your dog truly hates people coming to the door or may get too anxious/excited, there is nothing wrong with creating a safe space in a separate area of the house where you can have white noise going and give him something wonderful to chew on stay busy. You can also then sit by the door and be ahead of the game so no one has to ring the doorbell multiple times. It's a perfect opportunity for you to eat all your favorite candy too before giving any away.

3. Take your dog out right before the activity and then wait until after the activity to take him out again. Don't take him out when he may be surprised by a scary silhouette or something spooky. Make sure he’s wearing appropriate identification!

4. Bringing your dog with you trick or treating can go badly quickly, Only bring your dog if you feel he is going to tolerate all the noise excitement and chaos well. Always have an extra adult with you so they can take the dog home or bring him to a safe spot (crate in the car with a chew ready) should he get overwhelmed or scared.

5. Chocolate is my favorite food, but it is not good for dogs. In all the excitement please make sure you watch where you put the candy or where it is left out. keep it out of your pets reach. If you aren't sure where to put it, send it to my house.

6. Dressing pets up is fun, but it shouldnt be a requirement for a dog to love it. If your dog is not enjoying all the handling or dress up, stop. Its not worth having an incident just to try to get a cute picture. Your dog will thank you!

Happy Howloween everyone!

- Helen St. Pierre and a Cabbage Margarita (salt and drool on the rim)

We lost Sadie yesterday. My heart is broken but also so grateful she made it here to feel the love she needed at the end...
10/30/2025

We lost Sadie yesterday. My heart is broken but also so grateful she made it here to feel the love she needed at the end.

10/28/2025

Make way for butterflies!

These two drool machines are now weighing in at 48lbs - Castle and 78lbs - Cabbage.
10/27/2025

These two drool machines are now weighing in at 48lbs - Castle and 78lbs - Cabbage.

I cannot stress this enough, and when I saw this graphic, I had to share it. Your dog is not a programable, updatable or...
10/26/2025

I cannot stress this enough, and when I saw this graphic, I had to share it.

Your dog is not a programable, updatable or replaceable. And, neither are YOU. You are both two halves of one team and you will each have to meet each other where you're at on any particular day. The same goes for any relationship or partnership.

The last year and a half, as I've navigated grief and the world as a new context without my mother, training has looked different for me. I'm not as intense, I'm not as persistent, I truly don't hang my perception of myself anymore on how my dogs "perform" - but rather in how I feel around them, how they feel around me, and having more fun than finished product. They have met me in where I'm at, because a lot of the time "my best" is barely hanging on, and I have been so grateful to that.

I do the same for them. Some days they won't be on top of their game, they may be navigating something themselves - even if it's as simple as ALL THE LEAVES ARE BLOWING AND OMG - and I just have to lower my goals for that day and let it be. Life is too short to be mad at my DOGS. I mean, really.

In a world of technology and everything being taken over for us, try to relish in the unpredictability of nature and organic relationships. Remind yourself that even though you are surrounded by machines that do everything for you at the touch of a button, YOU are a human - an animal - and so is your dog. And it's one of the oldest and most sacred partnerships in the animal world, so enjoy it, don't try to control it or rush it. Our dogs don't, so we shouldn't either.

Helen St. Pierre

10/24/2025

This is called “you be the deer and I’ll be the deerhound” with the labs and Kettle.

Also the heavy breathing is the saints I swear.

I realized today I've been so busy with the dogs and new sniffspot and everything else that I forgot to introduce you to...
10/22/2025

I realized today I've been so busy with the dogs and new sniffspot and everything else that I forgot to introduce you to a very special new addition. Those of you following ODGTH will have undoubtedly seen her there, but sweet Sadie was surrendered to us a couple of weeks ago and has taken over the couch and our hearts.

She's 11 years old, has some significant arthritis, and it's taken her some time to get over the heartbreak she's been feeling, but she's really settled in now and we are so happy to give her a soft landing here for however long she wants to stay.

Legend - we’ve been friends a long time nowWinter - yep.Legend - I’m still amazed you can keep up Winter - and I’m still...
10/19/2025

Legend - we’ve been friends a long time now

Winter - yep.

Legend - I’m still amazed you can keep up

Winter - and I’m still amazed you’re allowed to walk through life as a walking carpet

Legend - doesnt it get boring barking at nothing all day?

Winter - not as boring as being a hairy speed bump.

Legend - hey look deer p**p - wanna share?

Winter - sure!

You know that normal instinctual behavior that most dogs have, that when you start walking towards them to get through o...
10/19/2025

You know that normal instinctual behavior that most dogs have, that when you start walking towards them to get through or to somewhere, they naturally move out of the way?

Saint Bernards do not have that. Just FYI.

Signed,
A dog trainer who almost just died.

“Hi Helen,I just wanted to take a moment to share how grateful we are for all that No Monkey Business has done for us an...
10/17/2025

“Hi Helen,

I just wanted to take a moment to share how grateful we are for all that No Monkey Business has done for us and our dog, Maple. We were so appreciative to have put her through the original set of puppy training courses — we met so many fantastic trainers and learned so much during that time.

Now that Maple has entered her adolescent stage (and brought along some new challenges!), we’ve found ourselves returning to your services once again. We’ve had the pleasure of meeting even more of your talented trainers, and we continue to be floored by their knowledge, patience, and skill. The progress we’ve seen in such a short time has been incredible.

I leave every training session feeling hopeful and excited about Maple’s future, amazed at the progress she shows each week, and so appreciative of the support and encouragement your entire team provides along the way. I’m convinced that you have the highest-quality trainers in the field, and I just wanted to express our sincere thanks for everything you and your staff do.

Warmly,

Stacie and Maple”

10/16/2025

Prometheus has gained a ton of strength and muscle in his hind end over the last few weeks, partly from all the walking but also from all the playing. Just like Fig; it’s a lot of work, but so worth it when you see this.

Overlap older dogs are so imperative sometimes to help younger dogs learn appropriate skills, model social behavior, build confidence and more. Especially with giant breeds like Saints, Cabbage and Castle need a dog their size to teach them. This sets the tone and culture of my large group of dogs moving forward also. Promo and Breezewood are exceptionally patient and tolerant of the small dogs, and as a result, Cabbage and Castle are learning these skills also. They know they can latch onto Prometheus’ neck, but it’s not a good idea to do that to the doxies.

It’s highly likely Breezewood and Prometheus won’t be here by the time Castle and Cabbage reach full maturity in 4 years, although it would be amazing if they did. BUT if they don’t, the lessons they’ve taught these two will echo in their adult behavior and set the tone for them.

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78 Regional Drive, Building 2
Concord, NH
03301

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+16038567509

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