Cosy Critters Dog Training & Behaviour

13/08/2024

📣 Calling all Wellington puppies! 📣

Enrolment for our next puppy class is open!

Class starts Friday 30th August at 6pm in Kilbirnie.

You will learn the best foundations for your puppy.

Things such as:
- how your puppy learns
- confidence building
- settling so you can go to the pub together
- recall so you can enjoy adventures together
- loose leash walking so you can prevent being dragged around on your walks
- understanding your puppies body language
And so much more!

Class is around 40 minutes of practical hands on learning, followed by 10-15 minutes for Q+A.

Drop me a DM and I will send you the enrolment form.

Let’s set you and your puppy up with the best start possible.

08/08/2024

Weekend Warriors - Wellington

A neutral group walk. A space to practice your dogs skills around others around like minded owners. Whether your dog is super friendly or super reactive, all are welcome!

We are going for a coastal walk around Red Rocks this Sunday.

Our walks start in a bigger open space with some engagement and loose leash exercises. Taking whatever distance and space you need to help your dog settle in to the environment. From here we will go for a wander together and see where we end up!

There is no pressure to stay super bunched up and close to each other. We will stop at various points for anyone to catch up.

RSVP to [email protected]

Want to host your own Weekend Warriors walk in your own city/town/village? Drop me a DM and I’ll support you in getting that started!

31/07/2024

It’s probably about time for a reintroduction post right?

If you’re new here, hi! I’m Abi. 👋

The reason I’m here and do what I do is all thanks to Cookie, my gal on the right of me. And she literally is my right hand lady. 🍪

With ideas of getting an older, already trained dog, we ended up with a 6 month old wild child of a Cookie. 🔥

Everything I thought I knew got turned upside down and I had to really learn her and alternative techniques. 🤯

Everything the internet suggested, didn’t work with Cookie.

Throw out the rule book, we had to learn together to make our own rules to work together. 📖

From reactive, unfocused, distracted by everything and couldn’t give a toss about me. To now the dog that helps me the most with my clients dogs and is just an actual dream of a dog. She’s a gem! A truly special dog. 💎

We will have to save the Daiquiri story for another day, that’s my pup on the left of me. 🍸

Feeling so lost and alone in raising a dog and trying my best but also feeling confused, led me down the path of learning everything under the sun about dog training. Now it was becoming clearer. Cookie and I were becoming connected. We were actually making progress. 🙌🏼

And so here began my journey to dog training. It’s for you! I don’t want you to feel lost and alone like I did. I will be the safe space for you to learn how to bring out the best version of you and your dog. 🐕

And if your dog says screw the rule book like Cookie did, we will problem solve it together.

I’ve got you!

Introduce yourself and your dog in the comments below. 👇🏼

24/07/2024

Weekend Warriors - Wellington

You didn’t think I’d forgotten about the Welly crew did you?

Whilst Auckland have their group walk on Saturday, down here in Welly we will have ours on Sunday.

A neutral group walk. A space to practice your dogs skills around others around like minded owners. Whether your dog is super friendly or super reactive, all are welcome!

It’s been a while since we tackled the busy Wellington Waterfront, so I figured it was about time we headed back there.

Our walks start in a bigger open space with some engagement and loose leash exercises. Taking whatever distance and space you need to help your dog settle in to the environment. From here we will go for a wander together and see where we end up!

There is no pressure to stay super bunched up and close to each other. We will stop at various points for anyone to catch up.

So Welly crew, RSVP to [email protected]

And Auckland crew, there is still space for you at the Cornwall Park walk on Saturday. Email me through your RSVP.

Want to host your own Weekend Warriors walk in your own city/town/village? Drop me a DM and I’ll support you in getting that started!

22/07/2024

📣 Auckland dogs! 📣

The Weekend Warriors walks are coming your way! 🐕

A group neutral walk. A chance to work on loose leash skills around other dogs. Or just existing around other dogs whilst still focusing and engaging with you. A walk with like minded owners. 🦮

All are welcome. Including reactive dogs. We have seen so much success and progress for all dogs, but especially the reactive dogs down here in Welly on these walks. So we are expanding to provide accessible training opportunities and community to as many areas as we can. 🐩

There is no pressure to stay super close together, take the space you need with supportive like minded dog people around you. 🐾

Molly will be your Auckland representative and she will set up the walk to make you and your dog as successful as possible. She has experience leading group walks, so you are in safe, supportive hands. 🙌🏼

Are you ready?

So our first date for the Auckland crew is:
Saturday 27th July
9am
Cornwall Park

These walks are run on a koha basis, in my quest to make dog training and opportunities as accessible to all as possible.

If you have any questions, drop me a message.

Or if you are all in and ready to be part of the community, RSVP to [email protected]

I can’t wait to hear how you go and I’ll be sure to come up and join you there for a walk soon!

If you are keen to host a walk in your area, reach out to me and let’s keep growing this community and providing accessible training opportunities all over NZ and beyond!

16/07/2024

So you want to get more focus from your dog around distractions? 🐕

You want to be able to take your dog on adventures without worrying about their behaviour. 🐩

Real World class is exactly what you need to reach that goal. 🐾

A group class in a different distracting location each session, working on a different theme each week. 🐕‍🦺

Class begins Saturday 27th July at 9am
Locations around Wellington

To secure your spot, email [email protected]

11/07/2024

You’re invited!

Sunday 14th July
9am
Brooklyn Turbine

A group walk with like minded dog guardians, do a bit of training and work on your dogs real world skills around distractions.

All are welcome! We welcome reactive dogs, excited dogs, young pups and all the shapes and sizes of dogs on these walks and every owner we’ve welcomed has found these walks beneficial.

These walks are on leash. We start in an open space and keep some distance between us. I coach you through some engagement exercises and loose leash walking exercises and then we crack on with the walk. I am there to answer questions along the way. There is no pressure to stick close together, take whatever distance you need and we will catch up at points along the way.

These walks are run on a koha basis.

RSVP to Abi at
[email protected]

08/07/2024

Puppies of Wellington you’re up!

Next round of puppy class starting July 19th.

Set your puppy up with the best foundations and learn skills for the real world, so you can enjoy taking your puppy everywhere.

6 weeks of class
Private Facebook group for feedback and questions in between class
Notes emailed to you

If you’re ready to give your puppy the best start possible and build a great relationship with them, book your spot now.

2 spots left, so get in quick!

Email [email protected] to sign up.

01/07/2024

Let’s talk about dog sports! 🏅

Mim and I got to compete in another scent trial over the weekend. 🐽

Whether you compete or not I do feel every dog and human team can benefit from dog sport training. Especially when the sport meets a fulfilment need for your dog too.

But why do I think every dog and human can benefit❓

Because you have a standard to work towards, a clear guideline and then it’s up to you how you achieve getting to that standard. You learn to problem solve, to analyse your own training and how to adapt in the moment when the unexpected happens. How your body and your movement affects your dog. And above all else, you get to work together as a team. 🙌🏼

Of course, I’m so proud of my baby bean for getting another novice qualifier and a buried sand qualifier. But the ribbons aren’t what make me proud. 🎗️

It’s the adapting to new environments, confidently and happily working together, settling away from home, the still responding to recalls on a group walk with our pals after a long day of work. These are the things I am proud of. 🥹

So yes, whether you compete or not dog sports are a great way to expand your comfort zone, expand your skills and strengthen your relationship as you work as a team together.

What dog sports do you train for? What dog sport would you like to try??

Photo from from a previous trial. I am excited to see the video footage from this recent trial. It’s always handy to watch back!

20/06/2024

You’re invited!

Sunday 23rd June
9am
Moa Point

A group walk with like minded dog guardians, do a bit of training and work on your dogs real world skills around distractions.

All are welcome! We have welcomed reactive dogs, excited dogs, young pups and all the shapes and sizes of dogs on these walks and every owner has found the walk beneficial.

These walks are on leash. We start in an open space and keep some distance between us. I coach you through some engagement exercises and loose leash walking exercises and then we crack on with the walk. I am there to answer questions along the way. There is no pressure to stick close together, take whatever distance you need and we will catch up at points along the way.

These walks are run on a koha basis.

RSVP to Abi at
[email protected]

31/05/2024

Help! My dog won't come when I call...

Are you ready to train your dog so well, you can now unclip their leash with confidence they will come when you call? Even from distractions. You'll learn step by step exactly how to achieve that in my online course Reliable Recall

Are you ready to train your dog so well, you can now unclip their leash with confidence they will come when you call? Even from distractions. You'll learn step by step exactly how to achieve that in this online course.

13/05/2024

Introducing Twilight Training!

Now our evenings are getting darker earlier over here, I get that it becomes harder to get out with your dog after work. It’s hard to have the motivation when it’s cold and dark. And for some it maybe doesn’t always feel safe to go out in the dark alone.

So at twilight training we will get together as a group in fairly well lit areas and do some training together.

Thursday 16th we will practice sit/down stays at different areas of the waterfront, work on our loose leash walking to each spot, confidence building and anything else you fancy working on.

These sessions are run on a koha basis in my mission to make dog training as accessible as possible to all. All are welcome.

RSVP to [email protected]

09/05/2024

So I've been working on a project for a little while and I am so excited to finally share it with you!

I always say if I could only teach dogs one skill, it would hands down be a recall.

Off leash adventures are something I enjoy with my own dogs every day and it really is my happy place. Being in nature with the dogs, watching them do dog things, but also knowing they are safe and have confidence they will come when I call them.

So I've broken it all down to bitesize pieces in an online course just for you! So you can enjoy the same freedom with your dog too.

I like a good bargain, so if you pop in the code RECALL at checkout you will also get a nice big discount too!

Check it out by hitting the link here.

Are you ready to train your dog so well, you can now unclip their leash with confidence they will come when you call? Even from distractions. You'll learn step by step exactly how to achieve that in this online course.

06/05/2024

Got a dog that can just go and go and go all day long? Even though you exercise them physically?

There might be a piece of the puzzle missing.

In our first session with Laki today one of those pieces of the puzzle we were missing was MENTAL EXERCISE.

I gave his mum 3 simple exercises to incorporate into their daily life.

- an easy recall exercise
- incorporating tricks/obedience cues into their play sessions
- and a focus exercise

Laki’s mum was amazed at how achievable these exercises are and left our session motivated to keep up their training.

Even better, we saw instantly the benefits of mental exercise when Laki laid down to rest and nap at home for the first time!

If you are after more achievable and practical dog training tips, make sure you to follow .nz

I am so excited to continue working with this team and watch Laki progress in his training.

01/05/2024

Weekend warriors you’re up!

Our group neutral walk will be on this Sunday.

Sunday 5th May at 9am
Brooklyn Wind Turbine

These walks are a perfect opportunity to refine your loose leash walking around other dogs, to safely expose your reactive dog to being in the presence of other dogs, to meet like minded owners.

We begin with some engagement and loose leash exercises in an open space before heading off on our walk together.

There is no pressure to keep up, you can stay at whatever distance you and your dog need.

These walks are run on a koha basis. I truly believe dog training should be accessible to all. You are welcome to ask questions along the way. Come along and get some tips or just meet like minded owners.

Please RSVP to [email protected]

26/04/2024

Puppy class enrolment open! Class begins Friday 10th May.

Do you have a puppy and want to get them started with some great foundations?

This class is for you. 6 in person sessions to cover everything you need to know to get you and your puppy started on your journey together.

Sent me a message now to sign up!

11/04/2024

Weekend warriors you’re up!

Our group neutral walk will be on this Sunday.

Sunday 14th April at 9am
Wainuiomata Regional Park

These walks are a perfect opportunity to refine your loose leash walking around other dogs, to safely expose your reactive dog to being in the presence of other dogs, to meet like minded owners.

We begin with some engagement and loose leash exercises in an open space before heading off on our walk together.

There is no pressure to keep up, you can stay at whatever distance you and your dog need.

These walks are run on a koha basis. I truly believe dog training should be accessible to all. You are welcome to ask questions along the way. Come along and get some tips or just meet like minded owners.

Please RSVP to [email protected]

07/04/2024

Reasons to ignore dogs out in public!

I stumbled on this infographic I made ages ago and thought the sentiment still applies now just as much as when I created it.

These were just the reasons that sprung to mind quickly, there’s a ton of reasons to ignore dogs in public.

Now I get it, I get as a dog lover it puts a smile on everyone’s face to see a dog at the pub, at the market, at school pick up or anywhere in public. I literally smile as I drive past someone walking their dog.

But what I’m not ok with is uninvited hands coming in for pats, baby talking at my dogs as we go about our day, forcing your child on my dog as I am just trying to have a pint with a friend (this one happened last week).

Please act like dogs are a normal part of society. Have a conversation with us owners sure, we will invite you to interact with them if we want to but don't assume that a dog out in public owes you anything.

My own dogs I have one that might want pats and will be easy going no matter what. One that views attention from you as an invitation to lick your face. And one that will find you forcing an interaction very uncomfortable and would just like to be ignored, she will whisper this with her body language which you will ignore because you just love dogs and you're a dog person, to which she will speak louder as you aren't listening and you will take offence.

They are all socially appropriate, but are you?!

Does this post resonate with you? Share it with a friend, save it for later and comment below to tell me about your experiences with your dog.

Follow .nz for more dog training tips and real talk.

21/03/2024

Weekend warriors you’re up!

Our group neutral walk will be on this Sunday.

Sunday 24th March at 9am
Evans Bay Parade

These walks are a perfect opportunity to refine your loose leash walking around other dogs, to safely expose your reactive dog to being in the presence of other dogs, to meet like minded owners.

We begin with some engagement and loose leash exercises in an open space before heading off on our walk together.

There is no pressure to keep up, you can stay at whatever distance you and your dog need.

These walks are run on a koha basis. I truly believe dog training should be accessible to all. You are welcome to ask questions along the way. Come along and get some tips or just to meet like minded owners.

Please RSVP to [email protected]

07/03/2024

CONFIDENCE BUILDING AND SOUND SENSITIVITY WORKSHOP!!

Friday 15th March. 6pm

Do you have a dog that is very nervous or anxious out in the world? A loud bang sends them running away or hiding behind you? Fireworks and sirens become a nightmare for you and your dog?

This workshop is for you!

I will coach you through my framework on how to build resilience in your dog.

I realised I teach this to my puppy class students, but that there are so many dogs, not just puppies that would benefit from this.

This is an in person session and will be a mix of indoor and outdoor in Kilbirnie. We will have obstacles and different textures and surfaces for your dog to overcome and I will show you how to add sounds into these exercises for the sound sensitive dogs. And teach you how to understand your dogs body language.

The cost will be $70 per dog (very limited numbers) and our group session will run for about 90 minutes.

At the end of this session you will have a clear framework to continue working on at home and out and about with your dog.

Spaces are very limited due to the size of the indoor space, so if you are keen to secure a spot for your dog you’ll want to get in quick on this one.

RSVP to [email protected]

I can’t wait to meet you and your dog!

26/02/2024

Are you in Wellington, with a dog that has selective hearing when it comes to recall? Is it always a mission to get your dog to come back at the end of your walks?

One of the biggest challenges pet parents tell me is that it’s hard to practice their recalls around distractions.

So let’s address that!

Come join me for 3 sessions out in the real world, with real distractions as we work on it as a group together.

Each session will be every other week. So you get the foundation to learn and practice, with homework and then some time to practice in between.

Our first set of sessions will be:
Saturday 23 March, 6 April and 20 April.

You will get videos on the off weeks between class to refer back to.

Ongoing support throughout the 6 weeks and beyond.

So are you ready to recharge your dogs recall and start going on all the best adventures with your pal?

To sign up with your dog, email me!
[email protected]

This is a Wellington based service, but we will be announcing a virtual option soooooooon!

Know a dog and human duo that sound perfect for this class? Save this post and send it to them!

Let’s do this!

21/02/2024

Calling all Wellington puppies!

Enrolment is now open for our next block of puppy classes!

We will begin Friday 22nd March.

If you have a new pup under 16 weeks you won’t want to miss out on these classes.

We cover everything you need to know to set you and your pup up with solid foundations. You learn so much more than just the basics, we empower you with knowledge so you are able to problem solve and continue building on your foundations.

We tailor the experience to the group, no two puppy classes have ever looked the same as there just isn’t a one size fits all.

Small groups so you get individual feedback.

And support outside of class through our private online group.

Friday nights with puppies and like minded proactive humans. Can’t get better than that.

Drop me an email NOW to secure your spot!
[email protected]

15/02/2024

Are you feeling alone, lost and a bit overwhelmed with raising your dogs? There’s so much to take in, so much conflicting information to filter through and so much to try and figure out in what works for you and your dog.

That was exactly how I felt when Cookie came into our life. I wanted to do right by her and I wanted to enjoy an adventurous life together. But it didn’t exactly go off to the start I was expecting.

After digesting all the books, listening to all the podcasts, taking all the courses, mentoring under some fabulous trainers (thanks ) and practicing and applying what I was learning, I realised I wanted to help owners like you go from feeling lost and overwhelmed to enlightened and empowered.

And thus the Cosy Critters Crew community was born. And you are very much invited.

- Easy, digestible training videos
- Monthly live Q+A sessions
- A private group to connect with community members
- Access to me your trainer and coach to ask questions, share videos for feedback or just brainstorm an idea with

It really does take a village to raise a dog. And your village is right here ready to welcome you!

Hit the link below or just flick me a message if you have any questions. I can’t wait to get to know you in our community.

https://cosy-critters-crew.teachable.com/courses/enrolled/1748140

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Follow us .nz for dog training tips

07/02/2024

Weekend Warriors are back!

We loved running these walks last year so we are back this year and we are going to start with a new location. Moa Point for a coastal walk.

These neutral group walks are designed to help you connect with like minded owners, practice your dogs loose leash walking and life skills with real world distractions around.

In my hopes of making dog training accessible to all these are run on a koha basis.

We start off in an open space with some distance as the dogs acclimate to the environment and to each other. I coach you through some engagement and loose leash walking exercises and then we head off on our walk. There is no pressure to keep up, you can go at your own pace and you can keep whatever distance you need to be successful. All dogs are welcome.

We then head back to our starting point where I encourage you to have a play and a relax with your dog, watch the world for a bit and be proud of the fact you got out there and started your day with a bit of training. You are welcome to ask questions along the way.

This walk has some narrow bits but clear sight lines. The distractions we will encounter are coastal scents, sounds and sights, we will be walking near areas where wildlife may have been and we will be walking past a the car park of a dog exercise area so possible barking and sight of other dogs and people.

If you have any questions or would like to join us this Sunday please RSVP to:
[email protected]

03/02/2024

Me and my baby dog did a thing!

We had our very first Scentwork trial on Friday night for buried hides, aaaaaand we kinda bombed out. I hadn’t prepared us well and I also was running late so the nerves got to me. We took that learning on board and we had a good time regardless.

Today we had our novice trial today which consists of 4 searches (exterior, interior, vehicle and containers). To qualify you must get all 4.

Now silly me didn’t read the rule book and thought we didn’t qualify because we false alerted on our vehicle search before a couple seconds later getting it correct. You can do this once out of the 4 which I didn’t realise. So when they called our name at prize giving my jaw dropped to the floor.

Now when I say false alert, Mim actually was in the right place, just caught the scent on the other side of the tyre. So when I asked him to carry on he was like mum you idiot, I said here!

I could not be more proud of little Mimmy! He worked hard, he was focused, and he handled waiting around for long periods of time like a champ.

Let’s see where this scent journey takes us!

20/12/2023

Cosy Critters Christmas Weekend Warriors!

Our final neutral group walk of 2023!

Friday 22nd December at 5pm, Evans Bay Parade.

The aim of these on leash walks is to practice your dogs loose leash walking and neutrality around the distraction of other dogs. We keep whatever distance between ourselves that everyone needs, there is no pressure to all keep the same pace.

We start in an open space to begin with and I guide you through some exercises, before we head off together. I’m happy to answer your dog training questions along the way as well.

As it’s Christmas if you or your dog feel like dressing up then go for it!! Mim has got his antlers ready!

These walks are run on a koha basis. All are welcome! Please RSVP to [email protected]

23/11/2023

Weekend Warriors you’re up!

It’s been a while since we have been to the waterfront!

A group neutral walk where we give you some skills to help keep your dogs focus, proof their loose leash walking and enjoy being around other like minded owners.

Sunday 26th November at 9am. If you would like to join please RSVP to:
[email protected]

21/11/2023

Update!

All who have booked for this seminar, you have been sent emails.

Unfortunately we are having to postpone visit to us on this side of the world. Life happens and it’s just one of those things that no one could have prepared for.

But don’t worry, the new dates are locked in for March 16th and 17th 2024.

There are 4 spots available now due to not everyone being able to make the new dates. The website and available spaces will be updated tonight.

March will be here before we know it!

If you have any questions send me a DM or an email to [email protected]