Dogs 4 Life

Nick Wilson is a Canine Behaviourist and Trainer from New Plymouth. He is an ex Police Dog Handler. Nick provides on going follow up. Contact Nick for details.
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Nick Wilson is a qualified Canine Behaviourist and Dog Trainer. He is an ex Police dog handler who specialises in addressing dog behaviour problems and teaching functional, modern day obedience principals.

– Contact Nick now on 027 595 6278 or email [email protected] for an obligation free inquiry. Nick has assisted hundreds of clients to overcome behaviour issues with their dogs such as:
Sep

aration anxiety
Excessive barking
Biting
Jumping
Digging
Pulling on the lead
Chewing
Toilet training
Hyperactivity and eating disorders
Obedience Training
Dog Aggression
Obedience Issues

He has worked with a large variety of breeds ranging from toy poodles to great danes. Dogs 4 Life offer the following services:

Behaviour Modification Consultation:
Dogs 4 Life visit the client at their home and assess the issues that they are experiencing with their dog. Strategies and techniques to overcome the issues are put in place with hands on dog work demonstrated to the owner. A detailed report outlining the strategies is forwarded to the client. Premium Dog Training Consultation:
As above however the Premium Dog Training Consultation is for more serious problems that can not be addressed during a 1 day consultation. Dogs 4 Life will take the dog for 2 hours a day for a 5 day period for behaviour modification/training sessions and socialisation. A detailed report is completed and forwarded to the client. At the end of the 5 day period a session is conducted where by the owner is coached on the training and techniques that the dog has been introduced to. On going follow up is provided. The Puppy Programme:
For puppies up to 6 months old. Dogs 4 Life will visit the client and puppy at their home address and introduce a routine to make the puppies transition into the new home as smooth as possible. This includes advice on toilet training, sleeping, training, exercise etc. and the client is coached on how best to interact with the puppy in order to meet it's needs during this crucial period. A detailed report is provided. This programme is also available for clients who have older puppies and who require assistance with a routine and/or training. Functional Modern Day One on One Obedience Sessions:
Specialising in solving modern day issues such as the recall, walking on the lead, all commands, tricks, searching etc. Coaching of clients in dog training techniques and principles to ensure you get the best out of your dog. In House Dog Minding:
Are you going away for a couple of nights and want to leave your dog at home in familiar surroundings? Dogs 4 Life will come to your house - feed, water and exercise your dog. Your dog will also have playtime and a pat while you are away. Whilst based in New Plymouth New Zealand Nick is available for Skype consultations regardless of your location. Dogs 4 Life - Specialists in one on one training and behaviour modification.

30/08/2024

When a 3kg Italian Greyhound puppy meets a 30kg Dobermann!

28/08/2024

How beautiful is Zoe the 16 week old German Shepherd who has just finished the Puppy Programme?
Zoe is a beautiful jet black and she is also an old soul. She is a step ahead of alot of puppies at her age in maturity and she is just more worldly wise!
It was a lot of fun working with this beautiful girl and seeing her develop so quickly.
Good girl Zoe!
Great job Garth and family.

26/08/2024

I love this photo of Rex who is a 13 month old Fox Terrier cross who I am working with.
Rex already competes in Obedience and is also looking to pass his Canine Good Citizen qualification.
I am just assisting with building his engagement with his owner and fine tuning his heelwork.
Rex is smoking it!
This boy is born to work and he loves it.
What a pleasure is to work with this beautiful boy.
Good boy Rex!
Great job Kathy.

21/08/2024

Meet Harry the 14 week old Shih Tzu/Tibetan Spaniel cross.
Harry is such a cute, lovable little man.
He is a typical puppy though who loves biting Dads socks when he walks past.
We are working on this and implementing Harry’s initial commands.
This little guy is picking things up very quickly and he is an absolute pleasure to work with.
Good boy Harry!
Great job Laurel and Tom.

20/08/2024

Me and my boy!

18/08/2024

How cool is Fraser the 4 year old Labradoodle?
Fraser is a big boy who gets a bit too excited when visitors arrive.
He can also be a handful on the lead due to his size.
We are working on these issues and Fraser is making great progress.
Despite these issues this boy has a stunning temperament. Fraser is always so happy and he is genuinely a pleasure to work with.
Good boy Fraser!
Great job Jess and Zane.

07/08/2024

The senior dog was 21 years old!

06/08/2024

I met a senior dog yesterday.
Can anyone guess how old?

06/08/2024

How cool is this little guy?
Meet Scooter the 16 week old Jack Russell Terrier who has just completed the Puppy Programme.
Scooter is a real little dude, so happy and cheerful, he is a delight to be around.
This little man loves everyone and everything and has a great future ahead of him.
Good boy Scooter!
Great job Andrew.

04/08/2024

Meet Diesel the stunning 4 year old German Shorthaired Pointer who I am working with.
Diesel is lucky enough to live out in the country where he has a bit of land to run around on.
This does mean though that when you put a lead on him he pulls.
Being a big strong dog walking him becomes a major effort for his owner.
We are working on this and Diesel is making great progress.
I have a soft spot for GSP’s and really enjoy working with this boy.
Good boy Diesel!
Great job Richelle

31/07/2024

How beautiful is Maggie the 7 month old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
Maggie gets very excited around walk time and pulls on the lead.
We have been working on this and creating more engagement.
This sweet girl has the most beautiful disposition.
Maggie is always so happy and she has the most beautiful, big, kind eyes.
This is one very special dog.
Good girl Maggie!
Great job Melissa, Jim and family.

28/07/2024

Meet Buster the Huntaway who has recently been retired from the farm.
This guy is the real deal a big strong, loud, beautiful working Huntaway.
This dog is New Zealand’s treasure. The Huntaway is a dog that originates from New Zealand and is uniquely Kiwi.
Farmers all over the country reap the huge benefits of these beautiful animals.
Buster has had to adjust to being a townie, he has wandered off a few times no doubt looking for stock to wrangle but he is slowly settling into his new life.
I have been assisting his owner with Busters transition into his new home.
Buster has a wonderful owner and he will thrive given time in his new environment.
Good boy Buster!
Great job Nola

25/07/2024

It’s Friday which means it’s super cute Puppy day!

Meet Hank, the cutest and happiest Staffy in the land!
Hank is halfway through his Puppy Programme training and he is smoking it.
Hanks tail never stops wagging and you can’t help but be happy when he is around.
Good boy Hank!
Great job Stu and Christine.

22/07/2024

How beautiful is Bella the 7 month old German Shepherd puppy?
This stunning girl has just completed the Puppy Programme.
Bella is a real pleasure to work with, very mature for her age and always willing to please.
Bella lives with 2 older dogs who she loves to play with even though sometimes they’re not interested - but what’s a puppy to do!
I really enjoyed working with this beautiful girl.
Good girl Bella!
Great job Kim.

18/07/2024

It’s Friday which means it’s super cute Puppy day!

Meet Chiba the 12 week old Miniature Schnauzer cross who is completing the Puppy Programme.
Chiba is one of the most confident pups I have met.
Nothing fazes this boy and he is simply a joy to be around.
Good boy Chiba!
Great job Teff and family.

16/07/2024

Meet Tui the 6 month old Huntaway cross who I have been working with.
Tui was found walking the streets in another city at 6 weeks of age when she was rescued and ultimately brought to her wonderful new home here in Taranaki.
Tui lives with another dog, chickens and cats and she is learning how to live with all of them. She is adjusting beautifully to her new environment due to the wonderful work that my client has put into her.
It was great seeing Tui develop and progress so quickly through her training.
This girl has a wonderful future.
Good girl Tui!
Great job Nadia.

12/07/2024

This is Teddy the 6 month old Chihuahua puppy who is rocking his little red jersey today.
Teddy is just starting his training and due to the fact that he was socialised when he was younger Teddy is progressing beautifully.
Good boy Teddy!
Great job Dean and Mum

10/07/2024

Meet Tilly the 10 week old German Shepherd pup who is just gorgeous!
Tilly has such a calm, mature temperament for her age and she is already advanced in her training.
This beautiful girl is being trained to become a therapy dog at Taranaki Therapeutics and I think she will be perfect for the role.
Good girl Tilly!
Great job Brendan, Joanna, Nick and Ruby

07/07/2024

How cute is Frankie the 10 week old Miniature Dachshund (sausage dog) who has just started the Puppy Programme?
Frankie is tiny but makes up for it with a big, joyful personality.
Dachy’s are usually very confident dogs and Frankie is no different.
I’m looking forward to our upcoming sessions with this beautiful girl.
Good girl Frankie!
Great job Leanne and family.

01/07/2024

As we head into the 2nd half of 2024 I can't help but reflect upon the fact that next year Dogs 4 Life will have been running for 10 years.
In that time my best mate has been right on my shoulder at every move and together we have:

- Trained dogs for and assisted with NZ Customs, NZ Police, Hearing Dogs NZ, New Plymouth Vet Group, SPCA.
- Delivered multiple seminars to dog training clubs around the country.
- Held online consultations for clients as far away as the USA.
- Trained and assisted 100's of dogs from Auckland to Dunedin with behaviour issues ranging from attacking owners to being unable to go outdoors due to excessive fear.
- Trained 100's of puppies, and got them off to the best possible start for their owners so that they become balanced adult dogs who are a pleasure to be around.
- Assisted with multiple dog rescues and re homes.
- Studied Canine Behaviour through some of the most influential and sought after courses in the world.
- Run dog and puppy socialisation classes.
- Campaigned Lars to a NZ Champion, multiple Best in Show winner and NZ Dobermann of the year in 2022.
- Campaigned my new girl Ziva to a NZ Champion.

One of the most satisfying aspects of my role is one I haven't really talked about.
I often have potential clients calling me explaining about sudden, new unexplained behaviours that their dogs are exhibiting. I usually tell them to take the dog to the vet for a thorough check up initially if the behaviour is out of character.
On numerous occasions the client has come back and said that the dog had an undiscovered health complaint which was causing pain and ultimately distressing the dog. The client has then had the issue treated, pain under control and the dog has returned to it's normal old self.

Nothing is more rewarding than that!

When I started I had no idea that the next 10 years would be so interesting, fulfilling and rewarding.
A huge thank you to you all for coming along for the ride and investing in your dogs and puppies so that they have the best lives.

We will celebrate next year!

Thanks,
Nick, Lars and Ziva

26/06/2024

Meet Kismet and Walnut the 2 Pit Bull crosses who I have been working with.
Walnut was adopted when he was 4 years old. He had been kenneled and had missed out on alot of socialisation.
Both dogs are very close and they look after each other. Kismet who is more confident gives Walnut reassurance.
Both dogs have beautiful temperaments and we have worked on getting them more environmentally confident and in maintaining a calm state in the presence of other dogs.
They have both progressed beautifully.
What a pleasure it was to work with these two beautiful animals.
Good boy Walnut!
Good girl Kismet!
Great job Hazel

25/06/2024

Check this guy out!
Meet Finan the 17 month old Staffordshire Bull Terrier who I have been working with.
Finan is the real deal - a beautiful representative of his breed with a huge personality.
Finan is powerful so we have been working on his lead work and self control around meet and greets.
This boy has a sweet soul and he progressed beautifully.
It was very rewarding working with this boy and watching him progress so quickly.
Good boy Finan!
Great job Andrew and Jo

20/06/2024

We had a great Puppy Socialisation class this morning with some beautiful new pup’s of all shapes and sizes.
Have a great weekend everyone.

16/06/2024

How cool is this guy?
Meet Mars the 3 year old Kelpie who I am working with.
Mars is a real working dog who lives in a rural environment and loves to work.
We are working on his engagement and some pack rules as he also lives with 2 other dogs - Sam and Finn.
I love training with the working breeds, they keep you on your toes and don’t suffer fools. They keep you honest.

I have previously had Kelpie puppy owners tell me that the pup is always biting at their ankles.
When you think about it - that is exactly what they are bred to do - round up stock, so nipping at ankles is a breed specific behaviour.

What a privilige it is to be able to work with this beautiful dog.

Good boy Mars!
Great job Celeste and Liam

16/06/2024

I received this update from a past client who has since moved to the UK with Inky, who is a very special Miniature Schnauzer.
I am so stoked with what they have achieved together.
Inky you are a star!

Inky and I have moved to the UK and the training you taught us in NZ really helped him settle in. He’s thriving over here.
Inky regular goes to the pub and has learned how to ride and behave on public transport including the bus and ferry.
Inky has just achieved something pretty big for me and we have passed our bronze UK sniffer dog trial and we’re now qualified to compete in bronze level competitions around the country. We’re going for our silver trial in September.
We also won a professional photoshoot and his training with you really paid off. He posed perfectly!
Just wanted to say thank you for everything you taught me about dog training. It’s really paid off and I have ended up with an incredibly well behaved little dog.

13/06/2024

We had a follow up session with Keeva the stunning 15 month old Irish Setter this week.
With a deep, rich red coat and a beautiful temperament Keeva is a truly stunning animal.
Good girl Keeva!
Great job Julie and Ross.

12/06/2024

Some puppies are so damn cute that you just have to get a photo with them.
Meet Rufus the 4 month old Cavalier who I am working with.
This little guy is so happy, his tail never stops wagging and he is just beautiful!
I am very much looking forward to Rufus’ next session.
Good boy Rufus!
Great job Faith and Nick

10/06/2024

Meet Scotty the 2 year old Vizsla/Staffy cross who I have been working with.
Scotty was dumped at a park when he was a puppy.
Scotty was very skinny when he was found and he also had a hernia which required surgery.
Thankfully Scotty is now in a fantastic home where he is thriving.
Scotty has a wonderful temperament, he is a genuinely happy dog.
We have worked on his recall, leash work and impulse control as he was jumping up.
I really enjoyed working with this boy and his wonderful family.
Good boy Scotty!
Great job Tracy and Mark

30/05/2024

It’s Friday which means it’s super cute Puppy day!

Here are some of our super cute puppies from the Dogs 4 Life Puppy Socialisation class this morning.

Have a great weekend everyone.

29/05/2024

How cute is little Butters the 9 week old Golden Retriever, Poodle cross?
Butters has just started the Puppy Programme.
This beautiful pup has only been home for a week and she is already very much at home in her surroundings.
This river runs along the edge of her home and she is already making it her own.
What a gorgeous puppy.
Good girl Butters!
Great job Leanne and family.

Address

New Plymouth
4310

Telephone

+64275956278

Website

http://www.dogs4life.co.nz/

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Videos

Having some fun recall time with this stunning German Shepherd puppy. Good boy Frankie! Don’t forget….. Puppy Socialisation classes starting soon!

Practise makes perfect! Double dog distance control. A repeat down stand is also great for toning and strengthening the dog’s core. The aim is to be able to down the dog no matter how far away they are from you. Lars is advanced in this area and as you can see he is helping to teach Ziva who is still young and learning. www.dogs4life.co.nz Behaviour Modification - Puppy Programme & Socialisation - Obedience 'Because a Dog is 4 Life'.

Nailing the double down at a distance. This is a walk in the park for Lars, however Ziva is just learning. I am very happy with her progress. Training 2 dogs at once certainly has it's challenges but we are enjoying it. Having your dog comply to your instructions when they are not in your proximity is a game changer! That is why I encourage training distance control for any of my clients who wish to teach it to their dogs.

Murphy!

Meet Murphy the beautiful Blue Merle Border Collie who I am working with. Murphy lives out on a farm so he needs a good recall, good distance control and he needs to be calm around the stock. We are working on all of those things. Murphy is also a superstar trampoline dog and loves nothing more than getting on the tramp with the kids. He has the most amazing marble blue eyes which are so full of expression. What a beautiful dog. Good boy, Murphy! Great job Brenda and family.

Training the touchpads with my boy, a couple of years ago!

Lars Memory Retrieve!

CORE WORK FOR YOUR DOG. This is a video of Lars going through some core exercises on a wobble board. These type of exercises challenge the dog in so many ways. They can injury proof your dog by working on muscles that aren’t often used. I do these exercises with Lars on flat ground, with him facing up hill or down hill or using the wobble board. When I started these exercises with him I noticed that he moved more as one when he was turning, stopping or starting. He developed more power and became more bodily aware. As an ex Police Dog Handler I know alot of Police Departments are introducing core work for their dogs as they are often stationary for long periods and then have to deploy suddenly at 110% which can lead to injury. There is a whole industry around these type of exercises for dogs. Check it out online if you are interested, there’s some cool gear available and I thoroughly recommend introducing core work to your dogs exercise regime.

Fun in the sun with my boy Lars using a touch pad and working on distance control. I push distance control for my clients. If your dog complies to your commands when not in your proximity, trust me - it’s a game changer!

For those of you who have been enquiring about The Settler collars here is a very short clip showing how they work. These collars can be purchased directly from my website: www.dogs4life.co.nz

Short video of Lars completing a fun training exercise using a touch pad. There are 6 commands in this sequence including: Touch Come Bring Heel Both Feet Yes - (termination cue).

All my puppy people...when I talk about having your pup go through you to get to any thing of value this is what I mean. Our 'look' command promotes oxytocin (bonding hormone), gets the pup going through you promoting your role as the leader, keeps your pup invested in you and ultimately makes them safer.

Behaviour Modification often involves getting back into the trenches and working through the issue systematically with the dog. This beautiful Lab recently got a fright at the vets. It was no one’s fault. Since that incident occurred he has been reactive to touch and very guarded about letting anyone into his personal space. We have laid a solid foundation with the clicker prior to getting to this stage. In the video we are clicking and rewarding the dog for maintaining a calm accepting state as the ‘hand’ makes contact with him. We are counter conditioning his reactivity towards touch. The mat in the video also plays a role in the dogs rehabilitation. I am very pleased with this beautiful boys progress.

Back in training mode!

Puppy People this is why I push scent work and teach puppies how to use their noses. It’s a wet miserable day and I am trying to do some work. Meanwhile this bored Doberman keeps bugging me as all of my attention should clearly be on him. Bring in the indoor scent games! This is just one example. Lars smashed it and located his toy without to much bother today. Scent work is natural for your dog, it is fun and also promotes dopamine production meaning they really enjoy it. Have a great day. Nick and Lars

Here is the super cute Hugo showing all the other puppies how to walk with swagger on a loose lead! Good boy Hugo! Great job Courtney.

Time for a dip in between training sessions!

Lockdown Activity 06. Training the STOP command.

Lockdown Activity 05. Kong Challenge. A kong filled with food is the reward if Lars finds it. * Idea's on providing enrichment and fun for our dogs during lockdown.