Confident Canines NZ

Confident Canines NZ Human and Dog Educator - Helping you understand your dog better using humane methods & modern science

We use scientifically based positive reinforcement training methods to help you teach your to become a confident canine.

💜 Dog Agency: Simple Ways to Build More Choice Into Your Dog’s Day 💜As dog guardians, we’re often the ones calling the s...
23/11/2025

💜 Dog Agency: Simple Ways to Build More Choice Into Your Dog’s Day 💜

As dog guardians, we’re often the ones calling the shots — mealtimes, walks, training, routines. But our dogs naturally have preferences, needs, and opinions. Supporting their agency — their ability to make meaningful choices — can boost confidence, reduce stress, and strengthen your relationship.

Here are some practical ways to help your dog express their agency every day.

🌟 Why Agency Matters

When dogs can make choices that affect their world, they:
• Build confidence (especially anxious or unsure dogs)
• Feel less stressed and more understood
• Trust us more deeply

Agency isn’t a luxury — it’s a core part of welfare.

🐾 How to Support Your Dog’s Agency

🎓 Training
• Let them choose their reward: two treats or a toy
• Notice if they prefer short bursts or longer sessions
• Respect a “not today” — take a break if they’re not engaged

🎉 Playtime
• Offer different activities: tug, fetch, sniffing games
• Present a couple of toys and see which one they pick
• Honour whether they feel like playing with other dogs or keeping it solo

🚶 Daily Life
• Let them choose the direction on walks
• Offer multiple cosy resting spots
• Give them the autonomy to choose whether they greet someone or not

🛟 Agency With Safety

Supporting agency doesn’t mean removing boundaries. It means giving freedom within what’s safe:
• Allow sniffing and exploring, while guiding away from hazards
• Let them choose how close they get to new or uncertain things — unless it’s unsafe

👀 Reading Their Choices

Dogs communicate their preferences through body language:
• Leaning in, happy tails, relaxed posture = “yes please”
• Turning away, lip licking, yawning, stiffness = “no thanks”

The more you notice their signals, the more agency you can support.

💜 A Better Bond Through Agency

When dogs feel heard and respected, everything changes. More confidence. More calm. More connection. Small choices add up to a happier, healthier life.

💬 How do you support your dog’s agency? Tell us below!

✨ Voilà Pouches – Preorders are now open! ✨I’m hoping to put in a fresh preorder for Voilà Pouches, so if you’ve been th...
23/11/2025

✨ Voilà Pouches – Preorders are now open! ✨

I’m hoping to put in a fresh preorder for Voilà Pouches, so if you’ve been thinking about grabbing one, now’s your chance!

Voilà Pouches are a favourite for good reason — they’re designed with actual trainers in mind.

Some of the things people love:

💜 Magnetic snap closure that’s quiet and fast (perfect for clean reward timing)

💜 Wide opening so you’re never fumbling for treats

💜 Waterproof, wipeable interior for raw or high-value treats

💜 Low-profile, lightweight design that stays comfortable and doesn’t bounce

💜 Secure attachment options for training, walking, or adventuring

💜 Easy one-handed access to keep your timing sharp

Preorder pricing:
💜 Mini — $95
💜 Regular — $118
💜 Large — $125
💜 Sealable — $145

If you want a pouch added to the preorder, let me know and I’ll get you on the list. 💜

💜

What’s Your Dog’s Secret Superpower?Every dog has that one quirky, brilliant, or downright hilarious talent that makes t...
20/11/2025

What’s Your Dog’s Secret Superpower?

Every dog has that one quirky, brilliant, or downright hilarious talent that makes them who they are. Maybe your dog can sniff out a single crumb from across the house, channel Olympic-level zoomies, or perform the world’s most dramatic sigh when it’s time to wake up.

Whatever their speciality, I want to hear it!
Tell me your dog’s unique superpower in the comments — and if you’ve got a funny or heart-melting story to match, even better. 💜

As for mine…

Krueger has the biggest heart and never gives up — plus I’m 100% convinced he sees ghosts. 👻

Myers is pure comedy. She loves a good roly poly and turns into a total clown once she’s comfortable. I call her the machine — when she’s focused there’s no stopping her. Whether she’s channelling her inner sled dog, pointing out a piwakawaka, or giving 100% to her food bowl, she is all in every time.

Loomis hasn’t fully revealed her superpower yet, but one thing’s for sure… that girl can SPRING. 🌟

…and Torrance, my cat, always looks effortlessly good — as if she was born runway-ready.

Now your turn — what’s your dog’s (or any animal!) secret superpower?

OMG 😱😱When you check on the in stock colours for Cato Boards and they casually mention Lilac is in stock.Yes please!!If ...
18/11/2025

OMG 😱😱

When you check on the in stock colours for Cato Boards and they casually mention Lilac is in stock.

Yes please!!

If you are after a Cato Board let me know ASAP.

If love was enough,Dogs would live forever.💜The truth is, when we share our lives with a dog, we sign up for a love stor...
18/11/2025

If love was enough,
Dogs would live forever.

💜

The truth is, when we share our lives with a dog, we sign up for a love story that we know will one day break our hearts. And that knowledge—that quiet awareness in the background—is what we call anticipatory grief. It’s the grief that begins before the goodbye. It shows up in soft moments: when you notice a little more grey on their muzzle, when they take an extra beat to get up, when they sleep a little deeper.

Anticipatory grief isn’t weakness. It’s love doing what love does—trying to prepare us for the unpreparable. But it also has a way of sharpening our focus. Suddenly every tail wag feels like a gift. Every snuggle becomes a memory being made in real time. Every ordinary day becomes something extraordinary.

We don’t get forever.
But we do get now. And sometimes, that’s where the most beautiful parts of the story are written.

So hold them close. Take the photo. Say yes to the walk. Let them sniff the long way home.

Because if love was enough, they’d stay.
And since it isn’t, we love them all the harder. 💜

💜

The Confident Canines Scent Investigators team has been working hard behind the scenes… and good news — the plot to stop...
18/11/2025

The Confident Canines Scent Investigators team has been working hard behind the scenes… and good news — the plot to stop Christmas has been uncovered and successfully foiled! 🎄🕵️‍♂️

This does mean our CCSI cadets set to investigate on the 6th of December are no longer required for the original mission.

But we have a proposal.

Instead of cracking a case, how about some clue-solving training?

For just $10 entry (which will be given out as prizes), you and your dog can enjoy:

At least two scent-based games

Challenges that use both your dog’s nose and your own puzzle-solving abilities

A casual, fun, relaxed vibe

And most importantly… good times with our dogs!

If you’re keen to join the fun, send us a message to save your spot. 💜

We often zero in on the behaviours we don’t like in our dogs — the barking, the pulling, the jumping, the lunging. But w...
17/11/2025

We often zero in on the behaviours we don’t like in our dogs — the barking, the pulling, the jumping, the lunging. But what we should be looking at more closely is the emotion that’s driving those behaviours.

Why is your dog doing the thing that feels problematic to you?
Because behaviour is just the outward expression of an internal state. And here’s the truth:

💥 Big emotions drive big behaviours.

When we only focus on stopping or changing the behaviour, we might get something that looks better… but the underlying emotion doesn’t magically disappear. It can end up:

repressed (which doesn’t feel any better for the dog),

redirected into new or unexpected behaviours,

or bubbling over later in ways that can damage trust, well-being, and even safety.

Changing the behaviour isn’t enough.
Changing the underlying emotion is what creates real, lasting, humane progress.

So instead of asking “How do I stop this?”, try asking:

✨ “What is my dog feeling that’s causing this?”
✨ “How can I help them feel safer, calmer, or more supported?”

When you work on the why, the behaviour naturally follows — and your relationship grows stronger in the process.

Dogs are absolutely incredible.It honestly blows my mind how poorly some people still treat their dogs.These animals hav...
16/11/2025

Dogs are absolutely incredible.

It honestly blows my mind how poorly some people still treat their dogs.

These animals have evolved alongside humans for thousands of years. We selectively bred them to suit our needs and preferences, shaping their abilities, their appearance, and their behaviour. Through this long partnership, many dogs now form deep attachment bonds with humans — often choosing their human family for comfort and safety, even over other dogs.

Their sense of smell is extraordinary. With hundreds of millions of scent receptors, dogs can detect odours at concentrations far beyond human ability. We rely on them to save lives, find missing people, locate drugs and contraband, detect illness, assist disabled handlers, and help people live more independent lives. They can detect tiny chemical changes in our bodies — shifts associated with stress, fear, or illness — giving them an insight into our emotional and physical state that we can barely imagine.

Their hearing is also far superior to ours. Dogs can detect sounds far too soft for human ears and hear pitches well above our range. Their ears pick up information from the environment that we simply cannot perceive.

Dogs can learn more than 100 cues and commands. Research often compares parts of a dog’s learning and understanding to that of a two-year-old child — though in some areas, especially social cognition, dogs outperform young children.

And they make us healthier. Dogs help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, lift our mood, and make us feel connected and supported. They are a source of stability, joy, and companionship through even the hardest times.

So yes — they are dogs. But they are also remarkable beings we are privileged to share our lives with. For everything they give us, the very least we can do is treat them with the respect, kindness, and care they so deeply deserve.

💜

Loomis tested out the BathPomppa today after her bath — and I’m officially impressed.Everyone else in the family has mul...
16/11/2025

Loomis tested out the BathPomppa today after her bath — and I’m officially impressed.

Everyone else in the family has multiple Ruff & Tumble drying coats, but Loomis didn’t have one yet — so this was our first go with a BathPomppa. After about 10 minutes I checked underneath and she was already mostly dry, and by the 30-minute mark she was bone dry.

For a puppy with longer hair, that’s seriously impressive — it shows the coat isn’t just for short-haired dogs. It genuinely pulls the moisture away beautifully.

Fit-wise, Loomis is currently long and skinny, so I imagine the shape will suit her even better once she fills out. I love that there’s no velcro (big win for longevity and noise-sensitive dogs), but I’ll admit doing it up on a squirmy puppy took a bit more effort. The chest strap, though, is hugely adjustable, which I really appreciated.

Verdict: I really like it. It’s a great drying coat, well made, and it did the job beautifully.

We don’t have loads of BathPomppa in store right now, but as always — if there’s enough interest, I’m more than happy to order in more stock. 💜

https://www.confidentcanines.co.nz/activeoutlet/p/bathpomppa

Have you thought about joining in the fun for the next CCSI event on the 6th of December?CCSI is honestly the most fun y...
15/11/2025

Have you thought about joining in the fun for the next CCSI event on the 6th of December?

CCSI is honestly the most fun you can have at a scent work event — stories, clues, prizes, missions, and lots of laughs. It takes ages to put together, and I do it 100% for love — love of dogs, love of the benefits of scent work, and love of creating something special that all dogs can enjoy.

But… here’s the sad fact:
If I don’t get enough cadets signed up, the event won’t be able to go ahead.

We’ve got a brand new seasonal crime in a completely new location, and it’s going to be SO good — but only if we have the numbers to run it.

So if you’re thinking of joining, please sign up this weekend. Otherwise, this one may need to be cancelled.

Held in Mana
$30 entry
Clove Bud oil
4 dog searches
1 human-only search 💜

💜 Advocacy vs. Agency: What’s the Difference?As dog guardians, we talk a lot about advocating for our dogs — but what ab...
14/11/2025

💜 Advocacy vs. Agency: What’s the Difference?

As dog guardians, we talk a lot about advocating for our dogs — but what about giving them agency too?

🐾 Advocacy means speaking for your dog — stepping in when they can’t speak up for themselves.
✨ Saying “no” when someone wants to pat your shy dog.
✨ Leaving the park when another dog won’t give them space.
It’s about protecting their comfort and well-being.

🐕 Agency means letting your dog have a say in their own life.
✨ Letting them choose which path to take on a walk.
✨ Allowing them to leave the room when they’re overwhelmed.
It’s about giving them safe choices and respecting their boundaries.

Both matter. 💜
When we advocate, we protect.
When we offer agency, we empower.
Together, they build trust, reduce stress, and strengthen our bond.

Next time you’re out with your dog — pause, watch, and listen.
Are they choosing to engage… or asking for space?
Let’s be the kind of humans who both speak up and step back when our dogs need it.

💜

Advocacy vs. Agency: Understanding the Difference for Our DogsAs dog guardians, we often hear the terms advocacy and age...
13/11/2025

Advocacy vs. Agency: Understanding the Difference for Our Dogs

As dog guardians, we often hear the terms advocacy and agency, but what do they truly mean, and how can we apply them to our everyday interactions with our dogs? Let’s break down these concepts and explore why they’re crucial for a healthy, respectful relationship with our furry companions.

Advocacy: Speaking Up for Our Dogs

Advocacy is about standing up for our dogs' needs and well-being, especially when they cannot do so themselves. It involves making decisions that prioritise their comfort and safety, even if that means going against societal expectations. For example:

At the dog park: If another dog is pestering yours and your dog looks uncomfortable (e.g., turning away, tucking their tail), advocating means intervening and removing your dog from the situation.

Meeting new people: If your dog is shy or reactive, advocacy might mean telling strangers not to approach or pet your dog, even if it feels awkward.

When we advocate, we act as our dog’s voice, ensuring their needs are met and their boundaries respected.

Agency: Allowing Dogs to Make Their Own Choices

Agency goes a step further by giving dogs the freedom to make choices and express their preferences. It’s about recognising that dogs, like us, have likes, dislikes, and emotions. By offering agency, we build their confidence and allow them to express their natural behaviours. For example:

During a walk: Letting your dog choose the route or stop to sniff instead of always pulling them along. Sniffing is a natural behaviour that allows dogs to explore and gather information about their environment.

Daily interactions: Giving your dog the option to move away from something they find uncomfortable instead of forcing them to endure it (e.g., leaving the room when guests arrive if they are overwhelmed).

Why Both Matter

Advocacy and agency work hand in hand. By advocating for our dogs, we protect them from situations that could cause stress or discomfort. By providing agency, we allow them to express their individuality and make decisions about their interactions and environment.

Research suggests that respecting a dog's choices can reduce stress and anxiety, leading to better overall well-being and a stronger bond between you and your dog (Horowitz, 2016). When dogs feel safe and respected, they are more likely to be calm, confident, and open to training.

Observe and Respect Your Dog's Choices

Next time you're out with your dog, take a moment to observe their body language. Are they showing interest or discomfort? Give them the choice to engage or disengage from interactions. By doing this, you’ll be supporting both their emotional needs and helping to build a deeper trust between you.

Let’s strive to be both advocates and allies, allowing our dogs to have a voice and the freedom to be themselves.

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We use scientifically based positive reinforcement training methods to help you teach your to become a confident canine. Techniques used are force free, low stress, and help to strengthen the relationship you have with you dog.

Confident Canines offers one on one training and behaviour modification sessions in your home. Puppy classes and other group classes are offered as required. In addition to helping you train your dog we also run classes in person first aid class as well as providing online classes in various aspects of dog husbandry. Well versed in behaviour adjustment, puppy development and cooperative care.

The Active Outlet, Confident Canines’ online store is place to buy environmental enrichment toys, training tools, and sports gear. New Zealand Stockists of Dog Copenhagen, BUMAS, Howling Dog Alaska, and Kickbike. We have a wide range of Kong products and other quality toys.

Lucy has a BSc in Psychology and Zoology, Diploma of Veterinary Nursing, and a Diploma in Applied Science. She has complete various online training courses in animal behaviour and training.