Alpha 1

Dog behaviourist and trainer
www.alpha1dogtraining.com My name is Chris Brown, and I am the owner and operator of Alpha1. Less stress, more love.

A dog training company dedicated to helping dogs and their owners achieve balance and harmony in their lives through calm and assertive leadership, and a deep understanding of dog behavioural cues and canine body language. My expertise is backed by a Diploma of Animal Psychology and over a decade of experience working with dogs, their owners, and their surrounding communities. When you choose to o

wn a dog it is my belief that the humans need to understand dog psychology and provide leadership everyday. It's a lifestyle that has massive benefits for both human and dog. Your dog will stay balanced and enjoy a stress free life and you will enjoy the benefits from living life in the present moment. Alpha1 was established in 2010, initially working with dogs in Australia before moving to the United Kingdom to work with not-for-profit shelters and the many dogs in their care. Now based in Auckland, New Zealand, I have made it my mission to help dogs and their owners by teaching calm, assertive energy, which in turn brings harmony to the human / dog relationship. I believe that understanding the energy we project is the key to turning an anxious, reactive, or aggressive dog into a balanced and happy family pet. In my experience as a trainer, I have encountered almost every kind of dog behavioural issue, including (but not limited to) excessive barking and destruction, aggression, reactivity and separation anxiety. I’ve worked with a myriad of breeds, big and small, and dogs of every age, learning valuable lessons from each one I meet along the way. I consider myself lucky to be able to follow my passion, harness my experience and give owners the tools and training that they need to change their lives and ensure a happy future with their dog/s. Through Alpha1, I offer dog rehabilitation and training services that focus on helping humans understand the energy they project and give them tools to in turn improve their dog’s behaviour. Each session is bespoke to the needs of each dog, however they all follow the same underlying principals and guidelines, which have proven successful in every case I’ve had the pleasure of working on. The goal of Alpha1 is to raise awareness of and promote a conscious understanding of energy, which can in turn, significantly improve the quality of life for not only the dog, but also the owner/s and the community in which they live. By teaching dogs to follow their human’s lead, we can reduce the stress and anxiety that often results from dogs leading their owners. I firmly believe that no dog is a ‘lost cause’. Every dog has the potential to live a peaceful and happy life, we just have to help them unlock it! I am committed to helping dogs and their owners achieve this through Alpha1 training programs, content and education. For an insight into the training methods that I use, or to understand a bit more about dog behaviour, have a look at my YouTube channel. It’s full of case studies, demonstrations and training tips designed to help you succeed on your dog training journey. If you and your dog need some guidance, and you would like to be featured as a case study, please get in contact – I’d love to hear from you! Thank you for considering Alpha1 as your dog training partner. I look forward to working with you and your furry friend!

09/01/2025

Happy new year everyone! Classes will be announced soon and booking slots for consultations are now open. Can't wait to see you all! Bring on the new year 🥳

20/11/2024

🐾 Join Us for the next Alpha 1 Dog Training Pack
Walk! 🐾
We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming Alpha 1 Training Pack Walk, designed for dog owners who want to enhance their leash walking skills and gain valuable insights into dog behaviour!
What’s Included:
✨ A 1-1.5 hour walk along the stunning Milford Beach and adjacent reserve
✨ Personalized advice from Chris on dog ownership, leadership and handling skills
✨ A chance to observe real-time dog interactions, while Chris explains the psychology around each dogs behaviour.
✨Wrap up Q&A (though questions are encouraged throughout)
If you're interested, click the link below for more details and to fill out the application form now.

https://forms.gle/S8hNYsrXS5fzWLG97

06/09/2024

Heading into the weekend like....

29/08/2024

🐾 Join Us for the Alpha 1 Dog Training Pack
Walk! 🐾

We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming Alpha 1 Training Pack Walk, designed for dog owners who want to enhance their leash walking skills and gain valuable insights into dog behaviour!

What’s Included:

✨ A 1-1.5 hour walk along the stunning Milford Beach and adjacent reserve
✨ Personalized advice from Chris on dog ownership, leadership and handling skills
✨ A chance to observe real-time dog interactions, while Chris explains the psychology around each dogs behaviour.
✨Wrap up Q&A (though questions are encouraged throughout)

If you're interested, click the link below for more details and to fill out the application form now.

https://forms.gle/rjwZtorHg235SAQD7

05/08/2024

Announcement: We're Reopening!

Hi everyone! I want to thank you all for your patience during our recent closure. After experiencing four seizures and needing time for recovery at a mental health hospital, I’m thrilled to announce that I'm back and eager to dive back into helping both people and dogs.

While pack walks are still on hold due to the van needing a WOF and some maintenance, I’m starting to resume consultations. If you need assistance, please feel free to reach out on here. Additionally, handmade leashes are available for purchase.

A special thank you to my amazing wife, Ash Brown, for her incredible support and for keeping things running smoothly during this difficult time.

Looking forward to reconnecting with you all!

Chris

18/06/2024

ANNOUNCEMENT: TEMPORARY CLOSURE!

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Alpha 1 will not be conducting any business for a short time, initially three weeks. If you have a consultation booked during this period, please look out for our email or text notification to reschedule.

We are so sorry for any inconvenience caused, and we can't wait to get back out there and help all the dogs and humans of the world live happy, balanced lives.

See you soon, Chris & Alpha 1.

13/06/2024

✨ANNOUCEMENT!✨ We’re heading to the beach to get involved in and DOG DAY OUT! 🐶☀️

This event is a seriously good one, we were at Browns Bay Dog Day Out earlier this year and had so much fun hanging out with all of you and meeting all your pooches IRL. 🤩

Come and visit Chris and the Alpha 1 crew from 9am in Takapuna’s Anzac Square next Saturday 22nd June. There’ll be live demos and workshops, heaps of dog apparel and treats for sale, and you can even get your hands on Chris’s handmade slip leashes! 🐕‍🦺

Don’t miss out, this is our last market appearance for a little while as we head into Winter, so pack a jacket and bring your pooch for a fun day down by the beach. 🏖️

16/05/2024

Only two more sleeps until we are out and about again, this time at ‘Last Bully Standing’ presented by 🐶

Can’t wait to meet some dogs and share information around providing calm and consistent leadership for your dogs everyday. Entry is free, so come on down; heaps of stalls, competitions and fun for the whole family 🙌✨

09/05/2024

👀 ALPHA 1 IS OUT AND ABOUT AGAIN!!! 🥳

We’re excited to be headed to ‘Last Bully Standing’, presented by 🐕 Can’t wait to see some muscles, share some knowledge and help owners understand more about providing leadership for their dogs.

Bully breeds often get a bad reputation, when in reality they can make some of the most loving, balanced pets. 🧘‍♂️🐾❤️ However it’s important that you establish a strong relationship with them right from the start, and fulfil their needs every day. My right hand man, Harold, has taught me more about dog psychology than any human and he has rehabilitated many problem dogs under my supervision.

✨See you all NEXT SUNDAY May 19th at Manukau Tennis Centre from 10am - FREE ENTRY for spectators!

06/05/2024

🐾There are so many different types of dog training out there, and so many opinions as to which one is the best. At the end of the day, whichever training method that works best for you and your dog is the best!

We wrote a blog on this a while back (on our website), which talks a little bit more about the kind of dog behaviourist Chris is, plus also how other dog training methods and tools can be used alongside an understanding of dog behaviour to achieve different things.

If we had to classify Chris into a ‘trainer type’, it’d be neutral, or balanced. But he’s also not really a ‘dog’ trainer, he’s a ‘human’ trainer…

Alpha 1 was named as such to empower dog owners to move past their anxieties, towards calm, confident and consistent leadership. Not only for their dogs, but for themselves! 🥰

At Alpha 1 we teach owners about the importance of ‘living in the now’, breathing, slowing things down and energy transfer; how your own emotional tendencies affect your dog’s behaviour. 🧘‍♂️

The goal of Alpha 1 is to teach owners how to communicate with, fully understand and fulfil their dog’s needs, so that the dogs we love can stay balanced and happy in a human world.

Becoming an Alpha 1 Pack Leader, for a lot of people, is a lifestyle change, and it takes a lot of time and a lot of work. You’ll need to learn to neutralise your energy and provide consistent leadership for your dog, which can be tough! But it’s very easy to understand and if you stick with it, the rewards are incredible.

So go forth, good luck, figure out what works best for you and your dog - and we’ll be right here if you have any questions or would like some advice. 😎

27/04/2024

Don’t miss out! Applications for our Reactivity course close TOMORROW! 😱

Includes:
- Group Zoom Welcome/ Intro (30mins)
- 1:1 Zoom Consultation to address your dogs specific behavioural issues, reactivity or otherwise (1hr)
- In-person workshop with other reactive dogs (2hrs). Auckland based. May 18th.
- Followup call (30 mins)
- *Discounted rate on initial consultation if booked after reactivity course.

✨In our workshop, you’ll learn how to calm your dog’s state of mind, then have the opportunity to practice in a safe space, with others* all learning the same thing. Once you have learned to settle your dogs reactivity (which you will), we’ll move into confidence building activities… like close walk-bys with reactivity-triggers, farm animal introductions and on leash obstacles.

This course really is a goodie, and super helpful if you’re in struggle town with your reactive four legged friend. Dont hesitate, or you’ll miss out.

More info and apply here: https://forms.gle/cYTLKj6FcQLNHA7o9

*The in person workshop includes all the other reactive dogs (and their owners) that are participating on the course (generally 5-6x max).

24/04/2024

🙌 HERE WE GO!🐾

Stoked to be heading to the Barking Mad Dog Markets this Saturday. We attended this event last year just for fun and boy was it a goodie! This year, Alpha 1 has its very own stall and we couldn’t be happier! 🤗

On the day you’ll find loads of dog themed vendors with treats, toys and training tools (the Alpha 1 handmade slip leash included), plus competitions for you and your dog! Well worth the adventure to Ardmore! ❤️

Come and give Vader some cuddles (we gave him a bath yesterday so he’s extra fluffy), chat to Chris for training tips and advice on calm, confident leadership and see a demonstration on how to use a slip leash correctly, so you can add one of Chris’s to your stash of training tools. 😎

‼️It’s also the LAST DAY to sign up to our May on leash Reactivity course (go to alpha1dogtraining.com to apply), so if you’re still not sure, come and visit Chris IRL. He can give you and your dog a quick assessment to see if it’s right for you, or if a 1:1 consultation in your home would be more beneficial. 🐕

21/04/2024

Such an awesome day today at Browns Bay Dog Day Out! 🙌🐶 Thank you to everyone who came down to support and a big thanks to for having us, we had so much fun.

We hope you enjoyed watching Chris’s demonstration on dog psychology, behaviour and providing leadership for your dogs. It’s amazing to see how quickly dogs respond to calm, confident energy - but remember, consistency is key! ✨

Looking forward to working with all the dogs and humans we met today, welcome to the Alpha 1 pack!

19/04/2024

⏰The countdown is on! Only two more sleeps until we arrive at Browns Bay Dog Day Out! 🙌🐶

We have been so busy in the background getting prepared for this event, and we can’t wait to see everyone there, this Sunday!

Chris will be giving a talk in the morning about dog psychology and why it’s so important to provide consistent leadership for your dog/s. If you’ve got a problem dog, reach out - we’d love to use you in our live demonstration on stage! 📣

Come on down for all the amazing dog-themed stalls, get some training tips, book a consultation with Chris and get your hands on our brand new merch!

12/04/2024

✨Could this BE more exciting?🥳

Our online store is finally launching next month! 🙌 You'll be able to order Chris's handmade leashes, Alpha 1 merch and other training tools straight to your door.⚡

If you can't wait that long... just don't? Come and visit us at The Browns Bay Dog Day on April 21st, or the Barking Mad Dog Markets on April 27th to be first to get your hands on our new goodies and see Chris, Vader & Harold in action.

Keep an eye out for more announcements... yep, there's more! 😉

09/04/2024

We are so excited to be getting out and about at some great events over the next couple of weeks. 🤩💛

Come and visit Vader, Harold & Chris at the Alpha 1 stall at Browns Bay Dog Day Out on Sunday 21st, then again on Saturday 27th at Barking Mad Dog Markets. Bring the whole family, including your dogs!🐕‍🐕

✨Get some training tips, book a consult and check out everything else Alpha 1 has to offer... including FIRST LOOK at our NEW Alpha 1 merch, available only at the markets before we launch online. 🥳 Can't wait to see you there!

07/04/2024

✨WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT⚡

We've had more interest in our 'REACTIVITY' program, so we're running it again! 🙌

This is exactly what you've been looking for if you have been struggling with your dog's reactivity on the leash and when around other dogs.

During this short course, you'll have access to group learning sessions (in person with your reactive dog & online) as well as 1:1 training focused specifically on you and your dogs relationship, so you can learn to overcome your individual training roadblocks.

What are you waiting for? Sign up here: https://forms.gle/U1GBnsVbKJZJsv5B8

Applications close April 28th.

Address

North Shore
Auckland
0626

Telephone

+64278358774

Website

http://www.youtube.com/@Alpha1NZ, http://www.alpha1dogtraining.com/

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Videos

Summer incoming! Hosting the holidays at your place this year? My advice is to have some rules established for when your guests visit over the holiday period. Being able to keep your dog on its bed and off the couches, calm when new people come through the door and barking to a minimum are all great examples. Contact for more information and consultation availability! . . . #dogtrainingtips #DogLovers #DogBehavior #Alpha1Training #DogTraining

✨️TRAINING TIP: Getting started with your slip leash It's leash week! Which means that that we're offering $5 off our handmade slip leashes and posting leash related content this week. 😂 Here's a video on how to put your new slip leash on your dog correctly. Remember to feed the mainline through the ring at the bottom of the leash and NOT the handle. The slip leash should be high up behind your dogs ears, not sitting low down on their neck. Slips are designed for training your dog to loose leash walk, aka teaching your dog not to pull. Remember to work on your calm, assertive energy when handling the other end of the leash, don't forget to breathe! 🧘‍♂️ . . . . #dogtrainingtips #looseleashwalking #dogtrainer #dogsofauckland

After working with this incredible pack for so long, I’ve earned their respect and trust through providing calm, consistent leadership. Wherever I walk is where the pack follows - they listen and share their wisdom with any new dog that we come across… like Ralphie! Ralphie’s only been with us a few months, but he too is learning what being in a calm follower state feels like. And boyyy does it feel good. 🙌 . . . . #dogtraining #dogs #followtheleader #dogtrainer #packlife #balancedtraining #dogsofnz #ratemydog #ilovemydog #packleader

✨Reminder that applications for our next reactivity short course close next Sunday, April 28th. This 2-week program includes an in person group session with your reactive dog, so you can learn to work through issues and build your confidence in a safe training environment. Head to the link in bio to get some more information and to sign up, and feel free to fire us a message or a call first to help you figure out if this would be a good step for you and your dog.🐾 . . . . #dogtraining #reactivity #instadog #dogsofauckland #dogtrainer #dogs #ilovemydog

✨TRAINING TIP: Setting Boundaries. Setting boundaries in and around your home, and when you get to a new space is important to help your dog to stay calm and balanced. Teaching your dog to stay on a bed/place while you move around, creating invisible barriers for them to learn not to cross (like a bedroom door, or hallway), and making them wait before they steamroll into a new area of the house are good ones to start with. Here we are on pack day Tuesday (AKA the most exciting day of the week), but before we enter the vast land of controlled excitement, we need to show some respect, patience and enter the space with our heads on our shoulders. By taking a moment to pause with the pack before they enjoy their day, we ensure they don’t hit the paddock hyper focused or fixated on anything. . . . . . #dogtrainingtips #dog #dogtrainer #dogsofnz #instadog #dogs #dogstagram #dogoftheday #dogtraining #packlife #balancedpack #aucklanddogs