Helping Christchurch dogs and their owners live happier, calmer lives together.
Professional dog trainer and behaviour consultant using force-free, science-based methods.
About Deb
Hi, I’m Deb, a professional dog trainer and behaviour consultant based in Christchurch, New Zealand. I’m the owner of Mind Pro Animal Behaviour, where I help owners build calm, happy, and confident dogs through force-free, science-based training.
Like many dog owners, I started from scratch, unsure how to communicate with dogs or understand their behaviour. Years of learning and hands-on experience with hundreds of dogs have taught me the best ways to help dogs and their humans thrive. Now, I guide owners to save time, reduce frustration, and enjoy a happier, more harmonious life with their dogs.
Hi, I’m Deb, a professional dog trainer and behaviour consultant based in Christchurch, New Zealand. I’m the owner of Mind Pro Animal Behaviour, where I help owners build calm, happy, and confident dogs through force-free, science-based training.
Like many dog owners, I started from scratch, unsure how to communicate with dogs or understand their behaviour. Years of learning and hands-on experience with hundreds of dogs have taught me the best ways to help dogs and their humans thrive. Now, I guide owners to save time, reduce frustration, and enjoy a happier, more harmonious life with their dogs.
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🌍 Vision 🌍
A world where humans and animals experience respectful and safe interaction through community education. |
💚 Purpose 💚
Reduce the bite incidents, shelter surrenders and euthanasia rate by providing the community with the knowledge required for safe and respectful animal interaction. |
🌟 Mission 🌟
Educate the community to improve the overall wellbeing for both people and dogs. |
What it's like to work with me
My approach is guided by passion, respect, adaptability, empathy, force-free methods, and a sense of fun. I teach clear, practical steps that owners can use every day, with a focus on building trust, communication, and confidence between you and your dog.
I work with owners who want to:
- Improve everyday life skills like recall, walking nicely on lead, and listening under distraction.
- Solve unwanted behaviours such as over-excitement, barking, reactivity, fear, or anxiety.
- Understand their dog’s emotions and build stronger communication and trust
Whether we’re working together in-person or online, my goal is simple: to help you and your dog live a happier life together.
Experiences
- Owner & Trainer, Mind Pro Animal Behaviour (part-time since 2014; full-time 2018 - current)
- Behaviour & Trainer Adviser, Dogwatch Adoption Centre (2018 - current)
- Supporting foster homes & new owners, New Zealand Chihuahua Rescue (2020-2022)
- Kennel assistant, Volunteer Trainer, Dog Trainer & Behaviour Consultant, Dogwatch Adoption Centre (2016 - 2018)
- Volunteer & Dog Training Advisor at Dogwatch Adoption Centre (2014-2016)
- Assistant Puppy, Junior & Senior Dog School, UK (2013)
- Staff in obedience, training & agility at a breeder dog centre, FR (2011)
- Introduction to hydrotherapy and grooming, FR (2011)
- Shadowed a Dog Trainer and Behaviourist, FR (2011)
- Shadowed a Dog Guide Trainer, FR (2010)
- Assistant Mobile Dog Grooming, FR (2010)
- Manager (24/7), Boarding Kennel, FR (2010)
Qualifications
My journey began in Europe, driven by a love of nature and animals:
- 2010: Agricultural Technician Certificate, Option Management and Protection of Nature, Nature Animation Speciality, France
- 2011: National Diploma Patent Professional Dog Training, focused on respectful, evidence-based methods, including experiences in the canine area, listed in next section. France
- 2013: Studied with Jacinthe Bouchard, world-renowned animal behaviour expert, earning a Diploma of Intervener in Animal Behaviour. Canada
- Currently completing assessments for The Behaviour Bible, a three-part, three-year behaviour qualification with The School of Canine Science.
- Ongoing professional development: attending conferences, workshops, and online courses with leading trainers worldwide
- APDTNZ Full Member: I keep up with new methods and science following great dog trainers on social media and take specialised online courses in different subjects every year to deepen my knowledge.
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A Bit More About Me
I grew up in the lovely country of Andorra (in the Pyrenees mountain range). I’m now living in Christchurch, New Zealand with my husband and son. I have a staffy-whippet cross called Zazie from Dogwatch. Every dog I meet reminds me why I do this work: to help dogs and their owners live a happier, more connected life together. |
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“When dogs understand us and we understand them, that is when the real magic happens.”
