The Pet Professor

Home
The Pet Professor

Dr. Nettle has 10+ years of experience in the animal behavior field. She understands the joys and frustrations of living with pets with behavior problems.
(5)

She looks forward to working with you and your cat or dog towards a safer and happier relationship. Dr. Leah Nettle earned her PhD. in Biology from SUNY Binghamton University focusing on animal behavior, ecology and evolution. She studied the vocal communication of American Crows deciphering the contexts and functions of two crow calls. Prior to Binghamton University, Dr. Nettle worked in a compan

ion animal veterinary clinic as a veterinary assistant. From 2014 until 2018, she worked with and learned from a leading expert in the fields of animal shelter and companion animal behavior, attending to a variety of cat and dog behavior problems at appointments in the clients’ homes and in an office setting. She has also taught college-level classes on animal behavior, evolution and introductory biology. Dr. Nettle currently co-teaches online courses on shelter animal behavior for the University of Florida and lecture together internationally on the subject. Dr. Nettle also sees appointments and teaches classes for dogs and cats with behavior problems in Western New York. Dr. Nettle is a certified Family Dog Mediator, having completed the L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation course. She can help you bridge the gap between understanding the science behind your dog's behavior and how to live with them using practical solutions. Dr. Nettle is also a licensed Family Paws Parent Educator with expertise on incorporating the family dog in preparing families for a new baby, and then for toddlerhood. She is a certified dog parkour instructor with the International Dog Parkour Association and her dog, Zinnia, has multiple dog parkour titles. Additionally, she is a certified AKC CGC and Trick Dog evaluator. Dr. Nettle is also canine and feline CPR certified through Pet Emergency Education, LLC. She is ultimately working towards becoming a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist through the Animal Behavior Society. Dr. Nettle is excited to utilize her years of education and experience in animal behavior and to continue working with the dogs and cats (and most importantly, humans) of Western New York! In her free time, Dr. Nettle loves yoga, gardening, hiking and spending time with her husband, sons, dog and cat.

13/08/2024

Chelsea is the best!

22/07/2024

We still have a few spots left in our barkour adventure walk this Saturday 7/27 at 9:30 in the Outer Harbor.

Come explore Gallagher Beach and Buffalo Harbor State park with your two and four-legged friends!

Register at supernovadogs.com/upcoming-classes-registration

Reach out with any questions!

18/06/2024

I spend so much time working with people and their reactive or aggressive dogs, learning how to help them and work with them, but I also try to show people with NON reactive dogs learn how they can help them too. I have both kinds, dogs who take things too personally (like eye contact from 100 yards away - ahem, Aslan) and dogs who think everyone needs a hug and a slobber (ahem, Andy). I truly believe if we work together as a collaborative society of dog lovers we can help every dog live their best life. Here are some things I try to teach every human and dog team, and I’ve actually found these are good preventative tools too.

1. Stop letting your dog have on leash greetings with other dogs. Even if they are friendly. Teach your dog when they are on leash you are the best thing they can focus on! This will minimize their conditioned excitement every time they see another dog and help them not pull, lunge or move towards a reactive dog who doesn’t want an interaction. Also, the more you do let your dog meet dogs on leash, the more frustrated and aroused your dog can get when they see them and then reactivity can develop. NO leash greetings all around is a much healthier way to teach your dog(s) that the world out there is great but you’re even better to focus on!

2. Silence your dogs tags. I started doing this a few years ago when we started camping. I realized that the jingling of my dogs tags walking was a huge trigger for many of the dogs in their campsite, and as a result, they would bark and scream profanity at my dogs walking. This made their walk stressful too. By minimizing the noise, I’ve greatly improved my dogs walks and I know I’ve also helped a lot of reactive dogs not get triggered for the umpteenth time that day.

3. Work on a bombproof recall. And then work on it some more. And then some more.

4. Only let your dog off leash in places that are allowed. Even if you think no one is there. Even if it’s just for a second. Just. Don’t. Do it. It’s not fair and it sets so many dogs and humans up to fail. Want a place to let your dog run? Look at Sniffspot.com

5. Respect muzzles, give me space vests, and people saying “no” It is super hard to take a reactive dog out in public and have confidence. The more we give space and respect the better these teams will do! Don’t make judgements or stare or insist on saying hello because you hope to be the exception. Just tell them they are doing a great job and keep going.

6. Don’t let your dog stare. This is a BIG one we work on in all our classes. We teach humans how to position their dogs so they don’t stare at other dogs. I work hard on teaching my dogs to not stare at other dogs on leash and you can too. This is more subtle than not leash greeting but it can be just as helpful. Teach your dog to acknowledge there’s a dog there, but then move on, or turn around and not face them. For many reactive dogs there is nothing more triggering than a goofy adolescent dog staring at them across the road. I swear they scream back “WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?!”

7. Confine and safely manage your dog in the car. Dogs hanging out of windows, barking and lunging in the backseat, or moving back and forth in the car are problematic because 1. It’s not safe and 2. It’s teaching THEM terrible behavior and 3. It’s very stressful for reactive dogs trying to walk down the road. My dogs are crated in the car; or tethered or use a calming cap to reduce their own stress and the stress of dogs that may walk past.

8. Offer to help. Ask the person what you can do to make it easier or help them? More space? Or moving back and forth? Or just continuing on your way. Some people struggle to find others with NON reactive dogs to practice with, so having help makes a big difference. Speak up if you see someone putting them down. Warn someone with an off leash dog that there’s a dog there that needs space. Help them the same at YOU would like it if it was you and your dog.

Reactive dogs are not broken: and they aren’t abnormal either. Reactivity honestly is now becoming more normal than NON reactive dogs, so we have to all work through this together. And it boils down to respect, understanding, courtesy and lots of reward based training.

We can do it gang.

-Helen St. Pierre

17/06/2024

Our weekend and barkour walk season was off to a great start on Saturday! Six dogs, their people, and I headed out to Walton Woods to play some parkour and enjoy the company of friends.

Outer Harbor is up next on July 27! Will you join us? SUPERNOVADOGS.com for more info and to register!

08/06/2024

Congrats to all our sniffing teams tonight on crushing their first ORT and nose work trial experience! Team Luna, Team Hera, Team Vandal and Team Frankie all scored at least one leg towards their odor recognition test. Team Rhody passed all three odors and got his ORT! So proud of everyone for getting out there and having fun with their dogs 🐾

01/06/2024

We are collaborating with Kat Colony to offer a low cost spay/neuter clinic at our resource center…..

Niagara County and Southern Erie County residents were has some good news….. as our original clinic filled up quickly we were able to secure another date for a second clinic. Buffalo C.A.R.E.S Animal Rescue has graciously offered their assistance and resource center to hold this and future clinic ❤️ Together we will be able to help so many community members get the pets spayed/neutered.
These clinics are for owned cats. We will be opening up spots for dogs in the future, please be patient and we find our comfort zone with holding these clinics. As there are limited spots available you are required to register and prepay. This clinic will be he’s on Saturday June 29, 2024 location is 2565 Elmwood Ave, Kenmore NY. (Buffalo CARES Resource Center)
Please remember when calling we are all volunteers if unable to answer please leave a message and/or text. Someone will get back to you.

04/05/2024

Does your dog bark, lunge, or growl at other dogs or people while on leash? This behavior can be challenging, frustrating, and even embarrassing for us humans. For your dog, it is a sign that they are having a hard time emotionally. Our Reactive Rehab class can help!

New sessions are available on Sundays at 5:00pm and Thursdays at 8:00pm. Register online at supernovadogs.com 🐾

29/03/2024

If you are looking forward to the spring weather but dreading the fact that everyone will be out walking their dogs more, you may have a reactive dog. If your dog barks, lunges, and/or growls at other dogs or people while on leash, we can help you look forward to your walks! 💜

Join us on Sundays at 8:00pm and help your dog work through their big feelings that lead to these behaviors. Registration is available at supernovadogs.com 🐾

Not sure if this program is right for you and your dog? Contact us to discuss!

20/03/2024

Couldn't do what I do without you, Alyssa Cirocco! Proud of you ❤️

We recently connected with Alyssa Cirocco and have shared our conversation below. Alyssa, so great

15/03/2024

The SPCA is holding a Drive-Thru Low-Cost Canine Vaccine Clinic next month with the support of Petco Love! The clinic will be held on April 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fairgrounds in Hamburg. Anyone planning to attend the clinic is asked to use the fairgrounds' South Park entrance. For more information, including pricing, please visit YourSPCA.org/DriveThruCanineClinic.

11/02/2024

Hey all! We voted and the majority has decided to stay home with our dogs and watch the Super Bowl today. No reactive rehab or adolescent a*hole classes with The Pet Professor today.

Have fun and see you soon!

30/01/2024

Congrats to these good girls! Maeve, Alba, June and their humans took everything to heart and they all showed great improvement. We're so proud!

26/01/2024

This Saturday!

We can't wait to celebrate our 1 year anniversary with you on Saturday! 🎉 Join us from 4-6pm and see your favorite trainers, make your own pup cup or take home a doggie bag from our treat bar, snap a photo with a barkour car or at the photo booth and have some CAKE! 🎂

18/01/2024

Hi all! This is a reminder that I am not holding classes this week. My family is celebrating our birthdays with a fun trip! Stay safe and warm and don't worry about driving to class in the snow! See you next week!

02/01/2024

Ready for the next steps with your growing pup? Adolescence can be tricky and frustrating, but we can help troubleshoot your concerns and make it fun! Join our adolescent a*hole class starting January 7 at 5pm for help with your teenager's focus, arousal, relaxation, manners and with fulfilling their needs. Small class sizes and high instructor-to-dog ratio. Go to supernovadogs.com to register.

(Older/ non-teenage excitable and exuberant dogs welcome!)

Reach out with any questions!

23/11/2023

Happy Thanksgiving! I am grateful to be a part of your journey.

17/11/2023

Life with an Adolescent A*hole can be challenging. Our 4-week mini session can help make it easier! 🐾

Thursdays at 5pm starting November 30th
Register online at www.supernovadogs.com

05/11/2023

Everyone’s favorite reactive rehab assistant, Alyssa, is offering holiday pet minis! Reactive dog friendly- get those pictures that you never thought you’d be able to get!

HOLIDAY PET MINIS 🐶🎅🏻🐾🎄🎁
Saturday, November 18th
hosted at SUPERNOVA DOGS

$250 fee includes:
🐾 30 minute shoot time
🐾 two dogs per time slot (additional dogs considered for a fee, please message me)
🐾 REACTIVE DOG-FRIENDLY (your dog will be the only one in the building during your session)
🐾 three (3) high resolution digital images (includes print release for holiday cards), additional may be purchased upon gallery delivery
🐾 current SUPERNOVA DOG students will receive a 10% discount
🐾 $50 deposit required upon booking to hold your spot (will come off your session fee)
🐾 guaranteed delivery by December 2nd
https://unleashedinthestudio.pixieset.com/booking/holiday-mini-session-2023

31/10/2023

Happy Halloween! Check out these scary cool facts about our favorite black and orange meowing monsters!

And share your Halloween colored cats with me in the comments!

30/09/2023

So proud of my girl and grateful for a supportive dog training community! Thanks !

(We got 3 out of 4 q’s so no title, but Zinni doesn’t care. Plus, the three we got were all 3rd place! (Edit: 2 3rd places and 1 4th))

25/09/2023

New A*hole and Reactive Rehab classes coming up in October! Register now at supernovadogs.com

October is full of class options from Family Dog Basics to Reactive Rehab and even a Brand New specialty class, Rascally Rabbit. Check out www.supernovadogs.com for more information about class curriculum and registration! 🐾

22/09/2023

Sniff out the benefits of a scent work class! Scent work (also known as nosework) is a fun activity to do with your pup. In scent work, you cooperate with your dog to find hidden treats and/or scents. Since it is a low-impact sport and uses your dog's natural sniffing abilities, all dogs can play and reap the rewards. Find out how you and your dog can profit from a scent work class by following along in this 4 part series.
Want to join in the fun? New intro to scent work classes are forming! Register now on https://www.supernovadogs.com/upcoming-classes-registration.

21/09/2023

15/09/2023

Reactive Rehab 1 grads- here’s the next step!
Let me know if you have any questions!

If you have completed our Reactive Rehab 1 classes, you are ready for new challenges! We are now offering a Level 2 class which will provide you with new opportunities to further improve your dog's skills, which will leave you feeling even more confident about walking with your dog! 🐾

Registration is available at www.supernovadogs.com or contact us at [email protected] with any questions!

03/09/2023

New intro to scent for fun class is starting in October! It will start Oct 5 and will be held on Thursdays at 7pm.
This class is aimed at dogs who have not had any or have had minimal scent/ nosework training in the past.

All sizes, breeds, temperaments, ages and physical abilities welcome!

Now registering at https://www.supernovadogs.com/upcoming-classes-registration.

Reach out with any questions!

23/08/2023

I’ll be taking advantage of the last of my pre-school year flexibility and spending time with my family. Like previously, I won’t be answering emails, texts or phone calls until I return (unless you’re a current client with an emergency. If you are, texting me will likely be the best way to reach me.)

Classes, private lessons and in-home appointments will resume on the 30th.

16/08/2023

Huge thanks to for letting us sniff around the tap room this afternoon!

We love having them as our neighbors ❤️ Swing by before or after your class for a beer and some snacks!

15/08/2023

I can’t believe I’m talking about the school year already- the summer has flown by! Starting Labor Day, my schedule will change slightly to accommodate my family’s schedule.

In-home consultations for cats and dogs will now be offered on Fridays. However, my week day consultations will end by 2:30pm. I will still have some limited availability in the evening and on Sundays for clients who can’t make weekdays work.

My class schedule and private lesson availability at SUPERNOVA DOGS will largely remain the same, though I have also added some Friday availability for private lessons. I also hope to offer some new one-time workshops in the fall and winter.

If you’re looking for help at home with your pet, you can reach out to me through Facebook, Instagram, text or email. More information on my website: Petprofessor.net.

For more information on group dog classes and private lessons in a training center setting, visit supernovadogs.com.

Address

Website

http://petprofessor.net/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Pet Professor posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to The Pet Professor:

Videos

We still have a few spots left in our barkour adventure walk this Saturday 7/27 at 9:30 in the Outer Harbor. Come explore Gallagher Beach and Buffalo Harbor State park with your two and four-legged friends! Register at supernovadogs.com/upcoming-classes-registration Reach out with any questions!

Sniff out the benefits of a scent work class! Scent work (also known as nosework) is a fun activity to do with your pup. In scent work, you cooperate with your dog to find hidden treats and/or scents. Since it is a low-impact sport and uses your dog's natural sniffing abilities, all dogs can play and reap the rewards. Find out how you and your dog can profit from a scent work class by following along in this 4 part series. Want to join in the fun? New intro to scent work classes are forming! Register now on https://www.supernovadogs.com/upcoming-classes-registration.

Steve is a rambunctious young guy who took out his excess energy on his calmer, older housemate, Emma. He'd stalk, chase, jump on and bite her (and sometimes his humans, too!). With more enrichment and training, and especially the addition of a well-matched playmate, Cooper, everyone is happier! "...this suggestion was the best solution yet and we thank you very much for making it! We also love Cooper for his own qualities besides being a good friend for Steve... GREAT JOB! Bravo! Thank you again!" - J.E. and W.S.

And the winners are... 2nd place: @panderson716 (Please contact @supernovadogs for your prizes) 1st place: @ela_and_oliver_ (Please contact The Pet Professor for your prizes) SUPERNOVA DOGS and I had a blast this summer parkouring with you all! Wait until you see what we have in store for winter... #buffalobarkour

Happy National Dog Day! I’m grateful for all of the dogs that I get to spend parts of my life with 🐶🐾💕 Share your pups in the comments ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Congrats! We made it to week 8! Tuesday's obstacle is ... statue! These will be fun to see - bonus points if you find a buffalo! 🦬 #buffalobarkour @supernovadogs SUPERNOVA DOGS

On to week 7! Today's obstacle is railing (guard rail, hand rail, etc.)! Tag us and #buffalobarkour in your posts- can't wait to see them! 😀

Week 6! Sign! Let’s see those unders, throughs, arounds and two feet ons! Signs allow for a lot of creativity. As always, tag me and SUPERNOVA DOGS and #buffalobarkour

Reactive dog group classes start on August 11 in Tonawanda. One spot at 6:30 and one at 7:30pm. Email [email protected] or message for more info and to register.

Light post is today's obstacle challenge! Week 4- Tuesday: Keep it up! You're halfway there! Remember to tag us and #buffalobarkour.

Week 2! We’ve been having so much fun seeing all of your submissions. Today’s challenge is ROCK. Remember tag SUPERNOVA DOGS and The Pet Professor and hashtag #buffalobarkour.

The first obstacle of our Dog Parkour Obstacle Challenge is.... Tree, stump, or log! Trees are versatile and everywhere, making them a great first obstacle. Try going over a branch, 4 feet on a stump, balance on a log and much more! Remember: Like, follow and tag SUPERNOVA DOGS and The Pet Professor in your posts and use the hashtag #buffalobarkour . We can't wait to see your pups!

Have as much fun as Pari! Sign up for the Scent for Fun!, Cont’d class starting this Sunday 10/24. Classes available as a package or drop-in. Held Sundays and Tuesdays at varying times. See previous post for registration information or DM with questions.

Wilma Jean and her classmates got right back to sniffin’ after our summer break. Great work! #scentworktraining #dogsofccf #dogsofinstagram

Apollo 🐶 finds Whiskey 🐈‍⬛VERY interesting and though Whiskey is a confident cat, she gets fed up with Apollo’s barking and chasing and intense sniffing. We’re working on reintroducing them to each other: Apollo will practice relaxing on his mat and playing Look at That. Whiskey will get tasty food and treats and calm pets to help her make positive associations with Apollo, as well as to help keep her more stationary during their training sessions. Apollo goes over threshold (barking, trying to chase) when Whiskey jumps and moves around. We tried a baby gate and a plate of wet food to keep Whiskey in one spot, but Whiskey had other ideas! Next time, one adult will engage Whiskey, while the other works on keeping Apollo under threshold and doling out the cheese at the right times. Great first session for everyone!

Copper says “any treats for me?”

Copper has the cutest head tilt! We had a great visit practicing some loose leash walking skills and working on his fears of bikes, people and dogs. Two paws up!

Exciting news from The Pet Professor and Fam! We’ll be prepping for another baby in the household. Reach out if you need help preparing your pup and family, too!

intro to scent for fun

Edit: It’s filled! See you soon! There's a last minute opening for my Intro to: Scent for Fun! class starting Sunday (July 18) at 6:30pm. Reactive dog, fearful dog, old dog, every dog friendly! Email [email protected] for more information and to register.

Today was a hot one, but Bowie kept at it! #dogparkour #dogsofinstagram #dogtraining @supernovadogs @caninecomplexandfriends

Shortcuts

Address
Alerts
Contact The Business
Videos
Claim ownership or report listing
Want your business to be the top-listed Pet Store/pet Service?

Country:

City:

Leah Nettle PhD

Dr. Leah Nettle earned her PhD. in Biology from SUNY Binghamton University focusing on animal behavior, ecology and evolution. She studied the vocal communication of American Crows deciphering the contexts and functions of two crow calls.

Prior to Binghamton University, Dr. Nettle worked in a companion animal veterinary clinic as a veterinary assistant. From 2014 until 2018, she worked with and learned from Dr. Amy Marder, CAAB, a leading expert in the fields of animal shelter and companion animal behavior, attending to a variety of cat and dog behavior problems at appointments in the clients’ homes and in an office setting. She has also taught college-level classes on animal behavior, evolution and introductory biology.

Dr. Nettle currently co-teaches an online course on shelter animal behavior for the University of Florida with Dr. Marder. She also teaches dog classes and sees appointments for dogs and cats with behavior problems in Buffalo, NY.

Dr. Nettle is a certified AKC CGC and Trick Dog evaluator and she is currently enrolled in the Family Paws Foundation Course to become a licensed Family Paws Parent Educator (https://www.familypaws.com/dog-education-for-families-with-dogs/). She is ultimately working towards becoming a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist through the Animal Behavior Society (http://www.animalbehaviorsociety.org/web/applied-behavior-caab.php).