Training for puppies, rescues, reactive dogs and good dogs in Whangārei
Positive-reinforcement classes, one-on-one behaviour consults and puppy school across Whangārei and Northland. Force-free, science-based, tail-waggingly good.
Our classes
Small groups, max eight dogs per class. Every session uses treats, toys and praise — never corrections, choke chains or dominance theory.
Puppy Foundations
$220 / 8 weeks- Ages 8–16 weeks
- Socialisation & confidence
- Sit, down, recall basics
- Bite inhibition & handling
- Take-home training plan
Good Manners
$195 / 6 weeks- Ages 5 months+
- Loose-lead walking
- Reliable recall
- Stay & impulse control
- Greeting people politely
Reactive Dog 1:1
$120 / session- Private, in-home or park
- Trigger identification
- Counter-conditioning plan
- Management strategies
- Email support between sessions
"My border collie pup is 10 weeks old and already herding the cat. When can we start?"
Right away! Puppy Foundations runs every Saturday morning. Book into the next intake and bring a pocket full of treats. The cat will thank you.
Weekly timetable
| Day | Time | Class | Spots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10 am | Good Manners | 3 left |
| Tuesday | 5:30 pm | Good Manners (evening) | Full |
| Thursday | 10 am | Puppy Foundations | 5 left |
| Thursday | 6 pm | Adolescent Survival | 2 left |
| Saturday | 9 am | Puppy Foundations | 4 left |
| Saturday | 10:30 am | Good Manners | 6 left |
Reactive Dog sessions are by appointment, Tuesday–Saturday. Behaviour consults can be at your home, a park or our training yard in Kamo.
"We adopted a huntaway cross from the SPCA and she barks at every dog on walks. Is that something you can help with?"
That is exactly what our Reactive Dog programme is for. We start with a one-on-one assessment to understand her triggers, then build a counter-conditioning plan you can practise on your daily walks. Most dogs show real progress in four to six sessions.
Our trainers
Sarah Rata
CPDT-KA · Head trainer. 12 years, 2,000+ dogs. Specialises in puppies and fearful dogs. Lives with two rescue greyhounds.
Josh Kahu
Dip. Animal Behaviour · Reactive dog specialist. Runs our evening and Saturday classes. Competes in agility with his kelpie, Jet.
Tina Whiu
Cert. Canine First Aid · Assistant trainer and puppy wrangler. Handles our socialisation sessions and school holiday programmes.
- SPCA Accredited
- APDT NZ Member
- Fear Free Certified
- Pet First Aid
Quick training tips
- Reward within one second. Timing is everything. Mark the behaviour with "yes!" the instant it happens, then deliver the treat.
- Short sessions beat long ones. Five minutes three times a day is more effective than one thirty-minute slog.
- End on a win. If your dog is struggling with something new, go back to a behaviour they know, reward it, and stop there.
- Socialisation is not a dog park. It means calm exposure to new sights, sounds and surfaces — not a free-for-all with strange dogs.
- Pulling means stop. When the lead goes tight, stand still. When it goes loose, walk again. Consistency is kinder than a correction.
"I am not sure which class is right for my dog. She is a one-year-old lab who knows sit but pulls on the lead like a freight train."
Not sure? Try our class finder.
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What owners say
"Our staffy went from pulling me off my feet to walking beside me in four weeks. Sarah is a miracle worker."— Hana T., Tikipunga
"The puppy class is brilliant. Our cockapoo learned sit, down and wait, and I learned how to actually use treats properly."— Dave M., Onerahi
"Josh worked with our reactive rescue for six sessions. She can now pass another dog without barking. Life-changing."— Ngaire W., Kamo
"I wish we had started sooner. The Adolescent Survival class saved our sanity and probably our couch."— Rua & Jen K., Maunu