Accredited Dog Behaviourist & Certified Force-Free Dog Training Practitioner

Help Your Dog Feel Safe, Confident, and Happy

Expert, science-based behaviour modification and training for dog behaviour challenges in Auckland.

From puppy development to complex reactivity and aggression cases.

Force-free methods that create lasting change.

ABOUT Emily Dustan

Kia ora, I’m Emily Dustan, an Accredited Animal Behaviour Consultant and Certified Force-Free Dog Training Professional with over 21 years of experience working with families and their dogs in Auckland.

I specialise in resolving complex behavioral challenges including reactivity, aggression, separation distress, and fear-based behaviours. I also work extensively with puppy and adolecent development, helping you support your puppy’s social and emotional growth during critical periods.

My methods are safe, practical, empathy-based, and backed by current scientific research. I work internationally with veterinarians and partner with dog rescues throughout New Zealand to support families with their dogs.

How I Work With You

I use a structured, step-by-step approach to address dog and puppy behavioural challenges, focusing on understanding your dog’s emotional needs, not just changing their behaviour.

Whether you’re bringing home a new puppy and want to start off right, or facing ongoing challenges like reactivity, aggression, separation distress, fear, or anxiety, I work with you to create practical solutions that fit your family’s lifestyle.

Through proactive environmental management, positive reinforcement training, and addressing your dog’s emotional needs, we create lasting change, not just temporary ‘fixes’.

Your dogs favourite place!

See Spot Learn Dog Behaviour and Training Centre Onehunga

Our purpose-built center in Onehunga has been designed with your dog’s comfort in mind. We’ve eliminated typical stressors found in many facilities – no harsh lighting, overwhelming smells, or chaotic noise.

Instead, you’ll find calm, open spaces where dogs can move freely and settle at their own pace. Separate areas for different activities mean we can tailor the environment to what your dog needs – whether that’s a quiet grooming session or an engaging training class.

What Our Dog Training Centre Offers:

– On-site parking for easy access.
– Surrounded by local cafes and shops (perfect for real-life training practice).
– Easy access from all Auckland areas.
– Maintained to veterinary-grade hygiene standards.
– Climate-controlled comfort year-round.

Dogs who initially arrived nervous often start wagging their tails as soon as they recognise our building. Many owners tell us their pets get excited when they realise where they’re going. That’s exactly what we hoped to create, a place where dogs genuinely want to be.

Our Location

364 Onehunga Mall Road, Onehunga, Auckland

dog fitness centre auckland

How We Can Help you and your dog

Not sure where to start? Here’s our top dog behaviour and training services:

Serious or persistent behavioural concerns?

  • Reactivity
  • Aggression towards people and/ or dogs
  • Compulsive behaviours
  • Severe fear
  • Separation anxiety or isolation distress
  • New rescue dog

Start with a Behaviour Consultation

Need help with basic training or specific issues?

  • Leash pulling
  • Jumping
  • Recall
  • Preparing for a baby

Book Private Training Sessions

Have a puppy under 5 months?
Join our Puppy Training Classes

Looking for a gentle dog groomer?
Find our Dog Grooming Services

Looking for something new and fun to do with your dog, and to keep your dog fit and mentally engaged?
Check out Dog Fitness & Enrichment

Still not sure? seespotlearn@outlook.com and we’ll help you find the right starting point.

Dog trainer in auckland

Dog Behaviour & Training Services

Relaxed dog laying on a mat in a park after training session

Behaviour Consultations

Helping with complex issues like anxiety, reactivity, or separation distress with tailored stratergies from our dog behaviourist.

Dog walking happily on lead without pulling

Dog Training Support

Help your dog learn new life skills through focused training sessions, addressing their individual needs and your lifestyle.

Puppy learning focus in puppy training class at Onehunga, Auckland

Puppy Training Classes

Set your puppy up for success from the start with specialist-led puppy classes focused on behaviour and emotional development.

Happy dog being bathed in grooming salon Onehunga Auckland

Dog Grooming

Our qualified groomers pamper your dog using kind, reward-based methods for all dogs, all breeds, and all ages.

dog sitting on balance disc

Dog Fitness Programs

We provide individual canine fitness programs to improve your dog’s physical fitness and mental health by conditioning their body and mind through fun and strategic exercises.

Books by Emily Dustan

Great dog training book for first time dog owners

Training Humans, Teaching Dogs

Helping you understand your dog better.

A practical guide for new dog owners covering puppy development, training basics, and understanding how dogs learn – using modern, force-free methods.

Perfect for anyone starting with a new puppy, welcoming a rescue, or wanting to move away from outdated training approaches.

Educational childrens book about dogs

A Friend Named Dog

A children’s book that teaches kids how to read canine body language and interact safely with dogs.

Told from a dog’s perspective, this engaging story helps young readers understand when dogs need space, how to greet dogs respectfully, and why dogs communicate the way they do. Perfect for families with young children.

Marjorie Reid
Marjorie Reid
Above and beyond my expectations and experience from a puppy class and a very dedicated, passionate, positive reinforcement trainers! Highly recommend for anyone wanting to train a dog in a fast, smart, kind and effective manner. Extremely knowledgeable, compassionate and clear instruction that flexes, respects and accounts for individual needs. We are so grateful to have found this gem in Auckland!
Esther Croft
Esther Croft
Emily has been amazing for our dog Buddy who had anxiety and reactivity. The change in just a few short weeks has been massive, not just for Buddy but the whole family. Emily is super friendly and a really clear communicator. We really appreciated her pragmatic approach that acknowledges that we need a programme that works around family life.
Joe Mabon
Joe Mabon
My partner and I cannot rave enough about Emily's puppy classes and one on one training sessions! We have participated in both with our mini Schnauzer Arnie and we saw such a change in him within just a few months. He has learned self -control, many commands and has been socialization in a safe environment. From the beginning of our training sessions it was evident that Emily possesses great expertise in understanding and connecting with dogs. She was always dedicated to Arnie's wellbeing and his stage in life. Each session was tailored to address Arnie's specific needs and temperament, ensuring that he felt comfortable and secure throughout the process. Emily's passion for dogs and genuine care for owners and pups alike set her apart as an exceptional dog trainer. Thank you so much!
Danielle Engel
Danielle Engel
Emily is amazing! She has helped us so much with our rescue who had fear aggression issues. Great price, great service. Patience of a saint.
Abi Banks
Abi Banks
Emily is one of the most amazing dog behaviourists there is. She was recommended to me by my local vet because my puppy was exhibiting signs of anxiety around people. I took him to see her and she has transformed him into a confident very well behaved dog. She only uses positive reinforcement methods and is staunchly against negative reinforcement (like shock collars) which is an absolute bonus (and non-negotiable for me!). Emily also doesn't just focus her training on the dog, she provides owners with skills, knowledge, and resources to make sure that training is consistent and you feel confident as a dog owner. Lessons are fun, interactive, and she makes clients feel like a friend. My dog has attended puppy classes, one on ones, walks, and a home visit with Emily and we will be clients of hers for life. Thanks so much Emily!
Savannah Eagle
Savannah Eagle
I can't recommend Emily enough! My American Staffy, Kora, struggles with anxiety which results in her being reactive to other dogs and some humans. We have been seeing Emily over the course of 2 months and have already seen such an improvement in Kora's confidence, as well as making remarkable progress on her reactivity. I have learned SO much since meeting Emily and will be able to use all the material I have been given for the rest of my fur baby's life! Emily is thorough, passionate and just a delight to work with - if I could give more than 5 stars I would. Thank you Emily!! <3
Amanda Baker
Amanda Baker
I recently had the pleasure of working with Emily from See Spot Learn and I must say it was an exceptional experience. From start to finish, Emily's professionalism, expertise, and genuine love for dogs shone through, making the entire training process a joy. Could not recommend more!
Sebastian
Sebastian
I would highly recommend See Spot Learn to anyone who needs a dog trainer. As a first time dog owner with a notoriously stubborn breed (ah, the Dachshund), I have been working with Emily and her amazing team over the past 8 months. I have taken my puppy through three of her courses, as well as private sessions. The courses were super fun for both myself and my dog, and helped my dog build a lot of essential life skills and confidence. A plethora of supporting resources and guidance was also provided during the courses. Emily has a fantastic way of teaching (both the puppies and the parents) and genuinely cares and shows so much respect for each dog and their owners. She has a solution for every problem and goes the extra mile to make sure any problems or concerns you have with your pup are being taken care of. With Emily’s help I have successfully worked through a major separation anxiety / isolation distress problem I had with my new pup, and with the skills and training she has given me, I have gone from not being able to leave the room without my pup (let alone the house), to being able to leave my dog comfortably, confidently and happy, home alone for 4-6 hours at a time. Emily and her team’s help has had a major impact on my quality of life and my bond with my dog.
Alisha Lee
Alisha Lee
I engaged Emily for a 1-1 trainer for my little dog Elmo. Emily has been a real pleasant to deal with and she really knows what she is doing. She knows what the dog needs and we saw improvement each time after Elmo attended the training. She has great passion in dog training and make it so easy to follow. I’m glad I found her and would not hesitate to bring Elmo back in the future for further training if required. Highly recommended, thanks Emily for the great time and training sessions
Sophie McLernon
Sophie McLernon
As a first-time dog owner, I couldn't rate Emily more highly, I used her for an initial couple of home visits when I got my puppy and she made me feel confident and empowered with a clear plan of how to start to train a puppy with good habits and positive reinforcement. She has amazing suggestions for dealing with different scenarios and how to redirect. I also went through her puppy training and now have a dog that is (relatively) calm for a puppy, can go off-leash and doesn't have separation anxiety. If you are thinking of getting a trainer you cannot go past Emily. She is a godsend. If I could give more stars, I would.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I’m an Accredited Animal Behaviour Consultant (CanineABCSA0332020) and Certified Force-Free Dog Training Practitioner with the Animal Behaviour Consultants of Southern Africa, with over 21 years of hands-on experience.

My qualifications include:

  • Accredited Animal Behaviour Consultant with ABC of SA®™
  • Diploma in Canine Aggression (Dip-CA)
  • Accredited Canine Professional Diploma
  • Certified Health and Wellness Expert
  • Accredited Canine Pharmacology Advanced Certificate
  • Certified Canine Exercise Consulant
  • Certified Behaviour Consultant and Trainer with the International Institute of Canine Ethics

I’m also a Professional Dog Trainer and active member of:

  • Pet Professional Guild
  • The National Institute of Canine Ethics (Full Member)
  • Association of Professional Dog Trainers New Zealand (Full Member)

I maintain these qualifications through ongoing academic study and work internationally with veterinarians and dog rescues to stay current with the latest research and best practices.

I use force-free, positive reinforcement methods based on current scientific research. No shock collars, prong collars, intimidation, or punishment. I focus on understanding your dog’s emotional needs and teaching them what TO do, rather than punishing what not to do.

Yes, I specialise in complex behaviour challenges including reactivity and aggression. My structured approach focuses on understanding the underlying emotions and triggers, then creating a step-by-step plan for lasting change.

Every dog is different, but most families see initial improvements within 2-4 weeks. Complex issues may take 3-6 months of consistent work. I provide ongoing support throughout your dog’s journey.

Yes! I run puppy classes focusing on positive exposure during the socialisation period, confidence building, and early learning. These are especially important during critical developmental periods and help prevent future behaviour issues.

Absolutely. I have extensive experience helping families with newly adopted dogs, including those with unknown histories or special needs. Many rescues refer families to me for ongoing support.

Yes, separation and isolation distress are specialties of mine. I use gradual desensitisation techniques, environmental management, and counter-conditioning to help build your dog’s confidence and independence with the goal of them being comfortable when left alone. This is a complex issue that requires patience and a carefully structured approach, but with consistent work, most dogs can learn to feel secure during alone time.

Yes, I work with families locally in Auckland and internationally via video consultations, depending on your dog’s specific needs. Many behavior modification plans can be successfully implemented remotely with proper guidance.

Serving All of Auckland

Based in Onehunga, we’re centrally located and easily accessible from all Auckland areas including:

– Central Auckland, Ellerslie, Remuera, Greenlane, Royal Oak
– Mt Roskill, Three Kings, Mt Eden, Epsom
– Papatoetoe, Otahuhu, Mangere, Manukau
– North Shore, West Auckland, East Auckland, South Auckland

364 Onehunga Mall Road, Onehunga, Auckland

✓ Convenient on-site parking
✓ Close to motorway access
✓ Easy access via public transport

Border Terrier happily sitting in our Onehunga Dog Behaviour and Training Centre

Ready to Help Your Dog?

Whether you’re dealing with a behavioral challenge, looking for a dog groomer near you, wanting to do more with your dog, or want to give your puppy the best start, we’re here to help.

Call: +27 220 1867
Email: seespotlearn@outlook.com

Not sure where to start? Get in touch and we’ll help you find the right service for your dog’s needs.

Contact us with questions