Our team
justin nielsen, owner
Owner and Lead Instructor, Justin Nielsen started Cover K9 Dog Training in 2018. Since that time it has grown into one of the most recognized names in northern NJ for professional dog training. Justin has been able to successfully build a community of clients in the thousands by offering affordable, effective and professional training for dog owners backed by a trusted name and reputation. For more than a decade, Justin has studied the craft of dog training while developing his own style and method to be applied as a methodical process that achieves the desired results. Justin’s primary focus in training is to build a high degree of focus and attention, while working to ensure that your dog is balanced and confident in any environment. Justin is a strong believer that while training is a deliberate process that requires effort and dedication, it also requires that you and your dog have fun!
sean dowling, instructor
Sean Dowling has been a K9 handler since March 2021, where he trained and worked alongside various K9s and his explosives detection K9 Ricky in the Marine Corps. Sean is a graduate of American K9 Interdiction in Carrsville, VA. After completing four years in the Marine Corps, Sean has recently moved back to New Jersey with K9 Ricky. Not only has Sean worked as a professional K9 handler, but he also grew up with German Shepherds and has a true passion for dogs and dog training. He strongly believes that each dog not only deserves disciplined training but they also deserve affection and ample time to have fun. Sean is a strong believer that if you are not having fun, your dog is not having fun!
taylor giagnacovo, instructor
Taylor Giagnacovo grew up among all breeds of dogs and decided in 2021 to start her career as a K9 Handler. Taylor, along with her K9 Sixo, trained and became certified in explosive detection while employed by a private security company specializing in airport security. Taylor started her career with Cover K9 as an apprentice and quickly grew to become an Instructor. Taylor believes that as dog owners we can create desired behavior with training that includes consistency, accountability, and most importantly - fun!
gideon kopitchinski, instructor
Gideon Kopitchinski’s love for dogs started at a very young age and was always a huge passion of his. Growing up in Israel, Gideon has a total of over 14 years of combined military and security experience, working all over the world. Gideon has served as a combat infantryman in the Israeli military in both reconnaissance and special forces units. After the military, Gideon decided to expand his experience into the private sector, working executive protection in both Germany and the United States. Gideon has continued to expand his knowledge in dog training in any spare time he can find. He has trained his black lab Mika in advanced obedience and has gained a loyal following in the Jersey City area as people can quickly see how talented he is. While Gideon is skilled in many aspects of dog training, he specifically enjoys helping clients with behavior modification.
tiago henriques, instructor
Tiago Henriques grew up with many different animals and dogs alike, which eventually transitioned into a career in veterinary medicine. With almost 10 years in veterinary experience, Tiago’s love for dogs has grown in every direction. Tiago and his working line dog, a Doberman named Atlas, joined Cover K9 in 2021. During his time with Cover K9, Tiago quickly found a love for dog training and the relationship built between a dog and their owner. Tiago transitioned from a Cover K9 trainee to an apprentice in 2023 and then into an instructor with more than two half years combined time as a member of the Cover K9 community. Tiago believes in a well-balanced approach to training. This includes bonding with your pet in a structured relationship which can include anything from basic obedience to dog sports. Tiago believes that focusing on this balanced relationship and love for your furry friend is the key to success!
john andronaco, instructor
John Andronaco has been around dogs his whole life and has always had a passion for training. He has owned a vast array of breeds and has always had multiple dogs at the same time. Outside of his personal experience, John is also a K9 Officer and has worked with and around police dogs for almost 20 years. He currently handles two working dogs for his police department and County SWAT Team. John enjoys not only training his two police dogs but also loves spending time with his 12 year old Norwegian Elkhound named Chance. While John has a passion for dog training, one of his favorite things about training and being around dogs is seeing the unique qualities that come with each breed and each dog.
jackie kalinich, instructor
Jackie Kalinich has had a passion for dogs, as well as the training process for as long as she can remember. She has owned multiple dogs of various breeds throughout her life which has allowed her the opportunity to observe and understand K9 behavior for different drives, and temperaments through first hand experience. Most recently, Jackie has trained her current dog Bambino in both basic and advanced obedience, as well as undergoing agility training. Jackie became a trainer with Cover K-9 in 2021 after completing an apprentice/ field training program under the direction of Owner/Lead Instructor Justin Nielsen. Jackie is known by clients, and fellow instructors alike for being, patient, driven, experienced and knowledgeable. Specializing in basic obedience training as well as behavior modification. Jackie has demonstrated that by working side by side with her clients, she can provide them with the necessary guidance and direction needed to be successful in training. All of this is done, while having fun!
tim neri, instructor
Tim enrolled in the Animal Behavior College in early 2023, specifically for Basic Dog Obedience and Behavior. He later came to Cover K9 and began his training under Owner/Instructor Justin. In addition to his apprenticeship with Justin, Tim has worked alongside nearly every instructor at Cover K9, assisting in everything we have to offer from private lessons, to group reactivity lessons, to the day board and train program. In addition to training dogs in basic obedience, Tim also enjoys learning and assisting other areas of training which include, bite-work, scent detection, and agility. Additionally, Tim is also in the process of training his dog Nova in explosives detection.
jen strube, instructor
Jen Strube’s passion for working with dogs started over 15 years ago when she became actively involved with fostering rescue dogs. Soon after, she started raising and training service dogs for people with cognitive and physical disabilities. Jen started with Cover K9 as an apprentice and transitioned to an instructor in 2024. She owns two mixed breeds, Dakota and Maverick, who she has trained to come with her wherever she goes. Jen is passionate about helping owners and dogs live their most fulfilled lives together through strong relationship building and having fun, with a focus on a stable mindset coupled with reliable obedience.
brooke nielsen, manager
Brooke Nielsen, wife of Owner Justin Nielsen, encouraged Justin for years to form his own dog training company after seeing how often Justin was helping friends and family with their pets at home. When Justin formed Cover K9 in 2018, Brooke thought it would remain a small side business that Justin would work when he wasn’t working his Law Enforcement job, never imagining how quickly Cover K9 would grow into something much bigger. While you may not see Brooke often in the training facility, she is answering all of your emails, scheduling your appointments and planning the Cover K9 events!