About
Nikki Gammans
Nikki is a dedicated professional with a profound passion for enhancing lives of dogs. As a certified canine Body Worker and Fitness Trainer, Nikki focuses her expertise on improving the physical well-being of dogs through body work and conditioning. Years as a behaviorist have taught her that their mental health is equally important to reach peak performance whether in the working or sporting world.
Nikki advocates for comprehensive training and care that promotes the overall health, happiness and well being, so each canine can reach its full potential. She would like all working, sport and family dogs to be confident, fit and joyous, executing the work they need to perform.
Professional Experience
North Country Search Dogs (2025 to present)
Certified canine handler
Professional Volunteer air-scent canine search and rescue team dedicated to finding lost persons alive or deceased in NH and VT
New England K9 Search and Rescue (2017 to 2024)
Certified canine handler
Professional Volunteer air-scent canine search and rescue team dedicated to finding lost persons alive or deceased in NH and VT
P Pooch Abu Dhabi, UAE (2008 – 2017)
Owner / Trainer
Partnership Clients included:
RAK Animal Welfare Center Ras Al Khaimah, UAE - Education Specialist
K9 Friends Dubai, UAE - DOE Program Developer, Trainer
UK Border Agency Heathrow International Airport, England Detector Dog Unit
Training Decoy June 2013 to present.
Strays of Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, UAE (2008 – 2012)
Co Director, Head Trainer, Trapping Director
American Veterinary Center Abu Dhabi, UAE (2007 – 2009)
Head Trainer
Certifications (Exam Based)
● Certified Canine Fitness Trainer ( CCFT) University of Tennessee, January 2024
● Caninology Certified Canine Body Worker (CCBW) Equilern Institute, USA April 2023
Education
● Canine Myofascial Kinetic Line , Vibeke Elbrond and Rikke Schultz Denmark November 2024
● Canine Sports Medicine for the Performance Dog handler, Sue Yanoff DVM Fenzi dog sports academy USA April 2024
● Canine Trigger Point Massage Therapy Ken Bain , USA August 2023
● The Dynamic Dog- Biomechanics & Gait Abnormalities Equinology, USA July 2022
● Canine Massage & Bodywork for Owners and Trainers Equinology, USA June 2022
● Tracking, Trailing, Searching and Scent Detection David Davies BPSCA, BIPDT, DTIA, Abu Dhabi December 2015
● Tracking and Trailing David Davies BPSCA, BIPDT, DTIA, Abu Dhabi March 2015
● Scenting and Tracking II David Davies BPSCA, BIPDT, DTIA, Abu Dhabi October 2014
● Intro to Competitive Agility Michael McCartney, Northern Ireland July 2013
● The ins and outs of competitive agility and how to teach them. David Olly, England May 2013
● Play to Win David Olly, England May 2013
● Rally Working Trials John Rogerson, Scotland April 2013
● Scenting and Tracking David Davies BPSCA, BIPDT, DTIA Scotland April 2013
● 3 Day Obedience and Agility Workshop Michael McCartney, Abu Dhabi October 2012
● Ultimate Recall John Rogerson, England September 2012
● Play and Scent Detection John Rogerson, Belgium July 2012
● 5 Day Behavioral modification/Aggression Seminar John Rogerson, Ireland March 2012
● DOGSAFE Canine First Aid Abu Dhabi March 2012
● 5 Day CSI course, John Rogerson, India January 2012
● 21 Day Training and Behavior Course, John Rogerson, January 2012
Key Mentors
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David Davies
BPSCA, BIPDT, DTIA
I first met David during a John Rogerson course, where I was a student and he was an assistant instructor. As a retired police officer, I initially expected David to employ strict methods for training. However, I quickly learned that whilst he maintains an exceptionally high standard, he achieves it through kind, fun, and highly effective techniques.
Any canine who works with David quickly adores him, vying eagerly for his attention while flawlessly executing his commands whether it’s a simple fetch or a complex scent problem. Their enthusiasm is evident in their wagging tails as they tackle each task with exuberance.
David has been instrumental in teaching me how to harness the drive in working dogs and how to motivate companion dogs with lower drive. His support, guidance and patience with my many questions have been crucial to my development. I am so grateful for his ongoing mentorship, as I would not be where I am today without it.
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Michael & Kate McCartney
Glen-craigcaninetraining.co.uk
During a four-day aggression seminar, I had the pleasure of meeting Michael, who graciously invited me to observe his thriving training school and learn about competitive agility and obedience. He introduced me to his extraordinary wife Kate and together, they generously continue to impart their extensive knowledge of competition agility, obedience, behavioral work and all things related to such endeavors. Whether it be equipment to use or supplements to add or how to run your business they are always there with advice or guidance.
Michael and Kate have taught me many of the techniques they use to train both their own and their students’ dogs to compete at the highest levels. Their constant support and guidance continue to be instrumental in my journey, helping to shape me into the canine professional I am today. They have not only shared their knowledge, but also their friendship, kindness, and often their home and beloved dogs.
I am deeply grateful for their presence in my life. Their patience with my countless questions has been invaluable, enabling me to achieve my many goals.
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Other Relevant Experience
Village Sentry Pet Care Hollis, NH, USA May 1986 – September 2005
Kennel Manager
Kennel Staff
Windy Hill Kennels Indianapolis, IN September 2002 – March 2003
Kennel Staff
Pawprints Animal Hospital Lafayette, IN September 2001 – February 2002
Dog groomer/ Kennel Staff
Maitau Great Danes Hollis, NH April 1986 – 2000
Kennel Staff
Palidan Freisan Farm Hollis, NH February 1999 – April 2001
Equine Staff
RSPCA Victoria Victoria, Australia July 2000 – December 2000
Volunteer
ASPCA Lafayette Lafayette, IN October 1998 – April 1999
Volunteer