Positive Reinforce Dog Trainer based in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

www.caninetraining.co.nz

After 17 years in the advertising industry, I wanted to make a positive difference in the world and spend more time doing what I love. So in 2018 I swapped the agency for the classroom and spent a year of full time study in Canine Behaviour and Training at Unitec NZ so I could become a professional dog trainer. This is something I've always dreamed about but it wasn't until recently that new career opportunities became apparent here in New Zealand.

My years as a digital strategist in advertising helped me learn to listen, be empathetic and create solutions for people that empowered them rather than overwhelm them. I’ve found these skills to be really helpful in my new dog training career. Dealing with problem behaviours is often very emotional and with increasing advances in our knowledge thanks to scientific developments, the language can be overwhelming for every day owners!

Continued education and attaining recognised qualifications are important to me so I can further develop my knowledge and approach for improving the health and welfare of my furry clients and their families. My biggest passion is scent work (getting dogs using their noses) and I love the numerous benefits that this has for dogs of all kind, both in terms of giving them a fun, rewarding 'job' to do, as well as aiding behaviour modification for dogs suffering from anxiety and fear-related issues. I have also focussed more on canine anxiety and aggression in dogs in recent years as it has become an increasing area of concern for dog owners and it's often so misunderstood. Helping more dogs to feel calmer and happier in their daily lives while helping improve their owner's knowledge and understanding of the world from a dog's point of view is my biggest focus!

Education and Qualification Summary:

− Unitec NZ Certificate in Animal Management (Canine Behaviour and Training)

− Full Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers NZ (APDTNZ)

− Member of the Pet Professional Guild (International)

− Aggression in Dogs Master Course with Michael Skikashio CBD

− Aggression in Dogs Master International Conference 2020 and 2021

− Volunteer for Animal Evac NZ

− PET First Aid Certified