Connected Companions

29/05/2025

Love this!!!

Did you know that one of the earliest photos of a Native American with a wolf highlights a profound bond? This late 19th-century image showcases a time when wolves were seen as symbols of loyalty, courage, and wisdom, rather than as threats. In many Native cultures, wolves were respected spirit guides and partners in navigating a tough world. As the frontier changed, these moments faded, making such photos priceless connections to a lifestyle rooted in harmony with nature. They remind us of a time when coexistence was key to survival and cultural identity.

28/04/2025

You may have seen me post a lot of Ivan's stuff over the last while. It's because I have been studying and learning from one of the best in the business... Ivan Balabanov through his course Training Without Conflict. We all grow and shift the way we do things. I'm continually learning and striving to do/be better for the dogs who train with me. One of the big things (there are so many) that Ivan has opened my eyes to is how to fully respect the dog (even the dog who wants to attack me). Seeing things from the dogs perspective. 💙💚💙

14/04/2025

I'm feeling so proud to have come this far. And so very proud of all my class mates! This weekend has been the most amazing experience. The knowledge I gained through this course has far exceeded my expectations!!! A massive thanks to Ivan Balabanov and Natalia Balabanov for their amazing hospitality, support and for creating such a well rounded soul connecting course. Thanks to Erick Aguirre for all his support and amazing work behind the scenes, to Allie, Irene and the rest of the staff who work to make the TWC community possible - 🙏 thank you all. Not to mention some of the amazing TWC friends I've made - Candice, Clara & Cassidy for creating our own little Florida family (love you ladies). Oh and one last person... Caleb Hendry - thank you for the nudge... it was EXACTLY what I needed!!! Love you mate! To finally plug into a community that not only has a passion for the art we teach, but a desire to continually grow our knowledge and respect for our Canine Companions. This course is truly something special! Carefully and considerately bringing together science, knowledge, skills, techniques, trust, respect and of course evolutionary psychology. Out of the (black) box! 👊🖤💙🖤

Another TWC Trainer Weekend completed! This class was very special as it was not only our biggest class, but also the 20th edition of the TWC Certification Program.

To see how much the TWC Community has grown in such a short time is truly incredible!

We are endlessly thankful to all the trainers who have taken the leap to push forward the next evolution of dog training and can't wait to see what comes next for all of these great trainers!

08/04/2025

What do you think about reviving a species previously extinct? These are Dire Wolves, previously extinct... these pups have been created from fossilised DNA. Let me know your thoughts.

24/03/2025

Scientific papers reviewed!!! As Ivan puts it - FACTS vs. FEELINGS 🙌

21/02/2025

The last day you have your say is this Sunday

Have your say from 20 January to 23 February 2025.

27/01/2025

18/01/2025

Link is on our website - www.pdwa.co.nz

Auckland Council is proposing harsh and blanket regulations for all dog owners and the dog walking industry without talking to the very people these rules will impact most: professional dog walkers.

The proposed rules would limit any dog walker—professional or not—to handling a maximum of 6 dogs with only 3 allowed off-leash at a time.

We are asking for your support to urge the council to:

- STOP the implementation of these new rules.
- Consult with the Professional Dog Walkers Association and other stakeholders to develop practical, data-driven solutions.
- Work with P.D.W.A to create a licensing agreement for professionals. Our aim is to set standards and enforce best practices.
- Focus on education for all dog owners
- Address the real issues, such as roaming dogs and excessive barking, which make up the majority of complaints.

Why Support Professional Dog Walkers?

- We ensure dogs are healthy, happy, and well-behaved members of the community.
- We reduce stress on families who cannot always meet their dogs’ daily needs due to work, family, health, or other commitments.
- A well-exercised dog is less likely to exhibit problem behaviours that could impact neighbours or public spaces.

Let’s work together for fair regulations that truly address the needs of our community.

Please sign this petition to stand with Auckland’s professional dog walkers and ensure our voices are heard!

Link is on our website - www.pdwa.co.nz

18/01/2025

I have been a part of the Professional Dog Walkers Association since it's conception early-mid last year. The Association was started in an attempt to front foot what many of us have noted as a growing concern in our industry - that it is unregulated and anyone can literally start a dog walking or dog training business.

Unfortunately Auckland Council have taken it upon themselves to look at implementing a bylaw that threatens the industry.
You may have seen or heard in the media recently that the council is looking to put a blanket cap on numbers of dogs that can be walked on and off lead by one person (6 on-lead and only 3 off-lead). Essentially, if I take just my own dogs out to the beach, I will always have to have at least one on lead at all times. Let alone how this will restrict what I can do in my business.

This Bylaw does not take into account the individuals skill, tools or techniques used in handling multiple dogs. Instead it is a quickfire response.

This bylaw will disproportionately disadvantage the skilled professionals in the industry. Not only that, fees for such services will need to increase to cover fewer numbers and many dogs will miss out.

I believe we do need some sort of regulation! However, I think a licence or permit to run multiple dogs would be a much better and safer way to regulate it.

We are asking everyone to have your say. Please sign the petition!

Support Auckland's Professional Dog Walkers - Let's Find a Better Solution Together!