AbouT ME

Meet Candace Nolte, a dedicated professional with a diverse background and a deep passion for canine companionship. For 13 years, Candace served the State of Texas in crucial roles within the Texas Legislature and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Her focus centered around advising and educating decision-makers on homeland security, emergency management, criminal justice, and law enforcement policy.

However, as the demanding nature of politics and security clearances began to take a toll on her health and family, Candace discovered solace and balance in working with her dogs. What started as an interest soon transformed into a profound desire to help others forge meaningful connections and effective communication with their beloved four-legged friends. Determined to follow this newfound path, she made the courageous decision to bid farewell to the bustling world under the pink dome and embark on a journey in dog training.

Candace successfully graduated from the esteemed National K9 School for Dog Trainers in Columbus, Ohio, earning the title of Certified Professional Trainer. Her comprehensive training encompassed various areas, including basic and advanced obedience, behavior modification, puppy development, tracking, scent detection, personal protection, police K-9, retrieval, and utility. Keen on continuous growth, she actively expands her knowledge base through attending conferences, seminars, conducting ongoing research, and fostering connections with fellow exceptional trainers.

Residing in Elgin, TX, Candace cherishes life on an enchanting 11-acre farm called Serenity Valley Farm, alongside her supportive husband and their four beloved pups: Kaylee (RIP), Zoe (Cattledog/Aussie Mix), Jewel (Australian Shepherd), and Popi (Chihuahua). When she isn't wholeheartedly living her dream of training dogs, she indulges in other passions, including beekeeping, weightlifting, immersing herself in the Japanese sword martial art of Iaido, and studying the intricate art of Japanese tea ceremony, known as Chado.

TRAINING PHILOSOPHY

At Inudo Dog Training, we provide virtual and in-home private lessons to help you achieve your training goals with your beloved canine companion.

Our training philosophy sets us apart from other dog trainers you may have encountered. With a background in Japanese sword martial arts (Iaido) and tea ceremony (Chado), I bring principles of service, humility, simplicity, present-moment awareness, and connection with nature into everything I do, including working with dogs.

That's why I named my company Inudo (pronounced EE-new-doh), meaning "Way of the Dog" in Japanese.

In the past, humans and dogs collaborated closely for survival, ensuring the safety of our pack, hunting for food, seeking shelter, and offering companionship. However, as we've embraced modernity, we've lost touch with nature, causing a gap in understanding our canine companions.

Today's dogs were selectively bred for specific purposes, but those roles may no longer align with our current lifestyles. Nevertheless, dogs still exhibit their innate desire to fulfill their original work. Understanding this fundamental knowledge allows us to comprehend their actions.

In line with this, my training philosophy emphasizes meeting a dog's instinctual and biological needs in constructive ways for their physical and mental well-being. I aim to restore a mutually beneficial relationship between humans and dogs, where dogs have freedom as long as they make good decisions.

Setting realistic and consistent behavior expectations while providing ample opportunities for learning and success is vital. Dog training goes beyond obedience commands—it fosters a lifestyle that nurtures clear and open communication, mutual trust, and respect.

Regardless of where you and your dog currently stand, I will work with you to address concerns, teach new skills, and enrich the bond between you and your furry companion.

Recognizing that people and dogs learn differently and at varying paces, I strive to strike the right balance, ensuring training is neither overwhelming nor ineffective for either participant. There is no one-size-fits-all method.

But by continually expanding my knowledge through seminars, conferences, and networking with top experts in canine training and behavior - I am able to adapt my methods to suit the needs of both humans and dogs.

At Inudo Dog Training you will learn how to…

Be a leader worth following.

Fulfill your canine’s mental and physical needs.

Foster lines of communication.

Look beyond obedience.

Develop mutual trust and respect.  

Build a strong relationship.

Become a harmonious team once again.

Feel free to reach out to me via the “contact ME” section

if you have any questions, or would like to get started.

 Services

 Payment Options

I will invoice you through a payment system called Freshbooks. You have the option to pay by credit card through the Freshbooks system, or you may request to make payment through Zelle, Venmo, or Paypal.

I also accept cash or personal check.

CANCELLATION POLICY

All appointments will require a 48 hour notice of cancellation by the owner or they will otherwise be charged full price for the missed session.

Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis for weather or emergency/medical circumstances.

 COVID & ILLNESS PRECAUTIONS

I am continuing to take precautions for the protection of all of the households that I serve. I work with people of all ages, and some of them have medical needs that still require certain precautions to be taken.

Please also be aware that my husband and I are members of the population that is at high-risk for complications associated with COVID and other respiratory illnesses. We have both been fully vaccinated and boosted (including the most current booster).

For in person lessons:.

• I may still wear a mask for any training conducted in person.

• If you or another member of your household are feeling under the weather, have tested positive for COVID, or display other signs of illness, I ask that you request to reschedule our session.

• Know that I also offer virtual lessons if you are hesitant or unable to meet in person due to illness.

I appreciate your patience, support, and cooperation during these “interesting” times, and know that I am doing my very best to remain safe and healthy for my family and for yours, as I always want to be there to support you in the future.

CONTACT me

***Please note that I require all new clients to complete a contact form prior to any conversation taking place.***

Phone: (512) 750-2859

Email: candace@inudodogtraining.com

Locations Served: Austin, TX & Surrounding Areas

Lesson Details:

• All lessons are by appointment only.

• In person lessons are offered on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.

• Session times are available at 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm or 2:30 pm.

• In person lessons are $200/hour and Virtual lessons are $125/hour - the typical duration of a session is 1 hour, but should the instruction exceed the hour time-frame, then the additional time will be pro-rated accordingly.

Boarding/Board & Training Programs:

• I am putting a pause on board & train services until further notice.

• My structured boarding is extremely limited. Boarding is only available to pups that I have trained, and that are kept up to date on their training/manners.

• If you require recommendations for boarding, I have a link at the bottom of this page that will provide you with my suggestions.

• If you require a board & train program, reach out to me directly to discuss your pup’s specific needs and I can refer you to the appropriate trusted trainer.

Now tell me all about you and your pup… (there are no right or wrong answers, I’m just trying to get the lay of the land.)

Thank you for reaching out to me.

I ask that you please allow me 24 to 48 hours to respond to your messages and email inquiries.

Be sure to add Candace@InudoDogTraining.com to your email “safe sender ” list or my response may get blocked.

I look forward to working with you and your pup!

SEE WHAT I’M UP TO

Instagram - Candace_the_dog_trainer

TAKE ACTION

Are you ready to take the next step?

Please complete the form in the “Contact me” Section IF YOU have questions or to schedule an appointment.

I look forward to hearing from you.

CREDENTIALS