You and Your Dog

25/07/2026

As this page has been quiet for some time, it felt like the right time to say a proper thank you.

Since 2011, it has been an absolute privilege to work with so many wonderful dogs and their people through puppy preschool classes, dog training classes, private behaviour consultations, and dog bite prevention education in kindergartens and primary schools.

To everyone who trusted me with their dogs, attended a class, invited me into your home, shared your successes, or simply followed this page over the years—thank you. Your support has meant more than you probably realise, and I've genuinely loved being part of so many journeys.

Over the past few years my career has gradually taken a different direction, and I've now transitioned fully into counselling, where I'm privileged to support people with their mental health and wellbeing. It has been an unexpected but incredibly rewarding path, and it's where my focus now lies.

For those looking for support with their dogs, I'm pleased to say there are some excellent trainers and behaviour professionals in our region who use the same science-based, positive reinforcement methods that I have always believed in. I encourage you to seek out qualified professionals who use kind, evidence-based approaches to help both dogs and their families succeed.

Although I won't be posting here anymore, I'll always be grateful for the friendships, the wagging tails, the puppy cuddles, and the opportunity to have been part of this wonderful community.

Thank you for an incredible 15 years.

Vikki 🐾❤️

PS. If you'd like to follow what I'm doing now, you can find me over at Vikki Park Counselling.

12/12/2025

Congrats to our final graduating pooches of 2025, from our Manners on the Go and Simple Manners courses! Here are Ralph, Bailey, Pippa, Java, Buddy, Molly, Gia, and Cooper....Mazzi and Frank couldn't make graduation. Well done guys, top effort on your committment with training your pooch 🤩

03/12/2025

Do you have a dog and have no plans this Saturday morning @ 9 AM? Come and join in our workshop in Richmond to learn tips and tricks to improve your dog's recall 'Come When Called!' - link below with booking info 🐩🐕🐾

dog training workshop teaching dogs to come back when called using positive reinforcement techniques and behaviour advice in Tasman Nelson

03/12/2025

Meet 'June' 🙂
We worked with June and her 'mum' earlier this year. Here is some feedback on our training with June that her happy 'mum' wanted to share 🙌
"My six month old puppy was struggling with lead reactivity around people and other dogs. I initially talked with a range of dog trainers to gauge where to next, and decided to proceed with Vikki. Her approach to training our puppy was grounded in respecting the dog, being gentle and kind, as opposed to a more dominant style of training, that others had. Vikki's approach aligned with my personal values and we proceeded with learning how to help our puppy. I am amazed at how incredible our puppy is now. The training style that Vikki introduced us to has worked 100% and I have no doubt in highly recommending Vikki and will be reaching out to her again if needed.
I am forever grateful for your guidance, support and judgement free approach to teaching me how to train our puppy. "