Allsorts Dog Training

13/10/2026

Adding some complexity to a retrieve can really benefit some dogs.
Using a fence line is one of my favourites as it requires the dogs to:
✅Memorise the area where the ball landed
✅Figure out how to access the ball landing area
✅Methodically search the area
✅Ignore distractions
✅Find the ball and figure out how to bring it back to the launching area

I prefer this than them just running flat out after a ball as it makes them think and slows the process down. In my opinion it’s better for their mind and body and that’s a win win for me!

12/10/2026

ALWAYS AVOIDING TRIGGERS could mean you are missing education opportunities.
Yesterday,on our walk,a family arrived with their Ute and two dirt bikes. Initially my thought was “I’d better leave”.I knew they’d be racing up and down the field and I was concerned for my dogs and how they’d feel about them.Instead I had a chat with the family before bringing the dogs out.The nicest people who were more than happy to work around me with the dogs so I could educate them about these funny bobble headed, noisy things zipping around the place.
First up Bear & Luna,both did dial in to the sound and movement but the key to these two is to provide something alternative to chase, so out came my tug/throw rings. Both off lead working around the bikes well.
Next Hope, Rusty, Pepe and Murphy (on lead). I was fairly confident the first three wouldn’t be concerned at all and I was right. They were very excited to meet the people. This was helpful because Murphy then drew confidence from this and followed suit. The bikes were no issue as the bunny smells in the bushes were far more attractive.
Next Wallace.I’d already told them about him and to take it slow.Wallace watched from a distance and we did some engage disengage work.To give him a break we headed to the stream so he could play and swim. Back up in the paddock I could tell he was feeling ok about the people and their bikes.The husband was sat on the ground, which was perfect so we did an intro under instruction. Wallace sniffed and assessed them then checked back in with me. I gave him more space when the kids came back in to their parents on their bikes but he was able to watch again and disengage before we headed off.
Lastly was Chevy and Kora.Both likely to react, as Chevy does like barking at moving things and Kora is suspicious of people and startles easily.To my huge surprise these two did incredibly well.I knew to manage Chevy more as he would set off Kora but as he’s so food motivated this was easy. We ended up relaxing and chatting with the family as the kids zipped up and down on their dirt bikes.No drama, no nothing.
Opportunities are there if you’re willing.

11/10/2026

Anyone in the South Island able to help this gorgeous soul?

🍑 PEACHES URGENTLY NEEDS A NEW FOSTER HOME 🍑

I simply can’t believe I’m writing this post.

Our beautiful foster mum originally committed to looking after Peaches until July. She has stretched that commitment as far as she possibly could, but unfortunately, her time has come to an end.

This morning, we had a very honest conversation. We both cried a lot. We’re emotionally exhausted and heartbroken that, after all these months, Peaches still hasn’t found her forever home.

What hurts the most is that I never imagined we’d be looking for another foster at this stage. I truly believed Peaches would be moving into her forever home by now, not another temporary one.

But here we are. As painful and exhausting as this journey has been, we need to keep moving forward.

So we’re urgently looking for someone who can open their home to Peaches temporarily ❤️

Please know you will NOT be doing this alone.

Peaches comes with my everyday support. Food, veterinary care and other expenses are covered. We also have an incredible team of volunteer dog walkers who can help with her daily exercise.

She needs a safe, loving, stable home while we continue searching for her forever family. This home NEEDS TO BE IN TAURANGA and surrounding areas to keep up with her training (for free) and should have no kids in the household and she doesn't thrive around kids. Teenagers are fine.

She’s quirky, affectionate, energetic and loves her people, beach walks, swimming and couch time. She needs someone who understands her personality, respects her boundaries and offers structure and consistency.

We’re running out of time, and I won’t pretend otherwise.

The last thing I want is to give up on Peaches and surrender her after everything we’ve been through. But I refuse to place her in an unsuitable home out of desperation. That wouldn’t be fair to anyone.

Our foster has given Peaches so much love, patience and care. I’ll forever be grateful. Fostering was never supposed to last this long, and she’s given us far more than she promised.

Now we need someone else to help us get Peaches to the finish line.

If you can foster, even temporarily, please reach out. If you can’t, PLEASE SHARE.

I haven’t given up on this girl. I’m just feeling incredibly deflated and hoping we don’t run out of options before her happy ending arrives 🍑❤️

09/10/2026

UPDATE - SPOT FILLED ALREADY - Wahooooo!

Due to a last minute cancellation, I have one spot available on our Tracking for Fun course starting next Tuesday at 6:00pm.

This will be the only course running this side of Christmas so if you fancy giving your dog a hobby that truly taps in to their natural prey drive, then come join us. No experience necessary. Details in the link with registration online. Be quick!!!

Use your dogs natural ability to track down a missing article or person, in this fun course where following the scent is all part of the game.

09/10/2026

Should trainers have the perfect dogs? Here’s my thoughts on this as someone who’s had many different dogs over the years and coaches others.

05/10/2026

It’s great to be back, but seeing the inbox is a little overwhelming 😳

We’re straight back in to it with our Level 2 Nosework fun trial tonight, when our teams will be working through a range of searches.

We’ll be kicking off our Tracking for Fun course on the 13th October, with a fantastic group keen to learn more about this type of scent work.

We’ve got a variety of Stay and Trains arriving through October, so looking forward to working together to improve their skills.

And we’ve got a variety of dog teams working through their training programs for a variety of behaviours.

On top of that the Air BnBs are booked up so no rest for any of us.

Spring has definitely sprung in to action. Bring it on!

02/10/2026

I cannot express how grateful Dave & I are to Sam for house sitting, goat sitting and being Air BnB host/cleaner, whilst we were away.
We spent her last day here walking the dogs. It was great to see Eywa and Wallace walk peacefully together on one of our favourite headland walks whilst we chatted.

They now face the long journey back north but with a campervan they can take their time and enjoy some sights along the way.

Thank you soooooo much Sam, you’re one in a million. 🙏❤️

01/10/2026

And I would do it all over again!!!