Confident Canines NZ

Confident Canines NZ Human and Dog Educator - Helping you understand your dog better using humane methods & modern science

We use scientifically based positive reinforcement training methods to help you teach your to become a confident canine.

Weekend vibes ✨🐾 Slow down, be present, and find the joy in the little things – especially time with your dog. Whether i...
22/08/2025

Weekend vibes ✨🐾

Slow down, be present, and find the joy in the little things – especially time with your dog. Whether it’s a sniffari, a game, a cuddle, or just hanging out together, do something they love today. 💕

What’s your dog’s favourite way to spend the weekend? 🐶

Stress is something we all experience. Imagine being stuck in a crowded lift that suddenly jolts and stalls between floo...
21/08/2025

Stress is something we all experience. Imagine being stuck in a crowded lift that suddenly jolts and stalls between floors. Your chest tightens, your breathing quickens, and your body braces for action. You might feel the urge to escape (flight), lash out in frustration (fight), freeze and hope it’s over quickly, or in extreme cases even feel faint.

Our dogs go through the same responses. They may not be worried about lifts or deadlines, but stressful experiences trigger the same survival system in their bodies. When a dog is stressed, their body releases cortisol, preparing them for fight, flight, freeze, or faint.

In the short term, this stress response is protective. But if it’s happening too often, cortisol levels never fully return to normal. Over time the “baseline” rises, and the dog is living in a state of chronic stress. This makes it incredibly difficult for them to learn, settle, or feel safe.

That’s why breaks are so important. Just as we need recovery time after stressful events, dogs also benefit from periods where stress is minimised. A couple of weeks away from their triggers can help cortisol levels return to a healthier range.

During this reset, guardians can support their dogs by identifying triggers and making practical changes. That might mean avoiding busy walks, going out only at quiet times, or blocking window views if passing people, dogs, or cars cause distress. Every reduction in stress helps.

As cortisol decreases, dogs often shift from being reactive to “everything” to being reactive to specific situations—perhaps only to other dogs, or even more specifically to certain types of dogs. With stress under control, they are calmer, more receptive, and better able to learn.

At this point, a professional can help develop a plan that doesn’t just suppress behaviour but instead works on the emotions underneath. The goal is not just fewer reactions, but a dog who feels safer, more relaxed, and more confident in their world.

💜 Emotion comes before behaviour 💜Every behaviour your dog shows is driven by an underlying emotion. Fear, excitement, f...
20/08/2025

💜 Emotion comes before behaviour 💜

Every behaviour your dog shows is driven by an underlying emotion. Fear, excitement, frustration, joy, anxiety – these feelings shape how they act in the moment.

When we only look at the behaviour (barking, pulling, chewing, growling), we miss the “why.”
When we look deeper at the emotion behind it, we can actually help our dogs feel safe, understood, and supported.

Changing behaviour starts with changing emotion. 💜
Because a calm, confident dog doesn’t just behave differently – they feel differently too.

👉 Always ask: What is my dog feeling right now? before asking What should I do about this behaviour?

Scent Club is back! 🌟 Starting 19 September, join us for a supportive, friendly, and non-judgemental space to work with ...
20/08/2025

Scent Club is back! 🌟 Starting 19 September, join us for a supportive, friendly, and non-judgemental space to work with your dog.

Scent Club isn’t a class – it’s a chance to practice in new environments, explore different searches, and build your teamwork with your dog. Perfect for honing your skills while keeping it fun and relaxed.

👉 Dates for this term:
19 September
3 October
17 October
31 October
14 November
28 November
12 December

✨ Join the club for $80 for the term – attend all sessions and get first priority if spaces are limited.
✨ Or come casually for $20 per session.

Starts from 7:30pm
Regular location Newlands

Come sniff, search, and learn together – see you there! 🐾👃

Register for Scent Club here⏬️
https://forms.office.com/r/BxPcErrVdp

DogCoach DogWalker Allround PantNEW: Not your average dog walking pantsYou asked – they delivered.The popular DogCoach p...
19/08/2025

DogCoach DogWalker Allround Pant

NEW: Not your average dog walking pants
You asked – they delivered.
The popular DogCoach pants are now available in a brand-new transitional Allround version – the perfect mix between the lightweight shell pants and winter pants.

Designed for unpredictable weather, these pants offer the ideal mix of protection and flexibility. The high back waist with silicone grip ensures they stay in place – even when kneeling or training – while the 4-way stretch provides all-day comfort.

Why dog owners love them:

Perfect transitional pants – ideal for spring, fall, and chilly summer or mild winter days
Dirt-repellent fabric – easy to clean after muddy walks
100% squat-proof – extra back height for full coverage
Soft and stretchy 4-way stretch material for full mobility
Water-resistant and breathable
Elastic waistband for a secure fit
Unisex fit – flattering and functional for all body types
Silicone grip inside waistband – no belt needed
6 functional pockets, including:
2 deep front pockets
1 mobile pocket for your phone
2 zippered thigh pockets with mesh
1 zippered back pocket for wallet or keys
Integrated dog p**p bag dispenser
Adjustable leg width with drawstring
Reflective details for added visibility

Fit & sizing:
Unisex sizing
True to size

Material:
92% nylon / 8% elastane
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified

Available in
Black and Beetle (Short, Regular, and Long)
Bison (Short and Regular)
$320

PM to order
Order will only go ahead if MOQ reached
Stock is very limited

Dogs don’t need to experience fear, pain, force, punishment, or dominance to learn. None of these methods are necessary ...
19/08/2025

Dogs don’t need to experience fear, pain, force, punishment, or dominance to learn. None of these methods are necessary to create a dog who wants to work with you.

Think about it—if you were learning a new skill, would you thrive if every mistake was punished? Or if someone applied pressure or pain until you got it right? Chances are, you’d feel stressed, anxious, or even resentful of your teacher. That’s not an environment that builds confidence or motivation.

The same is true for our dogs. They deserve compassionate teaching, not fear-based methods. I would never use pain to make a person learn, so why would I with a dog?

Training should be built on understanding, respect, and trust. When we reward the behaviours we want to see more of, those behaviours naturally increase. This is the science of learning: behaviour follows reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement is powerful because it’s tailored to the individual dog. For one dog, it might be food. For another, it could be toys, play, praise, or affection. The key is finding what your dog values most and using that to help them learn.

By focusing on rewards, you’re not only teaching skills—you’re also building a relationship based on love, trust, and joy. And when your dog feels safe and motivated, real learning happens.

✨ Train with kindness. Train with science. Train with love.

🐶 Building confidence, one sniff at a time.Does your dog struggle with fear, stress, or anxiety? Or maybe you’d like to ...
19/08/2025

🐶 Building confidence, one sniff at a time.

Does your dog struggle with fear, stress, or anxiety? Or maybe you’d like to strengthen your bond while helping them grow in confidence? Scents of Confidence is a unique 4-week course that uses your dog’s incredible sense of smell to build confidence, reduce behavioural challenges, and bring out their best.

👉 Scents of Confidence – Course details:

Start date: Friday 19th September

Time: 6:00pm (1-hour sessions)

Duration: 4 weeks

Location: Newlands

Cost: $180, or $200 including an Introductory Scent Work Kit

Scents of Confidence focuses on scenting as a tool for confidence building and emotional wellbeing, not competition training. It’s especially beneficial for dogs who are fearful, stressed, anxious, or reactive, providing them with a safe outlet to succeed and thrive.

Not only will your dog gain skills in searching, indicating, and finding scents, but you’ll also strengthen your relationship through teamwork, trust, and shared success.

Register here:
https://forms.office.com/r/fGjXyw0TYN

🌊 Flooding isn’t just a natural disaster… it can happen in dog training too! 🐶In behaviour terms, flooding happens when ...
18/08/2025

🌊 Flooding isn’t just a natural disaster… it can happen in dog training too! 🐶

In behaviour terms, flooding happens when a dog is exposed to a frightening or stressful stimulus at full intensity, with no way to escape or control the situation. The theory is that the dog will eventually “get over it,” but research and experience show this approach is highly risky and often counterproductive.

What it looks like in real life:

A dog who is terrified of other dogs is suddenly sent to doggy daycare with multiple dogs around and no chance to retreat.

A dog with a fear of loud noises is left in a room during fireworks or storms, with no safe space or comforting support.

Why flooding is dangerous:

Backfires – Instead of overcoming fear, the dog may become even more anxious, shut down, or act aggressively.

Learned helplessness – Repeated exposure without control can teach the dog that nothing they do makes a difference. This can lead to passivity, avoidance, or long-term behavioural issues.

Relationship damage – Forcing a dog into situations they can’t cope with can harm the bond between dog and handler. The dog may lose trust in their handler’s guidance, making future training more difficult.

Better, evidence-based approaches:
✔️ Desensitisation – Introduce the trigger gradually, in small, manageable steps that the dog can tolerate.
✔️ Counter-conditioning – Pair scary stimuli with positive experiences, like treats, toys, or gentle play, to help the dog form safe, confident associations.
✔️ Respect the dog’s pace – Progress should be led by the dog’s comfort and coping ability, never forced.

Flooding is not a shortcut to confidence — it’s a shortcut to fear. Gentle, systematic exposure allows dogs to learn that they are safe, capable, and in control. Building confidence takes patience, consistency, and understanding. ❤️🐾

Always get guidance from a force-free professional when addressing fears or anxieties in your dog.

Hybrid or Crossbred? What’s the Difference?I’ve seen so many dogs advertised as a “unique hybrid” between a (any breed o...
17/08/2025

Hybrid or Crossbred? What’s the Difference?

I’ve seen so many dogs advertised as a “unique hybrid” between a (any breed or crossbreed) and a (any breed or crossbreed). But biologically, this is not a hybrid at all — it’s simply a crossbreed. At best, calling it a hybrid is just marketing.

Here’s the difference:

🔹 Hybrid – A hybrid is the offspring of two different species. Think horse × donkey = mule, or lion × tiger = liger. In the canine family, a true hybrid would be something like a wolfdog (domestic dog × wolf), or a coyote × dog.

🔹 Crossbred – A crossbred dog is the offspring of two different breeds of the same species (Canis lupus familiaris). A German Shepherd × Labrador is a crossbreed, not a hybrid. Same species, just different breeds mixed together.

Why does this matter?
✔️ Using the correct term helps avoid confusion — especially in legal, breeding, or rescue contexts.
✔️ Hybrids often have very different care and behavioural needs than domestic dogs.
✔️ Crossbreeds can still bring plenty of variety, but they’re not crossing a species boundary.

So if you meet a gorgeous German Shepherd × Labrador, remember — they’re a crossbreed, not a hybrid. And yes, you can still love them just as much. ❤️🐶

🎄🐾 12 Days of Confident Canines Christmas?🐾🎄Times are tough. Money is tight. Normally around now I open preorders for ou...
17/08/2025

🎄🐾 12 Days of Confident Canines Christmas?🐾🎄

Times are tough. Money is tight. Normally around now I open preorders for our 12 Days of Confident Canines Christmas, but this year I’m pausing to ask… should we skip a year?

Over the past 3 fabulous years, we’ve shared so much fun, surprises, and loads of awesome products through this tradition – and I’d love to know if you’d like to see it continue. 💜

✨ A couple of options for this year:

The full 12 Days of Christmas as before 🎁

Or… a Mystery Christmas Day Bag 🎅 – smaller, more affordable, with options between $30–$100 (always valued above the sale price!) and available as:

A mix of toys & treats 🧸🍪

Or treat-only for the food lovers 🦴

So – hands up if you’d like to see 12 Days (or a Christmas Bag) happen this year! Drop a comment or message me with what you’d love most. 🥰

We are all set up at the Woof Market in Kai Tahi Porirua.
16/08/2025

We are all set up at the Woof Market in Kai Tahi Porirua.

🍂❄️ DogCoach Autumn/Winter 2025 Drop! ❄️🍂The DogCoach KeepDry 2.0 Jacket will be landing soon – your perfect lightweight...
16/08/2025

🍂❄️ DogCoach Autumn/Winter 2025 Drop! ❄️🍂

The DogCoach KeepDry 2.0 Jacket will be landing soon – your perfect lightweight transitional jacket for the season.

Available in 6 colours: Black, Mustard, Pinetree, Rosso, Arctic, and Mocca 🌈

✨ Packed with all the classic DogCoach features you love:

🐕 Large waterproof back pocket

🐕 Treat pockets + internal pockets

🐕 Thumb holes

🐕 Reflective strips

🐕 AND it folds into its own bag for easy transport!

👕 New for 2025: Men’s version in Pinetree and Black.

💲 Price: approx. $500
📦 Available by preorder only – the order will only go ahead if we reach the MOQ.

The ultimate blend of style, comfort, and practicality for trainers and dog lovers alike. 🐾

Address

Wellington
6037

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We use scientifically based positive reinforcement training methods to help you teach your to become a confident canine. Techniques used are force free, low stress, and help to strengthen the relationship you have with you dog.

Confident Canines offers one on one training and behaviour modification sessions in your home. Puppy classes and other group classes are offered as required. In addition to helping you train your dog we also run classes in person first aid class as well as providing online classes in various aspects of dog husbandry. Well versed in behaviour adjustment, puppy development and cooperative care.

The Active Outlet, Confident Canines’ online store is place to buy environmental enrichment toys, training tools, and sports gear. New Zealand Stockists of Dog Copenhagen, BUMAS, Howling Dog Alaska, and Kickbike. We have a wide range of Kong products and other quality toys.

Lucy has a BSc in Psychology and Zoology, Diploma of Veterinary Nursing, and a Diploma in Applied Science. She has complete various online training courses in animal behaviour and training.