Dog Training and Behaviour in Wellington, the Hutt Valley and Surrounding Areas

Helping sensitive souls, and uncovering the hidden causes of behaviour challenges

Does your dog struggle with anxiety, fear, or handling at the vet or groomer? Or have you noticed changes in their behaviour that don’t make sense - like reactivity, withdrawal, or irritability. Perhaps you’re thinking they’re ‘stubborn’.

Does this sound familiar? 

If your dog…

• Feels anxious around people, dogs, or in new places
• Barks, lunges, and has BIG feelings
• Dreads the vet or groomer
• Struggles with behaviour changes that might be linked to pain or discomfort
• Seems stiff, sore, or just “not quite right”

 …you’re in the right place.

You might feel like you’ve tried everything. Nothing’s working. And yes, that’s partly because your dog is different. But it’s also because ‘good’ behaviour doesn’t come from barking out a list of cues. 

It’s rooted in how your dog feels - safe or unsafe, comfortable or uncomfortable, confident or unsure.

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A whole-dog approach

Every dog is unique. That’s why we’ll look beyond surface behaviour to understand what’s really going on. I specialise in helping dogs feel safer and more confident in daily life, while also uncovering the hidden health factors that often drive behaviour challenges. 

• Sometimes behaviour challenges are about training. 
• Sometimes they’re about pain or discomfort. 
• Often, it’s a mix of both. 

My role is to help you figure it out, and support your dog on all fronts. Because when dogs feel safe and comfortable, learning follows. Which means we can make positive change happen for both of you. 

Dog training is about relationship building.

Why this works

We're not just teaching tricks. We're building your dog's ability to cope, feel secure, and move comfortably in an increasingly busy (and let's be honest, kind of bonkers) world. That's how lasting change happens.

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I specialise in helping:

• Quirky or nervous dogs who need help feeling safe and confident in daily life
• Senior dogs to comfortably thrive and enjoy their golden years
• Dogs whose “behaviour problems” are actually health problems.
• Cooperative care training, so vet visits, grooming, and handling become calmer and less stressful

Let’s make your dog’s day better - and yours too.

What working together looks like

I specialise in getting to the root cause of behaviour so we can make meaningful progress - and that means every plan is tailored to you and your dog. 

Your bespoke plan will focus on:

• Your daily routine: How can we better support your dog?
• Supporting healthy movement and body comfort: Health affects behaviour, and pain can fuel behaviour problems.
• Behavioural patterns: What lights them up? What challenges them? 
• Sleep, stress & exercise: How do they impact behaviour? Are they getting enough rest?
• Interactions with the world: What’s helping? What’s overwhelming?
• Strengthening trust and communication: Ensuring life together is easier and more enjoyable

We don’t make assumptions; we get to the root of the issue, so we can create a plan for you both that actually works.

If all this talk of pain makes you wonder if this is right for you… you might be curious to hear that up to 80% of behaviour problems in dogs stem from undiagnosed pain. Stay curious - your dog might be struggling more than you realise, and that's exactly what I can help you address.

Ready to understand and help your whole dog?  

In-home appointments available Tuesday to Thursday

Foundation Session - $245

A single 90-minute foundation session to get you started.

Perfect if you’d like an initial assessment, guidance on a straightforward issue, or simply want to explore whether my approach is the right fit for you.

If your dog has a more complex challenge, a multi-session bundle will give us the time and space to work more effectively.

Three-Session Bundle - $460

Start with a 90-minute foundation session to assess your dog’s needs, discuss your goals, and create a tailored plan.

Followed by two 60-minute sessions to check progress, adjust strategies, and provide ongoing support.

This option is suited for a single issue that isn’t too complex – such as improving communication skills, addressing mild reactivity, or refining a cooperative care routine.

Regular follow-ups ensure you stay on track and keep momentum building.

Five-Session Bundle - $695

Start with a 90-minute foundation session to assess your dog’s needs, discuss your goals, and create a tailored plan.

Followed by four 60-minute sessions for structured support, progress tracking, and troubleshooting challenges as they arise.

This option is ideal for more complex behaviour concerns, multiple related issues, or when your dog needs a gentler pace. 

If your dog is struggling with fear, anxiety, or long-standing behaviour patterns, this bundle gives us the time to make a real, lasting change.

All sessions include:

• Comprehensive assessment - a thorough exploration of your dog's history, current challenges, and what success looks like for your family.
• Personalised plan - strategies tailored to your dog's unique needs, your lifestyle, and your goals.
• Training notes and resources - written summaries, plus handouts and resources you can refer back to anytime.
• Between-session support - email support for questions that come up, plus video review if you'd like feedback on your progress between appointments.
• Progress tracking and adjustments - regular check-ins to celebrate wins, troubleshoot challenges, and refine things as needed.