Hi, I'm Julie Donovan

 a passionate Canine Behaviourist

Julie and Chase

Julie and Chase

I have been a dog trainer and professional dog behaviourist since 2006.  In 2008 I completed the ‘Principles of Canine Behaviour’ paper through Massey University. 

I have trained over 2500 dogs (and their owners!) through one-on-one sessions and classes.  And around 300 group dog and agility courses. 

I pride myself on offering a professional and friendly training service to all dog owners, whether you are looking at group obedience training for your dog / puppy or one-on-one sessions to help answer any unwanted behavioural or training issues.

I offer a ‘choice’ based behaviour / training approach, as this ensures that your dog understands how to behave regardless if you are around or not.

My rates are affordable, so I can reach and educate as many dog owners as possible.  I want every dog owner to experience the same amazing relationship that I have with my 4 dogs, Max, Chase, Blue AND Noah.

On a personal level, the highlight of my professional career so far was at the beginning of 2017 when I helped train 10-month-old Kai, a Golden Retriever, to learn to recognise and indicate his owner’s type 1 Diabetic lows.

 I have represented the Southern Region (South Island) team’s event in Competition Obedience on numerous occasions, where the high light of my individual competition career was Chase and I successfully winning our Test against 45 other competitors from all over New Zealand in Fielding, Labour Weekend 2017.

Check out my Facebook page for my new Online Beginners Dog Obedience Course, it’s great for pups who aren’t fully vaccinated yet, reactive dogs that struggle to be in a group class environment and people whose schedule dictates that they can’t make it to a weekly classes.

My services page includes information on training classes, behaviour and in-home one-on-one sessions and don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions relating to dog training or behaviour with your favourite four-legged canine friend.

Warm Regards,

 Julie

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More than just a best friend... a life saver
More than just a best friend... a life saver

Andrew and Kai. Andrew is a type 1 diabetic and he came to me late last year to see if I would help him train Kai his rehomed Golden Retriever to indicate on him when his blood sugar levels went low.

After a few months of training, I am pleased to say that yesterday Kai, for the first time has indicated on Andrew unassisted at 2am in the morning and woke him up. The power of a dogs nose and the bond that can be created between dog and owner is something that never ceases to amaze me.

**Update. Kai has caught Andrew's next low just 1 week later from his first indication and this time it was during the day and they were off hiking together, so even with all the other various animal scent distractions around Kai has still made his indication.