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
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.
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.