Meet Linnea

 Hi, my name is Linnea Nicely-Dix (pronounced "lin-NAY-ah"). My love and enthusiasm for dogs began at a young age with family pets. By high school, I knew I wanted to train dogs professionally and was given my first German Shepherd mix for that purpose.

My introduction to professional dog training began as a veterinary assistant where I successfully handled "impossible" dogs rescued from abusive situations. My compassion and gentleness had a calming effect on even the worst aggressive cases. These experiences led me to National K-9 School for Dog Trainers in Columbus, OH (1998) and then on to North Star Academy in Sanford, NC (2001) where I haved earned two Master Trainer and Behavioral Specialist certifications. 

Since then, I have trained thousands of dogs in basic and advanced obedience training, as well as many support dogs for the hearing impaired, personal protection and security canines, narcotics detection canines, and pet therapy. However, I love the challenge of and specialize in behavioral modification training for problem dogs.

I have over 24 years of training experience and over 10 years of pet therapy volunteering in Virginia, and over 4 years of training in Cheyenne, WY. I have lectured at Tidewater Community College Veterinary Tech Program and have been a guest speaker for numerous Virginia Beach and Suffolk grade schools, as well as for many homeschool support groups/co-ops. I have given talks at many local veterinarian clinics, doggie daycare facilities, pet-sitting businesses, AKC breed clubs, and neighborhood civic leagues. I also had an integral part in the founding and organization of the K9 Strike Team, a Virginia Task Force. Many local and statewide "dangerous dog" and "vicious dog" charges in courts across the state of Virginia have utilized my services in their defense as their "expert witness"

Our reason to move to Wyoming was to explore and hike through this vast land of amazing wilderness and geological finds. Being a homeschooling mother of five children (ages 9-18), we've 

fallen in love with this corner of the country; from the Red Desert and the Snowy Range to Scotts Bluff National  Monument, there's so much to do and see here!

 b. January 2, 1994 -- d. December 27, 2003

My mother was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in October 1993, and even after immediate surgery and intensive chemotherapy treatments, the doctors gave her less than one year to live. I was 17 years old and a senior in high school at the time, with a life-long desire to work with animals, especially dogs. Jasper, a German Shepherd and Rottweiler mix, was a gift from my mother in February 1994 to fulfill and accomplish my life's dream and to be a reminder of her when she would no longer be with us. I am very happy to say that, as of 2020, Mother is still alive and doing very well. Mother and I shed many tears the week we said "Good-bye" to Jasper. He lived a very full and happy ten years and is missed by all who knew him.

2012             Cesar Millan Conference - Hampton, VA

2008            Delta Society Pet Therapy Certified - Abby Level 2

2007            Canine Nutrition & Health by author Wendy Volhard

2007            Bach Flower Remedies for Animals

2006            Pet First Aid -- American Red Cross

2005            Delta Society Pet Therapy Certified Abby Level 1

2004            Tellington Touch ("T Touch") Workshop
2003            Canine Massage Therapist Level 1 & 2 -- Integrated Touch               Therapy Inc. for Animals, Circleville, OH

2002            Therapy Dogs International Certification - Jasper & Sacha

2001            Master Trainer & Behavioral Specialist - North Star K-9 Academy, Sanford, NC

2001            Pet Care Tech -- American Boarding Kennel Association

2001            SAR (Search and Rescue) Field Team Member -- Department of Emergency Management, Virginia

2000            AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator & Instructor

1999            Competition Obedience Seminar - Jerry Bradshaw, PSA Judge

1999            "Aggression in Dogs" and "The Art of Teaching People" -- Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) National Conference in San Diego, CA

1998            Delta Society Pet Therapy Certified  = Jasper

1998            Master Trainer & Behavioral Specialist -- National K9 Training Center, Columbus, OH       

2002-2008            K9 Strike Team. a division of the Virginia Task Force

1998-2003            Search & Rescue (SAR) dog teams and ground pounders -- Greater Atlantic Rescue Dogs (GARD) and Virginia Beach--EMS SAR Team

1998-2006            Obedience, Tracking, & Protection Competitions -- United Schutzhund Clubs  of America, K9 Pro Sports, PSA

1998-2001            K9 Narcotic Detection Training at Kabler School for Dogs

1998-2001            Head Master Trainer at Kabler School for Dogs in Virginia Beach

1998-2000            APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) member

1997-2009            Pet Therapy-- JCC, Norfolk Senior Center, DePaul Hospital, Children's Reading Program at Chesapeake & Virginia Beach libraries

1997-1999            Veterinary Assistant, Receptionist, Kennel Professional at VCA Animal Care Center (Norfolk) & Centerville Animal Hospital (Chesapeake)