ABOUT
PHILOSOPHY
By design, Nicole Rathje is the sole owner and operator of Walk Hike Play. Every dog that joins the Walk Hike Play program attends two or more days a week and most stay on for several years. While the dogs enjoy walking and socializing together, Nicole treats each dog as an individual and differentiates her approach to meet each of their unique needs. She provides clarity, consistency, and compassion to every dog in her care.
EXPERIENCE
Nicole is a certified canine behaviorist and certified dog trainer. She has fourteen years of professional dog handling experience. Prior to working with dogs, Nicole was an elementary school teacher in Los Angeles, CA for several years. She loved teaching, but in 2010, Nicole left the classroom to complete her master's degree and picked up a part time job as a dog walker. This quickly turned into a new career path as Nicole fell in love with spending her days hiking packs of dogs through the hills of Los Angeles. She spent five years working for and learning from her boss and mentor, Teresa Apollo.
In October 2015, Nicole relocated to Kirkland, WA. Nicole opened WALK HIKE PLAY LLC and over the last nine years, WALK HIKE PLAY LLC has grown and evolved, yet at its foundation has stayed true to its heart which is to build long lasting and enduring relationships with clients and the community.
When not working, Nicole enjoys volunteering on the Dog Behavior Team at Homeward Pet Adoption Center and hiking with her 14 year old rescue dog, Abby.
Qualifications & Certifications
- Licensed. Bonded. Insured
- M.A. in Education
- CBCC - KA (Certified Behavior Consultant Canine - Knowledge Assessed)
- CPDT - KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed)
- Family Dog Mediator Certification - Kim Brophey's L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology Course
- Pet First-Aid/CPR Certification
- Canine Good Citizen Evaluator for the American Kennel Club
- Fear Free Pet and Shelter Program Certification
- Volunteer on the Behavior Team at Homeward Pet Adoption Center
- Dog Trainer Foundation Certification from the International Association of Canine Professionals
- Participated in the Oregon Tails "Jentle Method" 3 Day Course in Oregon