Hi, I’m Karina Nielsen, Founder and Trainer of Balance Together Dog Training.
My passion for dogs started at a young age. I grew up with Dobermans, Retrievers, and a Pomeranian. I was always the kid surrounded by dogs. While I have always loved animals, it wasn’t until I met a Landseer Newfoundland named Mufasa nearly a decade ago that I began pursuing dog training professionally.
I started my career at a large kennel in 2020 and have continued my education through mentorships, shadow programs, workshops, online courses, and professional communities focused on canine behavior and training. Since then, I have worked with hundreds of dogs and their families, helping them create lasting change through clear communication, consistency, and practical training methods.
My own dog, Loki, has been one of my greatest learning experiences. He struggled with intense reactivity toward both dogs and people, making everyday life challenging for us. Through a mix of many training exercises, patience, and advocacy, he has made tremendous progress and now helps many of my clients’ dogs build confidence and social skills.
These experiences have taught me that every dog and family is unique, but there are certain methods and principles that will help you reach your goals reliably. My training programs focus on clear communication, mutual respect, healthy boundaries, and trust so you and your dog can build a relationship that feels confident, safe, and enjoyable for years to come.
