Committed to bringing out the best in your dog using positive training methods Send us a message to get started!
Imagine a life where walks are leisurely strolls and not tug-of-wars, where your dog listens when you call them, and where you and your pup are speaking the same language! At Bark Dog Training, we speak fluent ‘woof’ and ‘arf’ and can teach you how to as well! We use fun, science-based, positive reinforcement techniques to help your dog become the best they can be. From positive learning experienc
es for your spry puppies to advanced skills and manners for adult canines, we’ll customise a programme that’ll make your pup’s tail wag and make you smile! We offer group classes, private training, and daytime training/enrichment sessions. Classes and training sessions available in Central and West Auckland. TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
At Bark Dog Training, we believe that dog training should be a joyful and enriching experience—not just for your four-legged family member but for you as well. Positive reinforcement is the heartbeat of our training methodology. Using this approach, we reward desired behaviours, making it fun and motivating for your dog to learn. Instead of focusing on what your dog is doing wrong, we highlight what they’re doing right! When your dog understands that certain behaviours bring treats, affection, or playtime, they’re naturally encouraged to repeat those behaviours.
As ever so many pets need homes right now... so we want to support a specific individual who needs her forever family!! Dumped in a carpark and luckily found by a super vet nurse this wee girl is kid, dog, cat and chicken savvy.
Mellow but fun
We'd love to find her her perfect people!
Reach out if you think you are ready for this much gorgeousness...[email protected]
Life skills classes with See Spot Learn by Emily Dustan start this Saturday!!
🎓 Life Skills Training for Adolescent Dogs! 🐾
Is your pup entering the "teenage phase" and ready for the next level of training? Our Life Skills course is specifically designed to guide you through your pup's development through adolescence, ensuring they grow into confident adults.
Starting Saturday, 24th August, at 10:30 am
🤩Our fun, positive reinforcement methods make learning enjoyable and effective for both you and your pup. The course is run by an accredited behaviourist and certified force-free dog trainer.
Don’t miss out—spaces are limited, so secure your spot today and continue your pup’s journey to becoming a well-rounded adult!
💌[email protected]
💻www.seespotlearn.co.nz
Great workshops coming up at Kiwi Vet Behaviour! Topics include separation anxiety, reactive dogs, pain and behaviour, and babies, toddlers, and dogs.
Training using positive reinforcement is the most effective and humane approach for dogs and puppies. Training dogs is amazing- these thinking, feeling, and often sensitive creatures have an amazing ability to learn.
If a dog trainer has an e-collar in their ‘tool box’, do not employ them. Even if they aren’t using it on your dog, do not employ them. If they have photos of dogs wearing an e-collar or offer it as part of their training programme, do not employ them 😠
I rely on people much smarter than me to read and analyse the studies. I do not rely on anecdotal evidence 🤔
Teachers, dentists, doctors, lawyers, builders, everyone has qualifications and governing bodies that uphold standards. In New Zealand, professional dog trainers belong to the APDTNZ (Association of Professional Dog Trainers New Zealand) ✅
You might be happy getting your mate to cut your hair or even cut it yourself (I do!), but where your dogs welfare is concerned please employ someone with credentials, experience and ethics 😊
This post was prompted by a trainer promoting their services in my area, offering e-collar training from $1750 😫 People might think that because it costs a lot, it must be good; it’s not 😔
Classes starting on Monday 26 August at 6:30pm for puppies 4-6 months old! Held at Hub West in Henderson.
Great monthly workshops coming up at Kiwi Vet Behaviour starting with Nail Care for Dogs on 27/28 July!
Struggling with your pet’s behaviour issues but lost in a sea of misinformation? Time to find a qu
Kiwi Vet Behaviour has 6 week classes starting soon for puppies, tweens, adolescents, and the very useful "Helping Pets with Vets" class!
Struggling with your pet’s behaviour issues but lost in a sea of misinformation? Time to find a qu
New puppy classes starting 27 May! Email [email protected] for more information and to sign up!
Puppy preschool: For puppies 8-20 weeks old
Positive training for puppies: For puppies 4-10 months old
Kiwi Vet Behaviour is hosting a comprehensive Pet Wellness Day coming up on Sunday 5 May. Learn about links between pain and behaviour, skin health, canine massage and complementary therapies, and more! Check out the Kiwi Vet Behaviour page for more details on speakers and a link for tickets.
We're excited to announce our Pet Wellness Day on Sunday 5th May from 12pm-4:30pm. We will be collaborating with our friends from The Skin Vet, Greyt Touch - Canine Massage Therapy and Veterinary Specialists Aotearoa to spread awareness and education on arthritis awareness month and dog anxiety awareness week.
Follow our event page Pet Wellness Day to find out more about the fantastic line-up of speakers we will be bringing you on the day. This event is open to veterinary professionals and pet guardians. Please note, due to the nature of this event, it will be for humans only.
Tickets are limited so get in quick!
For more information email: [email protected]
Costs: $99
Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/pet-wellness-day
Address: Kiwi Vet Behaviour, 584 Great South Road, Ellerslie
Easter Hunt and Play! This is a great opportunity for your shy or reactive dog to get a chance to do something really fun in a safe and supportive environment. At Kiwi Vet Behaviour in Ellerslie.
Bring your pup to Kiwi Vet Behaviour on Easter weekend!
We’ll set-up treat stations for your dog to explore and enjoy. The treat stations include sniffing through our ballpit, snuffle mats, food puzzles and exploring our fully fenced outdoor bark garden to find hidden surprises (plus, more).
After the hunt, your session includes a play in our outdoor area and access to our paddles pools for your pup to cool down. Please note, each timeslot is PRIVATE, perfect for reactive and fearful pups. Don’t forget to let our Easter Bunny know if your dog has food allergies or dietary requirements.
Follow this link to book: https://www.kiwivetbehaviour.co.nz/easterhuntandplay
Email: [email protected]
Excellent advice on puppies from trainer Corinne at Dog Matters NZ
Growling is normal, healthy, and useful communication for dogs. What is your dog trying to tell you when they growl?
I'm not sure when growling became so vilified.
When did we decide that dogs weren't allowed to have an opinion unless it aligned with our own?
That they weren't allowed to express their displeasure, their fear, or their anger? That they just always had to agree with what we were asking of them?
When did our expectations become "put on a happy face?" And "grin and bear it, dog?"
Let me tell you this, IT IS FINE IF A DOG GROWLS. Growling is just a form of communication. Communication is ALWAYS a good thing. It's when communication stops that we are all in trouble. (And if we know they are feeling a particular way, we are better positioned to help them).
IT IS OKAY TO VALIDATE YOUR DOG'S FEELINGS. Any feelings. Their happy ones, sad ones, and yes, their angry ones, fearful ones, anxious ones, or worried ones. And growling can happen in all of those situations, too.
If your dog growls, THEY ARE TELLING YOU SOMETHING: "That thing is scary," "I don't want to be touched right now," "I need space," "I hurt," "I am worried," "That startled me."
And while you might say, "my old dog never growled at me," know that some dogs use growling to communicate more than others. They are not bad dogs, they are good communicators!
More great workshops from Kiwi Vet Behaviour in March! Have a young puppy? Check out their puppy playground day for a safe and fun socialisation experience.
✨MARCH WORKSHOPS✨
It's that time again where we share our workshops for the month ahead! In March, we are offering more workshops to support you and your pet! If you know someone who would benefit, tag them in this post, we'd love to hear from them.
Follow the link of your interest to find out more and register:
😓🐶Fear in Dogs: http://tinyurl.com/KVB-fearingdogs
🐶🤸♀️Toddler & Dogs: http://tinyurl.com/KVB-toddleranddogs
⚽️🐶Puppy Playground: http://tinyurl.com/KVB-puppyplayground
🐶⚡️Tricks for Focus & Control: http://tinyurl.com/KVB-tricks
If you have specific questions, email us at [email protected].
Kiwi Vet Behaviour has some great workshops coming up in February, located in Ellerslie. Baby & Dog, Roots of Reactivity, and Nail Care.
This clinic brings together a team of academically qualified individuals who are able to provide owners of pets with effective, practical and compassionate animal behaviour treatment. The clinic is designed to allow for aggressive and/or reactive dogs the space they need for veterinary care as well....
Careful out there in this hot weather! Keep your dog cool by freezing part of their meals in toppls, kongs, or likimats. Make sure your dog is getting plenty of fluids, too. Chilled chicken broth is a great summertime beverage for dogs.
A paddling pool in the shade can be a fun way to cool down, too!
Play, exercise and enrichment games indoors can help your dog stay happy and entertained on hot days.
Would you swap places?
👉 Walk your dogs early morning / evening when it's cooler.
"You may be used to seeing your dog excitedly zoom around when they’re out on their walkies, but when the weather is warm they need to be encouraged to take it slow. Running will only make them warmer and put them at risk of heat stroke, so set a slow pace for your pooch to follow, and instead give them plenty of time to sniff out new scents."
Pavements, sand, metal, ute trays and other surfaces can burn their paws 🥺
Check they are not over heating if kennelled / chained, it may be shady in the morning but way too hot and uncomfortable during the day.
👋 Everyone knows not to take them shopping / out and about in the car eh? 🤔 Even on cooler days....when the sun pops out, the temperature can rise very quickly. People say oh but he has water, and a window down...the poor dog is panting and looking stressed.
👉 It's too hot in there, leave them at home.
Scrub out water bowls, ensure fresh clean is water available at all times. Please do the same for all animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, birds trapped in little cages).
Keep coats/fur well groomed.
A bowl of water out for wild life. 🌱
Provide shade, freedom to move if they choose, fresh water, frozen water bottles (good for small animals to be near), cooling mats, frozen kongs.
Very thankful for the heat pump at my house, keeping the foster dogs cool.
"Planning on walking dogs in hot weather? It’s generally safe in temperatures of up to 19°C (68°F) but be careful when the mercury rises above this. Even at temperatures as low as 20°C (70°F) dogs are at risk of heat stroke."
Why Gundog Training Benefits Your Gundog Breed
You might have heard about our popular Pet Gundog Foundation course and wondered if it's suitable for your Spaniel, Retriever, or even your Labradoodle. Rest assured, our course welcomes dogs of all breeds, and every pup, regardless of its lineage, can enjoy the training benefits. Gundog training focuses on advanced obedience skills in outdoor settings, off-leash, and amidst distractions. It's not limited to specific breeds or working dogs; there's something valuable for every dog, from Poodles and beagles to GSD, and beyond!
Let's dive into what our course covers and how it can enrich both you and your dog's life.
1. Target/Placeboard Training
Target training involves using environmental cues to guide your dog to the desired location. For instance, teaching your dog to "go to your bed" means they're targeting their bed with their feet. When they learn the "touch" exercise, they're targeting your hand with their nose. Targeting is an effective way to teach dogs at a distance, helping them understand where to go while you instruct them. In some exercises, we phase out the target once the behaviour is learned, allowing dogs to perform it freely. Placeboards raised textured platforms, are excellent for target training. They provide clarity for both you and your dog, making learning faster.
2. Heelwork (On- & Off-Lead)
Emphasizing both on- and off-leash heelwork enhances your dog's leash manners and off-leash behaviour significantly. Gundogs must remain engaged, focused, and controlled, even in the face of excitement and distractions like other dogs and wildlife. This training boosts your dog's confidence when off-leash.
3. Retrieves
Many dogs love retrieving items to varying degrees. Teaching a formal retrieve channels this natural behaviour, engaging their minds and noses, building impulse control, and keeping them focused even at a distance. Retrieving also helps dogs learn a solid "drop," encouraging them to willingly relinquish items.
4. Recall
A reliable recall is a top priority for most dog owners. It's crucial to allow dogs to explore off-leash safely. The impulse control, distance work, and more taught in gundog training elevate your dog's recall to a new level.
5. Directional Cues
Teaching your dog to respond to directional cues enhances their engagement at a distance, making it a practical skill for off-leash adventures. This cognitive exercise builds listening skills and focus, making it useful for various dog sports and activities.
When we consider all the components of gundog training, including on- and off-leash heeling, impulse control, engagement at a distance, and recalls, it's evident that there's much to gain for any dog owner. Witnessing the progress you and your dog make through this training is a gratifying experience that boosts your confidence and pride in your canine companion.
Our next Pet Gundog Foundation course starts 5th November, this is our last class for the year and is a 7-week course, spaces are limited, you can book on our website https://www.k9services.co.nz/gundog-classes
🤩Exciting news🤩
After a much needed break, I am back to running training classes again🐕
🐾If you're looking for a fun dog training class, this is the one for you!
Run by an accredited behaviourist and certified force-free dog trainer, these classes help build life skills your dog may be missing with some added fun.
Classes are held in Mt Roskill.
The 5-week class will focus on:
- Focus exercises
- Impulse & distance control
- Recall skills
- Learn how to redirect unwanted behaviours into desired ones
- Fun obstacle courses
These classes are about understanding your dog better and building a great relationship with them. We use science-based positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good habits and essential life skills.
Spaces are limited, email 💌[email protected] for details or visit our website 💻www.seespotlearn.co.nz to secure your spot today! 🐕🌟
Every dog should have the right to bodily autonomy.
No dog, no matter if they are in a public space or not, should be touched without their consent. And sometimes we need to advocate that right for them because the general public are pretty terrible at seeing or respecting what dogs have to tell them.
Today, on our morning adventure, a kid on his scooter stopped to ask if he could pet Juno.
Could I have said, "why don't we ask her and see what she says?"
Maybe that would have been a good learning opportunity for the kid. But it isn't Juno's responsibility to teach him. I instead used my knowledge about her preferences (and her preference is almost always for people to leave her alone) to say, "No, thank you. She doesn't like to be touched by anyone she doesn't know. But thank you so much for asking." She was also on a leash at the time, and even with all my savvy maneuvering to allow her as much freedom to choose proximity as possible, she is still tied to me.
It is always best to assume NOPE! unless it is a very obvious dog initiated YES!
Later on the beach while Juno was enjoying her time off leash, we were approached by two ladies who politely asked if it would be okay to say hello to Juno. Now, Juno has the advantage of freedom and space that she didn't have earlier, so I didn't jump to conclusions. I told the ladies, "she can be quite nervous with people she doesn't know." During my interaction with them, I watched Juno's body language. Did she seem interested? Nope. She wasn't worried but she was not interested in any kind of touching or greeting! So what she told me dictated my next move. I said, "have a great walk, it's a beautiful morning!" and moved along.
Now, it is good to note, I suppose, that Juno used to struggle around strangers because she was worried about what they might do. They were unpredictable. Now it's quite easy for her: We live our lives, they live theirs, and we move away if we need to (which she will do if she feels like she needs more space.) I am, however, always aware of others around us and how Juno feels about them. Especially in close quarters, like in shops or standing in line and I will be mindful to arm her personal bubble if needed. But even if your dog sometimes likes to say hello, tolerates it, or "generally likes" petting, it is never an assumption we should make on their behalf and it is DEFINITELY not an assumption anyone else should be making!
I will always advocate for her right to exist in public without being groped. IT SHOULD BE THE DEFAULT: DON'T TOUCH DOGS IN PUBLIC. Even if dogs love you. Even if dogs are cute. Even if they look friendly. And even if they run up to you!
I know there are still some people who struggle with this concept (even with touching other people!). So arming Juno with the skills she needs to deal with those aberrant moments without conflict and to recover easily is essential. And hopefully they are rare and we can all peacefully and respectfully coexist like we did today!
Sometimes you need an alternative to walks, due to rain or any other reason! It’s great to have some indoor activities to fall back on. Sheldon and I had fun doing some fitness and foundation obedience training.
My dog Sheldon loves coming with me to cafes (and he won't say no to a sneaky piece of my ham and cheese croissant). The work we have done training Sheldon to be calm around distractions, including other dogs, and to enjoy staying on his mat have really paid off, so we can enjoy cafes and pubs together. A great place to start is with the relaxation protocol developed by veterinarian and behaviourist Dr. Karen Overall.
Sheldon’s tummy is a little off today so I’ve made him some chicken soup- homemade chicken broth, chicken, kumara, and rocket. Easy to digest and gentle on the stomach. Hopefully it will help him feel better soon!
My dog Sheldon and I are playing a game I learned from absoluteDOGS called “forward focus” to help make nail trimming stress free. For many dogs, there is a lot of preparation that goes into making nail trimming stress free, fear free, and force free. In this game, Sheldon is able to communicate to me that he’s comfortable with what I’m doing by continuing to focus on the food in front of him.
Great advice from Hannah at ThinkDog! I fully agree. You have such a great opportunity to build your puppy's confidence, skills, play drive, and the bond between the two of you, without rushing on-leash walks too early.
Do you struggle to clip your dog’s nails? Sheldon is really fearful of both nail clippers and the dremel, so I’m working on helping him be happy to have his nails clipped or ground. I’m trying to go his speed- I like just having his paw resting on my hand as I can really feel the instant he wants to pull his paw away. I want him to know it’s okay for him to let me know he’s uncomfortable so I reward him for that too.
In the meantime we have introduced a scratchboard, which Sheldon actually likes! If you’d like to buy one you can get one at yourwholedog.co.nz/collections/nail-stuff. Or you can make one yourself- I used a staple gun to attach course sandpaper to a piece of plywood we had lying around. Just fold and staple the sandpaper over the top of the board so your dog doesn’t accidentally rip the paper.
Due to the rain and thunderstorm warning, tonight's outdoor workshop at Francis Reserve is cancelled. Rain date is 20 March so workshop will now run 6, 13, and 20 March. See you next week!
Do you want your dog to be happy, healthy, settled, and well behaved? We can help! We offer one-off training sessions or training packages for puppies, adolescent, and adult dogs. We also offer training walks and/or daytime in-home training for current clients. Call or send a message for more details!
Have you signed up for my zero waste dog treats workshop yet? It’s part of EcoFest 2023! Sheldon loves the treats and they are easy to make. Here’s Sheldon playing some training games with my healthy homemade mushroom and liver superfood treats!
Auckland
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Sometimes you need an alternative to walks, due to rain or any other reason! It’s great to have some indoor activities to fall back on. Sheldon and I had fun doing some fitness and foundation obedience training.
My dog Sheldon and I had fun videoing some of the games as a follow up from our recent focus and recall workshop 🐾
It’s a rainy day and agility class was cancelled, so we practiced our weave poles at Sheldon’s dad’s office!
My dog Sheldon and I are playing a game I learned from absoluteDOGS called “forward focus” to help make nail trimming stress free. For many dogs, there is a lot of preparation that goes into making nail trimming stress free, fear free, and force free. In this game, Sheldon is able to communicate to me that he’s comfortable with what I’m doing by continuing to focus on the food in front of him.
Do you struggle to clip your dog’s nails? Sheldon is really fearful of both nail clippers and the dremel, so I’m working on helping him be happy to have his nails clipped or ground. I’m trying to go his speed- I like just having his paw resting on my hand as I can really feel the instant he wants to pull his paw away. I want him to know it’s okay for him to let me know he’s uncomfortable so I reward him for that too. In the meantime we have introduced a scratchboard, which Sheldon actually likes! If you’d like to buy one you can get one at yourwholedog.co.nz/collections/nail-stuff. Or you can make one yourself- I used a staple gun to attach course sandpaper to a piece of plywood we had lying around. Just fold and staple the sandpaper over the top of the board so your dog doesn’t accidentally rip the paper.
Have you signed up for my zero waste dog treats workshop yet? It’s part of EcoFest 2023! Sheldon loves the treats and they are easy to make. Here’s Sheldon playing some training games with my healthy homemade mushroom and liver superfood treats!
Mutts with Manners NZ - Training and Adventur
Hibiscus Coast
See Spot Learn by Emily Dustan
Mt Albert
