Meet Elizabeth Nickle

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elizabeth Nickle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elizabeth, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The inspiration behind starting my business came from my two incredible dogs, Whiskey and Roxy, who have taught me so much about the power of proper training, understanding, and compassion. Whiskey, my late German Shepherd, was the perfect example of how a dog’s behavior is shaped by love and training. He was kind, social, and absolutely loved being around other dogs, shattering the stereotype that all German Shepherds are aggressive. I trained Whiskey myself, and people were amazed at his calm, well-mannered behavior. Soon, friends began asking me to work with their dogs, and before I knew it, word spread, and my passion for training turned into something much bigger.

Then there’s Roxy, my sweet little Labradoodle, who had a tougher start. After being attacked a few times—through no fault of her own—she became a scared, anxious pup. Helping her regain her confidence inspired me to spread awareness about dog body language and stress signals. Many incidents can be prevented if owners know how to recognize and respond to their dog’s cues, stepping in before a situation escalates.

That passion for education, combined with my love for creating positive experiences for dogs like Whiskey and Roxy, is what drove me to start ComPAWssionate Canines. From training to boarding, I wanted to offer a safe, loving space where dogs can thrive, and owners can feel confident knowing their pets are understood, cared for, and treated like family.

What should our readers know about your business?
At ComPAWssionate Canines, I specialize in certified positive reinforcement dog training while also providing personalized boarding and daycare for dogs of all ages. What sets us apart is our intimate, low-capacity approach—I only host a few dogs at a time to ensure a calm, safe, and stress-free environment. Unlike large boarding facilities, this allows me to give each dog the attention, care, and love they deserve, creating a truly home-like experience.

My decision to focus on positive reinforcement training stems from science and a deep belief in building trust between dogs and their humans. While this method doesn’t always create instant results, it fosters a lasting bond by showing dogs that their needs and emotions are respected. For the dog, it means everything—it’s a way of saying, I care about you and want to help you succeed. Changing people’s perspectives about this approach is something I’m passionate about.

Building my business hasn’t been easy. As a one-woman operation, I handle everything—training, marketing, boarding, cleaning, feeding, and more. But every bit of hard work is worth it when I see both my human clients and their furry companions happy, comfortable, and thriving.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that not everyone will share your vision. Positive reinforcement training requires patience and consistency, which isn’t always what people want to hear. Some clients are eager for quick fixes and may turn to aversive tools like shock collars or punishment-based methods. While it can be discouraging, I’ve learned to let go and focus on those who are open to creating a compassionate, trust-filled relationship with their dogs.

I want the world to know that dogs aren’t just pets—they’re family. They may not be easy to care for at times, but with patience, support, consistency, and comPAWssion, they can become one of the best friends you’ll ever have. And that’s what ComPAWssionate Canines is all about—helping dogs and their humans build those lifelong connections.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Got it! Here’s the revised itinerary with immersive experiences instead:

If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d plan an unforgettable itinerary packed with fun and unique adventures. Here’s what we’d do:

Day 1: Meow Wolf

We’d start with Meow Wolf, an immersive art experience like no other. It’s a surreal, multi-sensory world of interactive art installations and storytelling. Walking through its vibrant, otherworldly spaces feels like exploring a dream, where you can touch, interact, and get lost in creativity. It’s the perfect way to kick off the week with something unforgettable.

Day 2: Adams Mystery Playhouse

Next, we’d head to Adams Mystery Playhouse for an evening of mystery and laughs. It’s an interactive murder mystery dinner theater where the audience becomes part of the show. Solving clues, meeting quirky characters, and sharing a delicious meal together make it a unique and hilarious experience.

Day 3: Pagosa Hot Springs

Midweek calls for relaxation, so we’d spend the day at Pagosa Hot Springs. Nestled in the stunning Colorado mountains, these natural hot springs are the perfect escape. With dozens of pools to choose from, we’d soak in the mineral-rich waters, enjoy the breathtaking views, and let the stress melt away.

Day 4: Stock Show (if in season)

If the National Western Stock Show is in town, we’d definitely visit. It’s a lively celebration of Colorado’s Western heritage with rodeos, livestock shows, and all things cowboy. Even for those who aren’t Western enthusiasts, the energy is contagious, and it’s a fun place to explore, watch competitions, and grab some delicious fair-style food.

Day 5: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

For a laid-back evening, we’d visit Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. It’s more than just a movie theater—it’s an experience. With cozy seats, a curated mix of films, and a full menu of food and drinks delivered right to your seat, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a film while unwinding with great food and drinks.

Day 6: Immersive Experiences

On this day, we’d dive into another immersive experience, like an escape room with a storytelling twist. These activities transport you into thrilling, interactive scenarios where you solve puzzles and work together to “escape” or complete a mission. They’re exhilarating, creative, and such a fun way to bond.

Day 7: Local Food and Drinks

We’d wrap up the week by exploring some of the best local eats and drinks. From charming brunch spots to craft breweries and cozy dinner restaurants, we’d savor the flavors of the area and toast to an incredible week.

This itinerary combines adventure, creativity, relaxation, and great food for a week of unforgettable memories!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to the incredible people who have supported me and helped me turn my passion into my dream job. First, to my amazing colleagues who have referred me countless times—your trust and belief in my work mean the world to me. Your recommendations have brought so many wonderful clients my way, and I’m forever grateful.

I also want to thank my friends and family for their unwavering support. Not only have they cheered me on every step of the way, but they’ve also referred me to others, helping my business grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Without their encouragement, kindness, and belief in me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. My success is a reflection of their love and support, and I’m so thankful to have them in my corner.

Website: compawssionatecanines.com

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