About K9s

06/09/2026

The Koolies spent the weekend at yet another scent work trial. They put up with a lot.....or not a lot, really. While I spent most of the trial judging and helping to run things, they mostly hung out on the car. They did get to play but there were times when my head wasn't in the game. They still seemed to enjoy themselves even when I let them down and we didn't qualify. Despite this, we came away with three qualifying certificates - two for Maisie and one for Zelda. As a bonus, Maisie got a judge's choice award for her Excellent Interior. And pending Dogs NZ approval, Maisie will be able to add Excellent Interior Search to her name and Zelda, Excellent Exterior Search. Enzo is always my Best Boy! Here's a photo of a tired Maisie.

11/08/2026

🐾 **Team Koolie had a great weekend!** 🐾

We spent the weekend at the Otago Canine Training Club scent work trial, held at Beachlands Speedway. It was cold, muddy and occasionally a little damp. But that didn’t stop us from having a fun time!

The dogs did really well (sometimes in spite of the human on the end of the lead 🤣).

Enzo and Maisie each qualified in one of their two searches, while wee Zelda qualified in both of hers!

That means Zelda has now achieved her Excellent Vehicle Search Award (pending Dogs NZ approval).

So incredibly proud of all four of them all. ❤️

https://pixies.et/bf7Tcnm7

Image: Thanks to Brya Ingram Photography for this photo of Zelda in Excellent Vehicle.

Photo by Brya Ingram Photography

28/07/2026

⚠️ **Trigger warning**

Here is the second part of the story about the alleged abuse at the Auckland-based doggy daycare.

Please don't assume that incidents like this only happen in the major centres. These things can happen anywhere.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/361011652/former-staff-claim-dogs-were-abused-auckland-daycare-where-four-dogs-died?fbclid=IwY2xjawTU8BRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe1c_sIyZEWbXAHXsW8YjhOaFyVFPK8aI0sEhYNyFvC3XaRpomjPet6_UloxA_aem_UsE7_fzu4T3-uvjnIN4NFg

Former staff told Stuff they witnessed repeated abuse of dogs at an Auckland daycare where four dogs died in recent years.

28/07/2026

⚠️ **Trigger warning**

One of the challenges of the dog industry is that, with little or no regulation, anyone can set themselves up as a dog trainer, doggy daycare, or boarding facility.

There is no legal requirement for dog professionals to hold recognised qualifications, belong to a professional organisation, or even carry professional indemnity and public liability insurance.

That means the responsibility falls on us to do our homework before entrusting someone with our dogs. Don't assume that a large social media following or fancy marketing equals knowledge, experience, professionalism or ethical practice.

This item is a sad reminder of what can happen when things go horribly wrong.

Choose your dog pro with care...for your dog's sake.

Walter's owners were told their dog had been attacked. A specialist post-mortem raised very different questions.

18/07/2026

Today I learnt that Maisie's brother, Rik, passed away last night.

I know that dogs are not here for the long time, but sometimes life gives us a reminder that we really do need to make the most of the time we do have with our dogs.

Take the photos. Take lots of photos. And videos. Go on adventures. Celebrate your ordinary days. Make memories.

13/07/2026

🐶 Have you got a new puppy? Don't leave the important stuff to chance!

The first few months of your puppy's life are the perfect time to build the skills that will last a lifetime. That's why I've created two checklists to help keep you on track with the essentials.

✔️ Puppy Starter Kit Checklist
✔️ Puppy Life Skills Checklist

These free resources are a good starting point, but if you'd like some in-person help to navigate this part of your puppy journey, get in touch:
📧 Email [email protected]

💜 Comment "CHECKLIST" below or send me a message or an email, and I'll send you a PDF version of the checklists.

29/06/2026

A dog and his ball. Eddie playing after scent work practice ❤️

26/06/2026

Someone found the sun ☀️🐾

26/06/2026

A beautiful day for a walk in our lovely gardens

25/06/2026

Pass it on! A great opportunity to get your doggo microchipped for free. And don't forget to register the microchip on the Companion Animal Register.

UPDATE: Microchipping Event Postponed

Unfortunately, we've had to make the call to postpone today's free dog microchipping event due to the weather. It's pretty windy out there, and rain is on the way.

The good news? Tomorrow is looking much sunnier! ☀️
The event will now be held at Elles Road Dog Park on Friday, from 10.00am–11.30am.

Thanks for your understanding, and we hope to see you and your four-legged friends there tomorrow!

----
Get your dog microchipped for FREE tomorrow! 🥳

Our team will be at Elles Road Dog Park from 10.00am–11.30am, offering free microchipping. No strings or frisbees attached.

A microchip is the ulti-mutt backup plan if your furry friend ever goes walkies without you. If they're found and taken to a vet or picked up by Animal Services, a quick scan can help get them home faster.

It's also invaluable in an emergency. If your dog is injured, involved in an accident, or needs urgent veterinary care, a microchip allows vets to quickly identify them and contact you straight away. When every minute counts, being able to reach the owner can make a huge difference.