Real World Training
Dogs don't live in training halls. We focus on practical skills that work in everyday life, from walks and cafes to busy parks and family homes.
The NZ Canine Approach
Relationship Based Training
We believe great training starts with a strong relationship. By building trust, engagement and clear communication, we help dogs make better choices and owners better understand their dog. Strong relationships create lasting results both at home and out in the real world.
Fulfilment First
Training is about more than obedience. Exercise, enrichment, play, rest and clear communication all play a role in creating a calm, happy dog.
Find The Right Support For Your Dog
1-1 Dog Training
Personalised coaching designed to help you overcome challenges such as pulling, reactivity, recall issues and unwanted behaviours.
Walk & Train Sessions
Perfect for busy owners. Your dog learns through structured training walks while we put the foundations in place for you.
Puppy Training
Setting your puppy up for success with confidence building, socialisation, boundaries and essential life skills.
Structured Group Walks
A safe environment for dogs to practise neutrality, engagement and social skills around real-world distractions.
Board & Train
Intensive training where your dog lives and learns with us, allowing for faster progress and a fully immersive training experience.
The Heart Behind NZ Canine
Before I ever owned my own dogs, I spent years dog sitting and caring for a huge variety of breeds, personalities and temperaments. Looking back, that experience gave me a fantastic foundation, but it wasn't until Nala came along that I truly fell down the rabbit hole of dog training.
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I rehomed Nala when she was seven months old and she was, quite honestly, hard work. She challenged me in ways I never expected and pushed me to learn more about training, behaviour and what dogs really need to thrive. Fast forward to today and she's my golden child. She can be trusted with almost anything... although I still wouldn't leave food unattended on the kitchen side.
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Then came Zen.
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Zen has probably taught me more than any dog ever could. What started as a reactive puppy grew into a dog with huge emotions, strong opinions and a personality larger than life. She continues to challenge me daily, but she's also become one of my greatest teachers. Many of the dogs that come through NZ Canine learn alongside Zen, and she plays a huge role in helping me work with other dogs.
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More recently, Axel joined the pack. As a Czech line German Shepherd, he's opened my eyes to yet another side of the dog world. Every breed, every dog and every stage of life brings something new to learn, and Axel is no exception.
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NZ Canine exists because of all three of them. Nala sparked the journey, Zen shaped it, and Axel continues to push it forward. Every lesson they've taught me has helped create the trainer I am today.
Success Stories
★★★★★
Nothing is too much trouble for Sarah as she works so hard with us to train our 10mth border collie puppy. She calmly and professionally demonstrates strategies to guide us. It clearly shows how committed she is to the animals and owners in her community. Our puppy loves her and we look for to pack walks and one to one training. We are so glad we found her. Thank you Sarah.
Yvonne - Dill the Collie
★★★★★
Sarah was recommended to us by someone my husband met on a walk after he commented on her dog's impressive recall. We were struggling with trying to train our loveable but very independent Cockapoo Teddy. Sarah has been and still is an amazing help. She is knowledgeable, professional, friendly and approachable. Her training is tailored to each individual dog and she's always available with advice and support if you hit a bump in the road. Training has become enjoyable, Teddy is becoming civilised and we can't recommend Sarah highly enough.
Sue - Teddy the Cockapoo
★★★★★
Sarah is friendly, down to earth and knowledgeable. My dog Bella loves Sarah and enjoys the small group walk each week where she gets to play with two other dogs. I wouldn't have ever had my dog attend a group walk with a dog walker but due to Sarah's knowledge and qualifications I'm completely reassured that Bella is safe, she has fun and learns things as well.
I highly recommend Sarahs services.
Anna - Bella the Lab x GSP
★★★★★
Sarah is amazing! The difference she has made in our dog Lily already is fantastic! She is very reliable, trustworthy, professional, knowledgeable, friendly, I could go on all day! We currently have structured walks from Sarah and they’ve made our lives with our dog run so much smoother. I cannot recommend highly enough!
Befinn - Lily the GSD
★★★★★
Sarah is friendly, down to earth and knowledgeable. My dog Bella loves Sarah and enjoys the small group walk each week where she gets to play with two other dogs. I wouldn't have ever had my dog attend a group walk with a dog walker but due to Sarah's knowledge and qualifications I'm completely reassured that Bella is safe, she has fun and learns things as well.
I highly recommend Sarahs services.
Anna - Bella the Lab x GSP
★★★★★
Sarah is amazing! The difference she has made in our dog Lily already is fantastic! She is very reliable, trustworthy, professional, knowledgeable, friendly, I could go on all day! We currently have structured walks from Sarah and they’ve made our lives with our dog run so much smoother. I cannot recommend highly enough!