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.

Last day to order 15th October! Numbers are limited though so don't miss out. 🎄✨ Introducing the Confident Canines Chris...
05/10/2025

Last day to order 15th October!

Numbers are limited though so don't miss out.

🎄✨ Introducing the Confident Canines Christmas Bag ✨🎄

This year, we’re doing things a little differently! Instead of our usual 12 Days of Confident Canines Christmas, we’re bringing you something new and exciting—our Christmas Bags.

Why the change? Times are a little tougher this year, and I want to make sure when 12 Days returns, I can give it my absolute best. Don’t worry—it’s not gone forever! 12 Days will be back when the timing is right.

In the meantime, our Christmas Bags are here to spread some festive mystery and fun for you and your animals. 💜

🎁 What’s in a Christmas Bag?

Choose your bag value (minimum $30)

Select the species it’s for—dogs, cats, or almost any other small animal

Each bag will include edible items and toys

Bags will always be worth at least 10% more than the value you pay (e.g. a $100 bag will contain at least $110 worth of goodies)

Contents may include items from our Active Outlet or non-stocked products from trusted brands

Every bag is a surprise—some will be similar, others completely different!

📅 Important Dates

Orders close: 15th October 2025 - however numbers are limited so orders may close earlier.

Invoices due: 1st November 2025

Shipping invoices sent: ~1st December 2025

Bags shipped: Once shipping is paid

💰 Costs

Bag value starts at $30 (you choose how much you want to spend)

Shipping invoiced separately (cost depends on bag size)

❌ Please Note

No refunds or exchanges once paid

We’ll do our best to accommodate requests, but only allergy-related requests are guaranteed

✨ Let’s make this Christmas special for our pets in a fun, affordable way. Who’s ready for some mystery festive cheer?

Register at the link below:

https://forms.office.com/r/HUMHcpivXt

🐾 Confident Canines First Aid Course 🐾Would you know what to do if your dog was injured, choking, or suddenly unwell?Our...
05/10/2025

🐾 Confident Canines First Aid Course 🐾

Would you know what to do if your dog was injured, choking, or suddenly unwell?
Our Canine First Aid Course is designed to give you the confidence and practical skills to respond calmly and effectively when your dog needs help most.

📅 Date: Saturday, 15th November
🕘 Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
📍 Location: Porirua
💲 Cost: $120 per person

What you’ll learn:
✅ How to recognise and respond to common emergencies
✅ Basic wound care and bandaging
✅ CPR and artificial respiration for dogs
✅ Heatstroke, poisoning, and choking response

Participants will receive a PDF certificate of attendance upon completion.

Spaces are limited

👉 Register https://forms.office.com/r/ccWQHhictd

Give yourself the confidence to act quickly when every second counts.
Because our dogs depend on us to keep them safe. 💜

It’s been a rough few days for little Loomis.She started vomiting and had diarrhoea on Thursday, then went off her food....
04/10/2025

It’s been a rough few days for little Loomis.

She started vomiting and had diarrhoea on Thursday, then went off her food. By Friday she was still bright but not herself, so luckily she already had a vet appointment for an eye recheck. Her eye — which was badly scratched by a cat before she came to me — is actually healing really well, though she’ll likely have a permanently misshapen pupil and a small scar.

But in the consult room, she showed just how unwell she was with a spectacular display of liquid bloody diarrhoea (thanks, Loomis 🫠). She was a bit dehydrated, so she got subcutaneous fluids, nausea medication, probiotics, a Biome diet, and antibiotics just in case.

That night she went downhill. Around 11pm she was really flat, and I was seriously considering taking her to after-hours. I decided to start her antibiotics and monitored her closely. Thankfully, she kept drinking water (with a bit of flavour added) and has slowly started to improve.

She’s not 100% yet, but she’s brighter today and showing small signs of recovery. It’s been a stressful few days — worrying, watching every little change, second-guessing every decision.

I’ll admit, after losing Craven, these moments hit differently. Any sign of illness sends your heart straight back to that place — the fear, the uncertainty, the “what ifs.” It’s a horrible mix of love and trauma that sits just under the surface.

Having a sick puppy is so hard. They can’t tell you how bad they feel, and it’s easy to feel helpless. But I’m so grateful she’s starting to turn a corner. Here’s to a healthy tummy, a happy puppy, and maybe a full night’s sleep soon. ❤️‍🩹

And of course, she’s still in the waiting period for her insurance.

🐾 Enrichment for Cats – Why It Matters 🐾Cats may spend much of their day lounging, but they are natural hunters, climber...
03/10/2025

🐾 Enrichment for Cats – Why It Matters 🐾

Cats may spend much of their day lounging, but they are natural hunters, climbers, and problem-solvers. When those instincts aren’t given healthy outlets, boredom and frustration can creep in — sometimes showing up as scratching furniture, over-grooming, or stress-related behaviours.

Enrichment is all about giving your cat opportunities to express their natural behaviours in safe, fun, and stimulating ways. It keeps their minds sharp, their bodies active, and their wellbeing balanced.

✨ Simple Ways to Enrich Your Cat’s Life:

Play hunting games – Wand toys, feathers, or toys that mimic prey allow your cat to stalk, chase, pounce, and “catch.” Play sessions can be short but frequent, multiple times a day, to satisfy their hunting instincts.

Food puzzles & foraging – Scatter kibble, use puzzle feeders, or hide treats around the house. This encourages problem-solving, slows fast eaters, and gives cats mental stimulation while they feed.

Vertical space – Cat trees, shelves, or cleared windowsills give your cat places to climb, perch, and observe their environment. High vantage points make them feel safe and confident.

Scratching posts – Essential for claw health and stress relief. Provide both vertical and horizontal options in different textures to suit your cat’s preferences.

Scent & sound – Catnip, silvervine, or safe outdoor smells on a towel can spark curiosity and play. Gentle background sounds, nature videos, or birds outside a window can also provide mental stimulation.

Outdoor experiences – For cats that can safely do so, supervised time on a harness and lead or in a secure catio allows exploration, fresh air, and sensory enrichment.

Enrichment doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive — it’s about providing variety, challenge, and choice. Engaging your cat’s mind and body daily can prevent behavioural issues, reduce stress, and promote a happier, healthier life.

Because enrichment isn’t a luxury for cats. It’s a necessity. 🐱💜

Honouring a Legend – Dr. Jane Goodall We remember and celebrate the life of Dr. Jane Goodall, scientist, conservationist...
02/10/2025

Honouring a Legend – Dr. Jane Goodall

We remember and celebrate the life of Dr. Jane Goodall, scientist, conservationist, and pioneer whose work forever changed how we see and understand animals. Through decades of patient observation in Gombe, Tanzania, she revealed that chimpanzees — and all animals — have emotions, intelligence, and complex social lives.

Jane showed us that animals are not just creatures to observe, but beings to understand, respect, and value. Her discoveries reshaped science, inspired global conservation, and taught us that empathy and curiosity are as important as data.

Her legacy reminds us in every interaction with animals — in the wild, in our homes, or in our care — to watch closely, listen carefully, and value each life.

🌍 A true pioneer lost, but her lessons live on.

💡 “Only if we understand can we care. Only if we care will we help. Only if we help shall they be saved.” – Jane Goodall

I call Loomis all sorts of silly names — Turdle, Menace, Nutbar, Heathen — especially when she’s tearing around the hous...
01/10/2025

I call Loomis all sorts of silly names — Turdle, Menace, Nutbar, Heathen — especially when she’s tearing around the house maniacally. But those words are always said with love and jest.

Because I know she isn’t trying to be difficult. She’s a puppy.
A puppy who has missed me.
A puppy who’s already lived in four different homes.
A puppy with very little training behind her.
A puppy with energy to burn.

She isn’t being naughty. She’s being young, learning how the world works, and figuring out what’s expected of her. What she needs is patience, understanding, and to be shown how to succeed — not to be labelled as “bad” or “difficult.”

And that’s such an important shift in perspective. Our dogs aren’t being difficult — they are having difficulty. When we meet them with empathy instead of frustration, we can help them learn, grow, and thrive.

At the end of the day, what do I really expect from my dogs? That they are happy.

Dogs are not possessions. They’re not objects, trophies, or things we own.They are family. They share our homes, our day...
01/10/2025

Dogs are not possessions. They’re not objects, trophies, or things we own.

They are family. They share our homes, our days, our struggles, and our joys. They have their own personalities, choices, and feelings — and they deserve to be seen as the individuals they are.

When we shift from thinking of dogs as property to recognising them as companions, everything changes. Training becomes about communication, not control. Care becomes about respect, not convenience. Love becomes a partnership, not ownership.

Dogs are not ours. They are with us. And that’s what makes the bond so powerful.

Loomis is settling in beautifully! She and Krueger are already thick as thieves, playing non-stop. Myers is still a litt...
30/09/2025

Loomis is settling in beautifully! She and Krueger are already thick as thieves, playing non-stop. Myers is still a little reserved, but she’s starting to dip her toes in—joining the games now and then, which is such a big step. I think once Loomis calms down a bit more, Myers will really come to enjoy her.

Now comes the fun (but tricky!) decision—what colour gear should Loomis wear? I was absolutely set on Lemon for my next dog, but I always pictured that on a black, white, or grey coat. With her being liver and white, I’m not so sure. What colour do you think would suit her best?

It’s so important to remember that our dogs don’t live forever, even though sometimes it feels like they always will. Th...
29/09/2025

It’s so important to remember that our dogs don’t live forever, even though sometimes it feels like they always will. Their time with us is heartbreakingly short compared to how deeply they change our lives.

Every chewed shoe, every muddy paw print, every hair left on the couch—it’s all worth it. Because dogs are 100% worth everything we give, and so much more in return.

Don’t wait until the end to realise just how incredible your dog truly is. Notice it now. Appreciate the joy in the little quirks, the comfort in their presence, and the unconditional love they give without hesitation.

Love it all—today, tomorrow, every single day you’re lucky enough to share with them.

Get your Voilà Pouch preorders in!!Whether you want the new Mini Pouch colours, any other option such as Sealable, Large...
28/09/2025

Get your Voilà Pouch preorders in!!

Whether you want the new Mini Pouch colours, any other option such as Sealable, Large or Regular, or an accessory, preorders are open.

PM to order.

🐾 Confident Canines Merch? YES! 🐾✨ Our very first design is here: Connections over Perfection ✨Because dog training isn’...
28/09/2025

🐾 Confident Canines Merch? YES! 🐾

✨ Our very first design is here: Connections over Perfection ✨
Because dog training isn’t about flawless obedience — it’s about building trust, joy and connection with your dog.

Available now by preorder:
👕 T-Shirts $50
👜 Tote Bags
🥤 Drink Bottles

🎨 Colours can be personalised to YOU
🐶 Want your name or your dog’s name on it? We can do that too!

Wear it, carry it, sip from it — and show the world what really matters.

💌 Preorder today and be part of the first drop!



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Wellington
6037

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Our Story

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.