My mission is to lift the bar in coaching professionalism and deliver tailored, targeted and effective training, with long-lasting results.
From puppies to adult rescues, loose-lead walking to recall, from resource guarding to car chasing, from "Don’t eat that!” to "Why isn’t he eating this?” I comprehensively investigate each case to get to the root cause of behaviour, no matter how complex. Working with you and your dog together, I offer holistic, clear and concise individualised training and behaviour packages that ensure success.
About Me
For as long as I can remember I have always loved dogs – every, single, one. I have always felt drawn to dogs and fascinated in the relationship between us and them. I got my first at 17, Gyro, and today I have two, Ted and Buddy, who are my daily dose of fun and continue to teach and test me every day! Formerly a physiotherapist, I soon returned to my first love and launched Canine Coach in 2021, as a Dog Trainer and Canine Behaviour Specialist.
When I’m not actively working with dogs and/or their owners, I'm completing a three-year qualification through the School of Canine Science in Canine Behaviour, along with other shorter courses and workshops.
I'm very active in my research and its through this investigation that I realised the AMOUNT of information that is out there, including misinformation! And it became apparent a lot of it wasn't suited to individual situations – every dog and owner are different.
With Canine Coach I offer individualised training – clear, educated guidance. I walk alongside you as you journey through raising a puppy, navigate the adolescent years, or work through an undesirable behaviour that wasn’t part of the plan! I can’t wait to meet and help you achieve your goals for a happy and rewarding life with your dog.
QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
A great dog trainer and professional doesn’t just love dogs, they put years into their work.
Alongside volunteering, shadowing and helping out in my earlier career, I also completed the following courses and qualifications in addition to ongoing professional development (ongoing learning!).
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The Puppy Lab (The School of Canine Science)
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30 Days of Canine Science (The School of Canine Science)
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Scent for Six (The School of Canine Science)
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The Behavior Bible (The School of Canine Science) – 3-year qualification ending in 2024
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Principles of Dog Training (Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers)
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Master Course – Aggression in Dogs – Michael Shikashio
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Pet First Aid (PET First Aid & Training NZ)
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Nose to Tail: Beyond Cooperative Care Conference Workshop – FENZI Dog Sports Academy
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ThinkDog Mentorship program (June 2021 – June 2022)
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Aggression in Dogs and Defensive Handling with Michael Shikashio CDBC - 2 day workshop
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L.E.G.S Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation Professional Course
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Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) – Auckland University of Technology
How I Train & Teach
When it comes to training new behaviours I used a reward-based system taught by The School of Canine Science.
Luring, shaping, capturing and modelling are tools for creating the desired behaviour, marker words are our way of communicating when the dog has got it right, rewards are our way of increasing the chances of the behaviour happening again and proofing is our way of increasing the chances of the behaviour happening again in different environments. It’s all very well having a bullet proof recall in your backyard but is it reliable at a busy beach or dog park when you REALLY need it?
My training and behavioural packages start with an understanding of what it means to be a dog in our modern human-centered world. We cover how dogs think and learn, enrichment, meeting the physical and mental needs of your dog and establishing engagement and focus (a pre-requisite to training that’s often overlooked and undercooked). Content is tailored to your situation and after covering a solid educational foundation we’ll establish a path to meeting your specific behaviour and training goals.
“Words are not enough to describe the incredible significance of Kim’s training with our Maple. From an anxious and struggling dog (and owners), to a much more confident (socially and otherwise), happy, cooperative family member! Kim’s professional knowledge, open and honest communication, ongoing guidance and care for Maple and us are invaluable! Our family (fur and humans), feel very lucky having her onboard in this journey.”
– Tal, Maple's guardian
