About K9s

08/03/2025

Pedicure time 😁

28/02/2025

I get a lot of messages from dog owners worried about sudden behaviour changes in their dogs. The first thing I ask is when it started. If things went a bit pear-shaped when their dog was between 6 and 9 old, it could be due to those inevitable hormonal changes that accompany adolescence. If it happened after a scary event, that might be the cause. And if it's an older dog, pain is a big possibility. In any case, I always recommend a full vet check and maybe a pain trial—between 28% and 82% of problem behaviours can be linked to pain! It’s so much harder for a dog to make good choices if they’re not feeling their best. Always rule out medical issues first!

27/02/2025

Woohoo! Congratulations to Gail and the lovely Ruby on completing Puppy Preschool. I look forward to seeing what adventures you get up to.

15/01/2025

Avoid walking your dogs along the Waihopai River east from Queen's Drive.

Our latest assessments have found elevated levels of toxic algae upstream of Queens Drive on the Waihopai River in Invercargill.
These algae can produce toxins that are harmful to people and animals, particularly dogs if swallowed or through contact with skin.
Similar algae growth maybe occurring in other waterways in the area and other rivers in the region.
Toxic algae is commonly identified in waterways as a dark green/brown slime on rocks or dark brown/black mats at the water’s edge.
The alert for the Waihopai River at Kennington has now been removed, but there remains an alert in place for the Waiau River near the Excelsior Creek inflow.
➡ We encourage river users to take the time to know what to look for and to keep informed via our website, http://es.govt.nz/toxic-algae
➡️ Remember to check the latest toxic algae alerts at www.lawa.org.nz before you head to your favourite river or lake.

10/01/2025

The gentleman who allowed his pooch to run freely through Queen's Park clearly didn’t see this post. His small, off-leash ambassador of chaos, obviously a social butterfly, enthusiastically greeted every leashed dog in sight. Because, of course, rules and common courtesy don't apply for such important people. As for me? I chose to "get out of Dodge".

How some dog owners see our signs…

06/01/2025

Eight years ago, I embarked on the journey to become a professional dog trainer. Not long after, I came across the Karen Pryor Academy Pro Dog Trainer course—and it changed my life in ways I could never have imagined.

Yesterday, Karen Pryor passed away, a true legend in the world of dog training. Her vision, compassion, and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on countless lives, human and canine (and many other species).

Her legacy lives on in the hearts and practices of everyone she inspired. Rest in peace, Karen. Your light continues to shine through the knowledge you shared with the world. 💔🐾

"When you stop relying on aversive controls such as threats, intimidation and punishment, and when you know how to use reinforcement to get not just the same but better results, your perception of the world undergoes a shift. You don't have to become a wimp. You don't have to give up being in charge. You lose nothing of yourself. You just see things you didn't see before."

Karen Pryor. 1932-2025

03/01/2025

Calling all puppy parents in Invercargill (or nearby)! 🐶💛 Join my Puppy Preschool and give your l\pupster the best start to becoming your bestest girl or boy.

✨ Start as soon as your pup is 10 weeks old with two vaccinations.
✨ Small classes (just 5 pups!) for personalised attention.
✨ Classes start January 6th and run every Monday evening.

📩 Email [email protected] to book your spot. Let’s get those tails wagging! 🎉

02/01/2025

🐾 Tahi's Top Tip! 🐾

Heading out on a summer adventure with your pup? 🌞 Here's a tip to help your dog find their way back if they decide to go on an unauthorised adventure 🐕‍🦺:

👉 Once you've unpacked, take a walk with your pooch around the local neighbourhood. This gives them a chance to get familiar with the area and boosts their chances of finding their way back if they wander off.

Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy these summer days with your furry bestie! 🌴🐶💛

01/01/2025

Happy New Year! May 2025 be filled with joy and countless special moments with your doggos.

28/12/2024

Mock Scent Work Trial 4th January 2025

Calling all scent work enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've completed an intro class or want to practice before the real trial on Jan 18-19, this is your chance!

🎯 What to expect:
✅ Friendly, fun trial experience
✅ Just $5 per dog, per level
✅ Shared lunch
📅 Register now or on the day!

And if your dog has qualified out of Advanced and you still want to have a play, join us! It's all good practice 🙂

👉 Click here to register: https://forms.gle/D6sSKAZCh4UsE8Ve9

Let’s make sniffing a blast! 🐶👃✨

26/12/2024

Boxing Day walk with the best Koolies.

26/12/2024

Christmas lunch plans took a slight detour when I noticed that Zelda was walking like she was sore just before we left. A quick change of plans meant she came for a festive car trip. Later at home, I discovered that she'd shaved a small part of her pad, likely at the beach on Christmas Eve. We decided to monitor it for a few days. Thankfully, no emergency vet visits on Christmas Day. She is doing well.

24/12/2024

Christmas Eve adventure at the beach. Only Luna managed the full brief. Tahi was, "yeah, nah". Our walk ended on a less positive note when two motocross bikers unexpectedly came up behind us on the path back over the sand dunes. Not my proudest moment. I should have focused on my dogs and let it go. However, the bikers were nice enough to apologise for disrupting our walk.

23/12/2024

Christmas paper trend fail. The best shot. Zelda didn't get the memo about Maisie being the star ✨. Merry Christmas everyone 🎁

22/12/2024

It's been a bit of a long year, and I'm finally taking a breather. Yesterday's rain meant no walk (yes, I know it's just water 🥺) but the Koolies had a blast shredding some op shop soft toys. Today, we made up for it with an adventure with Luna, Quito and Jane - followed by another cozy afternoon at home. Sometimes, doing not a lot is everything. 🐾

Photo of Maisie with a purple ladybird toy.

19/12/2024

Hazel and her person, Lani, aced the intro scent work class. Look at that indication. Well done Team.

18/12/2024

Congratulations to Charlie on graduating from Puppy Preschool! 🐾 Such a clever pup and a big shout-out to his amazing person, Alice, and assistant trainer, Dean 😁👏✨