Dog Training and Behaviour in Wellington, the Hutt Valley and Surrounding Areas
Behaviour isn't always a training problem. Sometimes it's a health problem. Often, it's both. Figuring out which is exactly where I come in
I’m Annie, a certified dog trainer and behaviour consultant (KPA CTP, Fear Free Certified) who visits homes across Wellington and the Hutt Valley.
If training alone hasn't solved the problem, there may be more going on beneath the surface.
Does your dog struggle with anxiety, fear, or handling at the vet or groomer? Have you noticed changes that don't quite make sense - reactivity, withdrawal, irritability? Maybe you've even wondered if they're just being ‘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 stacking up a list of cues.
It’s rooted in how your dog feels. Safe or unsafe. Comfortable or uncomfortable. Confident or unsure.
The whole-dog approach
Every dog is unique. That’s why I look beyond surface behaviour to understand what’s going on underneath. I specialise in helping dogs feel safer and more confident in daily life, while also checking whether pain, discomfort or other health issues could be affecting their behaviour.
- Sometimes behaviour challenges are about training.
- Sometimes they’re about pain or discomfort.
- Often, it’s a mix of both.
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.
If that number surprises you, you're not alone. Most people have never been asked to consider whether pain could be affecting their dog's behaviour. Stay curious - there may be more going on than meets the eye, and I can help you figure out what's really driving your dog's behaviour.
I specialise in helping:
- Quirky or nervous dogs who need help feeling safe and confident in daily life
- Senior dogs to thrive in their golden years
- Dogs whose behaviour has changed suddenly or doesn't seem to make sense
- Cooperative care training, so vet visits, grooming, and handling become calmer and less stressful
"Annie's holistic approach to dog behaviour has been so helpful with, and a key to our ongoing understanding of, our very reactive dog."
- Google review
Ready to get started?
Help me, Annie!-
Foundation Session - $270
Book your foundation sessionA single 90-minute session to get you started.
Best for an initial assessment, guidance on a straightforward issue, or exploring whether my approach is the right fit for you and your dog.
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Three-Session Bundle - $495
Book your 3-session bundleA 90-minute foundation session, followed by two 60-minute follow-ups to check progress, adjust strategies, and keep momentum building.
Best for a single issue that isn't too complex - improving communication, addressing mild reactivity, or refining a cooperative care routine.
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Five-Session Bundle - $730
Book your 5-session bundleA 90-minute foundation session, followed by four 60-minute sessions for structured support, progress tracking, and troubleshooting as things arise.
Best for more complex behaviour concerns, multiple related issues, or dogs who need a gentler pace.
What working together looks like
In-home appointments are available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, across Wellington and the Hutt Valley. Visiting you at home ensures a familiar environment for your dog.
I focus on getting to the root cause of behaviour to help you make meaningful progress. So every plan is tailored to you and your dog, not a generic protocol.
Your plan will consider:
- Your daily routine - how can we better support your dog?
- Healthy movement and body comfort - pain can fuel behaviour problems, so we look at how your dog's body feels, not just how they act
- Behavioural patterns - what lights them up? What challenges them?
- Sleep, stress and exercise - are they getting enough rest, and how is it affecting them?
- Interactions with the world - what's helping? What's overwhelming?
- Trust and communication - making life together easier and more enjoyable
I don't make assumptions. I help you get to the root of the issue, so we can build a plan that actually works. For both of you.
This isn’t just teaching tricks. You'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.
Here's what happens next
- Book your appointment
- Complete a short intake form
- I'll review everything and request your dog’s vet notes
- We meet in your home
- You receive a tailored plan, practical next steps, and ongoing email support.
Questions?
Not sure which option is right, or whether this is even the right fit?
Email annie@yourwholedog.co.nz or book a free 15-minute Connection Call and we'll figure it out together, no pressure either way.
Outside my regular service area, or prefer online? Get in touch about online consults.
Ongoing support is available through single sessions or convenient multi-session bundles.
Follow-up sessions build on your dog's progress. We'll review what's changed, adjust exercises where needed, and keep supporting their strength and movement over time.
All appointments are individual to you and your dog's circumstances and needs.
Every session includes:
- A comprehensive assessment - a thorough look at your dog's history, current challenges, and what success looks like for your family
- A personalised plan - tailored to your dog, your lifestyle, and your goals
- Training notes and resources - written summaries plus handouts you can come back to anytime
- Between-session support - email support for questions, plus video review if you'd like feedback between appointments
- Progress tracking - regular check-ins to celebrate wins, troubleshoot, and adjust as needed
Why I do it this way
My own dog struggled with anxiety and found vet visits incredibly stressful. For a long time, I couldn't figure out how to help him. Working with a behaviour consultant made a huge difference, and discovering an underlying health issue helped things make sense. Once we had that taken care of, it made learning possible once again. That's why I never assume behaviour is "just" behaviour anymore.
Read the full story of how this came to be → How I Ended Up Doing This Work
Want to learn more about me before booking?
I'm Fear Free certified and hold my KPA CTP - you can read more about my background and qualifications → link to my About page
Keep reading:
- Part Two and Part Three of the Your Whole Dog story
- Professional qualifications and affiliations
Stay curious. There may be more going on than meets the eye, and I can help you figure out what's really driving your dog's behaviour.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does dog training and behaviour consulting cost?
A Foundation Session is $270 (90 minutes).
The Three-Session Bundle is $495 and the Five-Session Bundle is $730.
Both bundles start with the 90-minute foundation session, followed by 60-minute follow-ups.
All stated prices include GST
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Do you guarantee results?
No, I don’t.
Behaviour is complicated and changes over time, so a promise of results would be dishonest.
What I do promise is how I work: a force-free plan built around you and your dog, with listening, teaching and adjusting along the way.
If you're wondering whether I can help, get in touch any time.
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How many sessions will we need?
It depends on your dog and what’s going on.
The Foundation Session is a good place to start.
The three-session bundle suits one issue that isn’t too complex, and the five-session bundle suits more complex concerns or dogs who need a slower pace.
Not sure? Email me or book a free 15-minute Connection Call.
We can always add on follow-ups as needed.
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What’s the difference between dog training, a behaviour consultant and a veterinary behaviourist?
Great question!
Dog training teaches skills.
A behaviour consultant, looks at why your dog is behaving the way they are, including their environment, their stress, and whether pain or discomfort could be part of it. And then comes up with a plan to help you mmodify it.
A veterinary behaviourist is a vet with specialist training who can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication.
I’m not a vet, so I work alongside yours and refer you on when that’s what your dog needs.
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Should I see a vet first?
If your dog’s behaviour has changed suddenly, or they seem stiff, sore, off their food or just not themselves, always book a vet check.
I’ll also ask for your dog’s vet notes before we meet.
Pain and health problems can change behaviour, so it’s always worth considering them.
If your dog is in distress or you think it’s urgent, call your vet straight away.
If in doubt, see your vet.
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Where do you work?
I visit homes across Wellington and the Hutt Valley on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
If you’re outside my area or prefer online, get in touch to ask about online consults.