At a glance  

• specialising in good-natured dog-reactive dogs  
• positive reinforcement 
• treat and treat-free methods 
• all-terrain dog carriage for pets under 15kg 
• urban and scenic routes 
• on-lead 
• off-lead as per prior arrangement  
• Kapiti-wide 
• home visits 
• weekday and holiday availability

My approach

I specialise in one-on-one walks with dog-reactive dogs. Every walk aims to start and finish with a few minutes of peaceful observation of the world going by. I specifically avoid close proximity to other dogs, while still building ease with dogs at a distance. 

I'm also absolutely happy to walk non-reactive, well-behaved dogs of any breed and temperament under whatever conditions you request, including off-lead when approved in advance.

If treats are provided, I use them to provide positive reinforcement. If no treats are provided, I offer a few of my own while focusing primarily on praise-based reinforcement and calm body language. 

In-person introductions are crucial for everyone involved. Once I have an understanding of your dog's baseline personality and behaviour, as well as more details around any reactivity and triggers, we can decide together if we're a good, safe fit. 

For my own safety, I prefer to walk dogs weighing under 30kg. That's negotiable, of course, on a dog-by-dog basis.

For dogs weighing under 15kg, I also have a fully-enclosed all-terrain dog carriage. This is a fantastic resource for senior dogs or dogs with joint issues or those recovering from illness or injury.    

My story 

I'm a 40-year-old shift worker in the healthcare field, which gives me flexibility to walk and visit during weekdays, weekends, and holidays. I currently share my life with four cats and one dog. Dante is my goofball Beardie/Lab X. I've owned two previous dogs - my soul-dog, Topaz, was a Keeshond, and my family dog, Toby, was a Husky/Border Collie X. Spitzes and Collies are where most of my breed experience lies. 

I've learned so much about dog reactivity over the last few years. When my dog Dante had an unforeseen scare as a young adolescent, he decided to make it clear forevermore that when it comes to new and unfamiliar dogs, he values his personal space. Cue a years-long crash course in dog behaviour and etiquette. The lessons are still ongoing, and day by day they become clearer and more positive. I have a new appreciation for otherwise good-natured dogs who struggle with proximity to other dogs. Helping them learn to down-regulate and find confidence in their surroundings has become a passion of mine for life. 

I look forward to meeting you and your good girls and boys!