I practice calm guidance, and help dogs feel safe, confident and understood.
Small-group dog walking in Wellington, focused on calm handling, safe social dynamics, and consistent pack routines.
About me
From as early as I can remember, I’ve always been surrounded by dogs. I’ve always connected with their energy, honesty, and the uncomplicated way they experience the world. Over the years I’ve owned several German Shepherds and spent a lot of time fostering, training, and caring for a wide range of breeds and temperaments for clients, friends, and family. Some of the most rewarding experiences have been working with rescued dogs, or pooches who’ve had a rough start in life for one reason or another. Seeing a dog gradually relax, build trust, gain confidence, and start properly enjoying life again is genuinely one of the best parts of what I do. These experiences, combined with a broad mix of training methods and philosophies, have shaped a grounded and practical approach to working with dogs. It’s given me a strong understanding of what dogs actually need to feel balanced, fulfilled, safe, and genuinely happy - both individually and within a pack environment.
My approach
At the core of my approach is the Jentle Method, adapted for urban environments, with a strong focus on calm guidance, trust-building, and positive reinforcement. Rather than relying on pressure or constant correction, the Jentle Method is about helping dogs make better choices through clear communication, consistency and well-timed guidance. It suits the kind of real-world walking I offer - where dogs are moving through changing environments, reading each other, responding to their handler and learning how to stay settled around everyday distractions. A big part of the process is building the trust and the behavioural framework gradually, letting dogs engage with the environment, and giving them space to enjoy the walk and be themselves.
Philosophy
I’m dedicated to providing dogs with more than just a walk. That means each outing has a bit of purpose behind it - time to move properly, practise calm responses, build confidence around real-world distractions, and enjoy healthy social interaction without being rushed or overwhelmed. Where appropriate, one of the goals is to gradually build towards confident off-leash handling - by developing trust, responsiveness and good decision-making over time. Given the chance to move, explore, sniff, play and engage with the world around them, dogs settle, learn and build confidence naturally. That’s what these walks are built around.
Why small packs
Smaller packs lead to better outcomes all around. With up to six dogs, I can observe more clearly, respond earlier, and give each dog more meaningful attention and situational training if needed. It also creates a calmer environment where trust, bonds, and good social behaviour can develop over time. That consistency and balance make a noticeable difference, not just during the walk, but in how dogs behave and settle at home. Where more focused work is needed I offer dedicated, one-on-one training sessions on Fridays.
Registrations for 2026 are now open.
I can offer your dog structured walks, real engagement, situational training and adventure along the way.
Registrations for 2026 are now open.
I can offer your dog structured walks, real engagement, situational training and adventure along the way.