Hi there, I am Natasha and I live in Tawa, Wellington. I currently live on a lifestyle block with 2 horses, 4 sheep, 3 chickens and a cat.  

For your dogs:

My speciality is walking dogs with behavioural issues. Issues may include mild aggression, lead pulling, excessive barking and fear-based behaviours such as reluctance to walk or reactivity to other dogs (people, cyclists, cars, trains and so on). 

Areas I cover are Johnsonville through to Mana (Plimmerton / Titahi Bay)

All dogs are walked alone to ensure that their individual behavioural needs are met, however, I do make exceptions for multi dog households.

What's included: 30 minute increments. I come to you, walk your puppy around your local area prioritising nature reserves and parks where possible. I use clicker training to build build confidence in your dog by creating clear communication and positive reinforcement. This encourages your dog to repeat desired behaviours and fosters asense of accomplishment and boosts self confidence.

Whilst this is not a quick fix, ongoing walks with me will result in gradual improvements over time.

Home visits:

Whether it's your cat(s), fish, Guinea Pig(s) or any other animals, I will come to your home to feed, top up water, administer medication, play with pets and take care of litter tray cleaning.

Photos and Updates:

Receive realtime photos and videos sent through on each job, allowing you to feel connected and see improvements in your loved ones.

My love for all animals means I treat them as if they were my own, giving them the attention they deserve. I also love teaching my animals tricks. One of my horses kicks a ball with her front foot and the other rolls a ball with her nose. Our cat does all sorts of tricks including sit, and jumping my arm.  

I have a strong and growing interest in positive reinforcement training and behavioural science. I have attended courses with internationally known trainers including Bex Tasker (NZ), Peggy Hogan (USA) and Ben Hart (UK) for horses and attended a co-operative care course with Eva Bertilsson, a Swedish dog trainer, when she was in New Zealand at the end of 2024. I have spent countless hours reading books and listening to podcasts and studying online to further this passion. 

I have owned horses most of my adult life, initially on other people properties, and, for the last 12 or so years, on our own property. In my teens and twenties I worked a lot with all types of horses, both in NZ and in the UK. Most places I have worked with horses or kept my horses have had dogs, and I love hanging out with them. Since we moved on to our lifestyle block, I have learnt about keeping chickens and raised lambs most years and the highlight of my year is spoiling the lambs for their first month of life.  

Note I am in between contracts right now so am avaliable every day except Friday morning in the short term. I am doing volunteer work at HUHA on Friday mornings with their rescue horses.

While I mostly work in government roles, I am also avaliable to walk your dog and help with behavioural issues while I do so, or help care for your pet while you are on holiday. I am also able to administer medication to your pet if needed.

I currently work four days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. I am avaliable to help evenings when I work and all day Wednesday and weekends and public holidays. I can also fit in a home visit before work if you are in Tawa. I may be avaliable at other times, just get in touch!

I look forward to hearing from you!