Allsorts Dog Training

10/06/2026

We control so much of a dog’s day that it’s important to try, and when safe to do so, give them an opportunity to experience full freedom off lead.
That can be quite unnerving for some guardians but it can be the step they need to building their dog’s confidence and curiosity.
These two had a blast on their Induction Walk around our private trails. Without the worry of other dogs or people it’s the perfect place to give more freedom. It took some convincing to let them off lead but I could tell they weren’t brave enough to go too far as it was an unfamiliar location. Sometimes this can play in to your favour.
It was also not dawn or dusk when the prey is more present so there was less likely to be encounters.
And thirdly, there was lots of other dog smells that were to be of higher interest.
It was lovely to watch them run, sniff and check in regularly.

08/06/2026

Windy Days and Your Dog

It was incredibly gusty today, and the dogs responded in a variety of ways. Some were noticeably more anxious, while others were far more driven and excitable than usual.

Wind can make it much harder for dogs. Sounds seem to come from different directions, scents move unpredictably, and the environment can feel much less predictable. For some dogs, particularly those who are already sensitive or anxious, this can increase stress and vigilance.

For other dogs, the wind can supercharge natural behaviours such as hunting and chasing. Scents are carried further and dispersed more widely, which can make wildlife and other environmental smells much more noticeable. As a result, prey-driven behaviours can become significantly more intense.

Gusty conditions can be especially challenging because the environment is constantly changing. Sudden bursts of wind, moving vegetation, unexpected noises, and shifting scents can all contribute to heightened arousal.

If you live with a reactive, anxious, or highly prey-driven dog, it’s worth considering the weather when planning your walks and training sessions. On particularly windy days, you may find your dog is more easily overwhelmed, more reactive, or less able to focus than usual.

Sometimes the best option is to adjust your plans, choose a more sheltered location, shorten your outing, or opt for enrichment activities at home instead.

Weather doesn’t just affect us—it affects our dogs too.

03/06/2026

03/06/2026

Treibball peeps - this one’s for you ⚽️🏐🏀

31/05/2026

The benefits of scent work for dogs is undeniable. Whether that’s Nosework (Scent Detection), Tracking, Mantrailing, Area Searching or any other discipline.
And whilst many are inclusive of a lot of dogs, it can be a real challenge for those with reactive dogs. Group settings can be too overwhelming. Yet the very act of scent work can increase dopamine, provide a boost in mood, improve their capability of thinking under minor pressure and learn to work around minor environmental changes and distractions.
So as someone who’s spent many years working in the scentwork field and with reactive dogs (professionally and for personally) I’m excited to bring this opportunity to those that need it most.
Hosted at our private home in Dunedin, I invite those of you with reactive dogs to join our special course. Coordinated with safety and progression in mind, these sessions will build your relationship, give your dog the ability to show you what they are capable of and grow their skills.
Expressions of interest welcome. Limited places. T’s & C’s apply. More info to come soon.

28/05/2026

Discovering pockets of interesting spots within the city of Dunedin always makes me excited. Not just for my dogs but as recommendations for others.
They’re a fabulous asset particularly for dogs that are struggling with the intensity of a city. They can help dogs decompress and adjust to town sounds. Murphy was much more comfortable here with the city sounds and cars passing.
This park is particular good with an open field with rough grass, cushioned by wooded areas with trails. Plus the views out to sea and down the harbour are pretty awesome.
I’m sure you’ve all got some secret favourite spots too?!

27/05/2026

This weeks challenge has been a big one. The decorators are in the main house so this means access to parts of it have been off limits for the dogs. Their routine has changed. Not just that, but hearing new voices and sounds of the unfamiliar can be unsettling for them.
So we have limited the number of Air BnB bookings so we could use those spaces and gardens initially.
Now we’re at the point where the dogs can be in the main garden without too much drama whilst the men work inside the house in full view.
I’m super proud of all of them for coping so well. Walks have been either down at the beach or on the block still, so they are getting enough stimulation. But it’s the cuddles in front of the TV that have been more limited and on a rotation system in one of the small Air BnBs.
But overall they haven’t been too vocal and have settled well despite these changes.
Once the paint dries they can come back into the main house. But for now I’m using it as an opportunity to educate them. The fine weather has made it easier for sure, although this mornings freezing temperatures meant looks of disgust from some of the dogs put out in the garden for toileting after being disturbed from their beds in the warm laundry room.
Sometimes things go better than planned and this is one of those occasions.