Behaviour and Training
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 we can help address.
Ready to understand and help your whole dog?
In-home appointments available Tuesday to Thursday
Single-Session |
A single 90-minute session to get you started. Ideal if you're looking for an initial assessment, need guidance on a straightforward issue, or want to explore whether my approach is the right fit for you. If your dog has a more complex issue, a multi-session bundle will be a better fit. |
$245 |
Three-Session Bundle |
A 90-minute initial consultation to assess your dog's needs, discuss your goals, and create a tailored plan. Two 60-minute follow-up sessions to check progress, adjust strategies, and provide additional support. Ideal for a single issue that isn't too complex - such as improving communication skills, addressing mild reactivity, or refining your cooperative care routine. Follow-up sessions help ensure you're making progress and adjusting as needed. |
$460 |
Five-Session Bundle |
A 90-minute initial consultation to assess your dog’s needs, discuss your goals, and create a tailored plan. Four 60-minute follow-up sessions to ensure progress, provide ongoing support, and troubleshoot challenges. Ideal for addressing more complex issues, working on multiple related concerns, or providing structured support over time. If your dog is struggling with fear, anxiety, or a behaviour pattern that’s deeply ingrained, this option gives us the time to work at their pace and set you both up for success. |
$695 |
Book Your Appointment
Initial Consultation | Customised Plan |
A deep dive into your dog’s history, behaviour, and your goals. | Tailored strategies that fit your lifestyle and your dog’s unique needs. |
Ongoing Support | Follow-Up Sessions |
Notes, resources, and email support, and video review between sessions to keep you on track. | Troubleshooting, progress reviews, and new goals to help you continue and maintain success. |
Questions?
Email annie@yourwholedog.co.nz to discuss which service will help you make your dog's day better
All private dog training appointments are individual to you and your dog's circumstances and needs, including:
- full behaviour and health history
- gait and posture analysis
- nutrition and weight management
- home and lifestyle modifications if required
- tailored training plan
- accompanying resources
- email support between sessions
On-going support available as single casual sessions or multi-session pre-paid bundles
Your Whole Dog
Cooperative care. Fitness. Enrichment. Massage.
Helping you make your dog's day better