Dog Behavioural & Dog Training Services

A qualified Dog Behaviourist & Dog Trainer operating in the Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga/ Western Bay of Plenty & Rotorua areas of N.Z. since 2004 Do you just wish your dog would relax? Are they sooo excitable! Maybe they are a bit grumpy around other dogs (to say the least)? Perhaps your beloved buddy has even been 'kicked out' of Daycare or turns into a bit of a 'hell fiend' upon visitors arriving. Well, for these situations and more that can be impacting on your household, you have come to the right place. A happy and well behaved dog is going to mean less stress for all involved and more fun! With a deeper bond between yourself and your dog for now and the rest of your dogs life...As a Dog Behaviourist and Dog Trainer I service much of the Waikato (including the Auckland region on enquiry) as well as the Rotorua and Tauranga/Western Bay area's, with this, my prices are dependent on my mileage to you. *I believe in working on 'behavioural issues' where they are actually occurring. I am then assessing your dog with all their usual stimuli around them, including yourselves and we are undertaking our training in your home environment (as well as time spent at a nearby park etc. if this is where any of the issue behaviours are being exhibited and is included in your pricing). **The key to successful training is earning your dogs trust and respect. This is why I strongly believe a dog trainer cannot truly 'train your dog for you.' We work together. As a Dog Behaviourist, I train you in how to train your dog.
So what is a Dog Behaviourist?
Dog Behaviourist's help dogs in a very holistic way. We look at the environment, the people and other animals that your dog is interacting with, as well as the particular set of circumstances you are facing. We get to the route cause of any issues being experienced.We work like teachers, mentors and support people on your behavioural modification journey. Things may be a bit rough for you at times but we're here to help, getting to know you and your pack well. The 'owners' are who a Dog Behaviourist primarily works with, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behaviourist & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. Photo credit below, Lottie Hedley.
Examples of issues I can come and look to help you with include (but are not limited to) Aggression (including fear aggression and aggression between dogs within the same household) Territorial behaviour Separation Anxiety Nuisance barkingAnxiety and fear Reactive Behaviour (dogs may bark, lunge and/or growl ...) Jumping up Pulling on the leadBehaving in the carNot listening to youDestructive behaviour (Chewing, Digging etc.) *More than one dog? Dogs Best Friend does not charge any more for more than one dog. It's your dog's entire behavioural modification picture I'm assessing.
  • I offer -
  • - Behavioural Modification Consults
  • - Some Dog Behaviour and Behavioural Modification Seminar Downloads - $NZ 34.95
  • - A 'Puppy Introduction' Session
  • - A 'Your Teenage Dog' Session
  • - A 'Baby on the Way' Session
  • - My services as an Expert Witness on Dog Behaviour - in court proceedings.
  • - Private or public Seminars/Talks/Group Training/Instruction
  • Please see down below for further details on these services.
My approach is a way to live with your dogs for life. How? Through my - 'Behavioural Modification Consults' - Over the years I've developed a thorough and comprehensive system of these -
I come to you for a series of three visits, essentially coaching you. As a Dog Behaviourist, I believe it is important to visit you in your home to truly get an entire, comprehensive picture of your situation. I get to know you as part of getting to know your dog. The pricing for these three visits begins at $945 total and is dependent on my mileage to you and with this, I can give you this price over the phone or email. This covers - 1. A Preliminary Assessment, getting to the route of the issues you are facing - I come in with 'fresh eyes,' there's a saying, 'Those who live near a waterfall do not hear it's roar' and I find the sentiment to be true in this work. The Preliminary Assessment takes approximately 1.5 hrs, where I carefully read and assess your dogs behaviour and particular set of circumstances. 2. A Behavioural Modification Information Visit* (I try to get back to you for this within 7/8 days from your Prelim. Assess.) - where I'm looking to address the issues discussed, with demonstration where needed and a full set of consultation notes given to you (I prepare a 'Behaviour Modification Plan') taking approximately 3 hours. *As mentioned, we can also visit a nearby area such as a local park, as part of your second visit, if this is where at least some of the behaviours you wish to address are being displayed. This is inclusive in your pricing. As part of this session we discuss the why's behind the behaviour, as well, I will always aim to provide you with reasoning behind what I'm asking you to do - look I get it, I need to know why I'm being asked to undertake a task too. You want to be able to maintain your effort here. Then, 3. A Follow-Up Appointment, a minimum of 4 weeks after the Information Visit (to get your dog accustomed to changes being made and you into behavioural modification habits) taking 45mins/1hr - where we assess progress made, keep you on your toes and look to the future. You can also contact me via phone or email throughout the visitation process.
"Thank you for giving us the skills and techniques that we can use for the rest of our dogs lives that are simple, yet totally effective in every way.” Maureen Stewart
"We were thrilled with your wise and practical suggestions and training tips" The Valentine Family.
Buy and learn direct from me anywhere in the world! - 'Your dog need not worry about you and you can become someone your dog wants to listen to.' Download available for purchase in the Dogs Best Friend Store (click on the hamburger menu above) for NZ$34.95 ~ Through learning the often subtle behavioural cues of dogs (with practices here to do also) you can become your dogs leader. With this, leadership and dominance are different. An effective leader works with patience and empathy, wanting to inspire trust and confidence. You want your dog to look to you to make the right decisions, and a dog who feels safe and secure is far less likely to over-react to the stresses of daily life. Selina McIntyre of Dogs Best Friend will guide you in how to step up here, so, 'your dog need not worry about you and you can become someone your dog wants to listen to.' Why not take the first steps to bolstering your dog's contentment and your relationship with them today?! "Selina brings a personable, applicative, and knowledgeable approach to understanding dogs. It is not 'your average sit, come and stay dog training'. Selina has a deep understanding of dogs behaviours and can explain in straightforward manner practical ways to help your dog feel more at ease in a world where they are constantly navigating 'our rules'...To put it simply I believe Selina's approach and knowledge is of value to all those who are lucky enough to share their life with dog/s."Tamzen, Muddy Paws, Tauranga. The 'Puppy Introduction' SessionSet your pup up with the solid foundations for their future. Here I visit you in the comfort of your own home and we discuss, and I demonstrate where applicable, general training information and common 'behavioural issues' (nipping/mouthing, toileting inside etc.) that you may encounter with your new pup. This takes approximately 2.5 hrs.A booklet of training instructions is also provided to refer back to.Priced from $225.00
Selina McIntyre presenting at the Assistance Dogs International Trainers Workshop in Melbourne, 2024.
“The greatest gift Selina left us after she came to see us, was an improved relationship with our dog. We have been able to relax and enjoy him more since her visit.” Bonnie M.
A 'Your Teenage Dog' Session Are you struggling to understand what happened to your sweet darling pup?Welcome to the ‘teenage’ dog* … As can be with human teens, this period can be trying to say the least.So I can visit you, to discuss and demonstrate where applicable, general training tips and tricks as part of what your dog requires behaviourally at this time. We’ll look at common 'behavioural issues' (problems with the recall, jumping up, pulling on the lead ..) that you may encounter with your ‘teenage’ dog. This session runs for approximately 2.5 hrs. A booklet of training instructions is also provided to refer back to. This session is also priced from $225.00.*Maturity rates for dogs differ, with breed influences playing a part here – please enquire as to your dog’s rough maturity period. As well, I also offer ...A 'Baby on the Way' Session Are you expecting a baby and already have a furry family?Taking approximately 2.25 hrs. The 'Baby on the Way' Session looks at what it means to bring a little human into your pack and how to best prepare your dog for this new situation. We look at living with your dog, including general training tips to make life easier, preparing your dog for having a baby around, introducing your dog to your new bundle of joy and the management of children and dogs together. With this, a handy booklet of instructions is provided. This session is priced from $220.
I'm available as a Dog Behaviour Expert Witness on cases involving dog control, being presented to court. A price for this work would be discussed with you. I also undertake Seminars/Talks and Group Training/Instruction on canine psychology, behaviour and training. For doggy day cares, dog groomers, dog rescue organizations and other pet industry professionals, this is a great opportunity to up skill.
Contact me today, to discuss an education program to help you and your organization. Price upon application.
Ph. 021 353 669
Or alternatively email selina@dogsbestfriend.co.nz
Selina McIntyre, a Dog Behaviourist & Dog Trainer in the Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga /Western Bay of Plenty and Rotorua areas of NZ © Dogs Best Friend Limited N.Z. 2025.