Offering personalised training and behaviour support across Christchurch and North Canterbury. Fast, effective results that give you the tools to communicate clearly.
Real behaviour change starts with clarity, not complex tricks. I'll teach you to communicate clearly with your dog to transform unwanted habits into calm behaviour.
Sound familiar?
You are not the first person to feel like this.
Most of the dogs that I work with who exhibit behavioural issues aren't being bad or difficult; they are mostly normal dogs reacting to a world they perceive through a different lens than we do.
My arm and shoulders hurt from him yanking me along.
Lead pulling is rarely about strength. It's about arousal levels before you even reach the front door - this is where we start.
She barks at everyone and everything.
Barking is your dog doing a job nobody gave them. We hand that job back to you, and the noise settles.
He lunges at other dogs and I've stopped going out.
Reactivity shrinks your world fast. We rebuild it in small, manageable steps, at a distance and pace your dog can cope with.
She panics the moment I leave the house.
Separation anxiety is genuinely distressing for everyone. It responds well to understanding the issue, implementing a structured plan and exercising a bit of patience.
He completely ignores me when I call him.
Recall isn't a command, it's a relationship. If coming back is always the best option available, they come back.
Our new puppy is lovely, and we don't want to get this wrong.
The easiest work I ever do. Get the foundations right early, and most of the problems above never arise.
I look forward to guiding you through a step-by-step foundation program tailored to support your dog’s development and help your family thrive.
Passionate about helping people to communicate effectively with their dog.
Hi, I’m Debi—a professional dog behaviour consultant, owner of Kindred K9, and partner and manager of Bark Royal Boarding Kennels in Swannanoa, North Canterbury. Bark Royal is an established, trusted facility that has operated for over 15 years, and we were incredibly proud to be voted Canterbury's "Most Trusted Kennels" in 2025.
That isn't a side note to my behaviour work; it is an important pillar of my expertise. Managing a busy kennel and daycare has given me a rare, non-textbook education in canine behaviour. Every day, I observe what owners rarely get to see: exactly how dogs handle separation, adapt to new routines, and navigate complex group dynamics the moment the car drives away.
Working with countless breeds, ages, and temperaments over the years has trained me to read subtle stress responses, decode silent body language, and communicate with dogs in a way they naturally understand.
My training approach focuses on natural, balanced guidance:
Calm, Clear Leadership Without Treats or Force
Real Respect: Teach your dog to respond to you, not what is sitting in your pocket.
A Calm Mind: No shouting, intimidation, or gadgets—just clear, consistent communication.
A Dog's-Eye View: See the world through your dog's eyes and master how to read and manage your dog’s posture and energy.
Balanced Bonds: Build a deep, loving relationship where your dog naturally looks to you for guidance.
— Debi
Services
What I can offer
Not sure which one is best for you? Sign up for a free phone chat, and we will work it out together.
Private Consultations
This is the heart of my work: to truly understand your dog, I meet you where you are. By training together in your home, I get to see your dog’s real behaviour in the environment they know best. We’ll kick things off with an in-depth 2-3 hour consultation to get to the root of what’s going on. You’ll get a clear, step-by-step plan to start using right away, plus a follow-up session so we can check in, celebrate your progress, and refine the training.
Best for:Most dogs and most problems. Start here if you're unsure.
Puppy or Young Dog Training
Want a solid foundation for your puppy? Shift your mindset from "how do I make them obey?" to "what are they trying to tell me?" At 12 weeks old, a puppy’s brain is a sponge, but the world is an overwhelming playground. Learning to see the environment through their eyes allows you to set them up for success, ultimately raising a calm and secure dog.
Best for:New puppies and young dogs who need the basics.
Online video consultations
Connect with me from anywhere in New Zealand through live video sessions—the perfect solution if you live outside my standard service area. Virtual training is surprisingly effective because it allows me to observe your dog’s natural behaviour in their own familiar environment. Together, we will discuss your goals, tackle any behavioural issues, and build a sustainable, step-by-step training plan. To ensure your long-term success, your plan includes supportive phone or video check-ins to celebrate your progress and fine-tune your techniques along the way.
Best for:Clients outside my standard service area.
More Complex Behaviours
For the harder cases—including reactivity, aggression, separation anxiety, resource guarding, fear, and persistent barking. These deeply ingrained behavioural issues cannot be fixed overnight; they require patience, consistency, and a unified commitment from everyone in your household. While the road to rehabilitation takes longer and demands real effort, modifying these complex behaviours is often the most rewarding work there is. Together, we can endeavour to restore peace to your home and help your dog live a calmer, happier life.
Best for:Established or serious behaviour concerns.
How it works
Four Steps to a Calmer, Happier Life with Your Dog
You don’t have to do it alone—our simple four-step process takes the stress out of training.
1
Get in touch
Fill out the quick enquiry form or call me to share what's been happening with your dog.
2
Free 15-Min Video Consult
In this quick 15-minute video call, we’ll talk about what your dog is experiencing, what might be triggering their reactions, and how it’s affecting your daily life.
3
Initial Consultation
We start by observing your dog’s behaviour in their own environment. This allows us to accurately assess specific challenges, address your immediate concerns, and map out a clear action plan—giving you the practical tools and guidance needed to see positive results right away.
4
Follow-up and support
It usually takes about two weeks to implement the agreed action plan. From there, we’ll schedule a follow-up session to check progress and fine-tune any details. In the meantime, phone support is available if you need assistance.
What It Costs:
The Comprehensive Package is a one-time investment designed to set your dog up for lifelong success. This program gives you the essential knowledge and practical tools to confidently handle your dog’s training on your own. Most owners find that this package delivers all the clarity, strategy, and guidance they need to see lasting behaviour changes—without the need for an ongoing commitment.
Comprehensive Package: $250
What’s Included:
Initial In-Home Consultation | 2-3 Hours
Follow-Up Session | 1-2 Hours (at your home or at a local park)
Ongoing Support | 3-6 months of dedicated phone support to answer questions and keep you on track
Other Services:
For complex behaviour modification, I provide tailored solutions designed around your dog’s unique needs. We will begin with a comprehensive initial assessment to thoroughly evaluate your situation. This ensures I can provide an accurate quote reflecting the specialised care and dedicated time your dog requires.
For Puppy Training or Video consultations, please contact me directly to discuss your goals and requirements, and I will be able to provide you with a fixed cost.
Get in touch
Let's get started
Welcome! I’m here to help you and your dog navigate this journey together. Please take a moment to share a few details about your pup and the specific behaviours or challenges you are currently experiencing. Once you submit this form, I will personally review your information and call you back shortly to discuss how we can best support you both.
