About See Spot Learn
My Journey
Hi, my name is Emily.
Welcome to See Spot Learn, where your dog’s physical and emotional well-being is at the heart of everything I do.
Dogs have been my life since childhood. I grew up in the dog training industry, my mother is also a behaviourist and trainer, and I started assisting her with puppy classes when I was just 8 years old. That early immersion gave me nearly 30 years of hands-on experience with dogs of all ages, breeds, and behavioural challenges.
During my teenage years, I competed in agility, rally obedience, and other dog sports, and completed the AKC Canine Good Citizen program for therapy dog training.
After completing my formal education, internship, and academic studies, I became a qualified dog trainer and behaviour consultant. I ran my own successful dog training and behaviour center in South Africa for 11 years, working with thousands of dogs and their families.
In 2019, I moved to New Zealand with my family, and in 2021, I opened See Spot Learn in Auckland – bringing nearly three decades of experience and passion for force-free training to the New Zealand community.
My Mission and Training Philosophy
Everything I do revolves around one core belief:
Do No Harm, Cause No Pain, Create No Fear.
My methods are based on current scientific research and use positive reinforcement – no harsh corrections, intimidation, or outdated dominance techniques. Just clear, achievable plans that work for your dog and your family.
How I Work With Families
For many dogs, the world feels frightening and unpredictable. Through compassionate, tailored behaviour modification programs, I help you and your dog build confidence and face challenges together.
Working with dog behaviour isn’t just my job, it’s my deep passion. Over my career in New Zealand and South Africa, I’ve helped thousands of dogs and their families tackle challenges like anxiety, reactivity, and aggression. My puppy training courses help prevent behavioural struggles before they start.
My Approach
I approach every case with empathy, understanding the challenges you face with your dog, your family, and your household. My programs focus on setting your dog up for success, and helping you teach your dog what you would like, rather than just waiting to ‘correct’ them when they do something you don’t want.
You’ll learn how to:
– Manage your environment to prevent problem behaviours
– Reinforce behaviours you want to see more of
– Address persistent challenges that can’t be ignored
– Understand how your dog’s environment affects their behaviour
Through gradual exposure, counter-conditioning, and positive reinforcement, we change negative associations into positive experiences. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, reactivity, aggression, or puppy challenges, my methods create lasting change.
Behavioural Specialisations
- Fear-based reactivity (towards people, dogs, or other triggers)
- Aggression (including fear aggression, frustration-based aggression, and resource guarding)
- Separation distress and isolation distress
- Compulsive behaviours (repetitive behaviours like tail chasing, shadow chasing, or excessive licking)
- Anxiety disorders (including generalised anxiety and specific phobias)
- Sound sensitivities and noise phobias
- Hyperarousal and difficulty settling
- Frustration-based behaviours
- Predatory behaviour management
- Multi-dog household conflicts
- Fearful and under-exposed dogs
- Puppy and Adolescent behavioural development
- Rescue adjustment support
Qualifications & Professional Memberships
Accredited Animal Behaviour Consultant.
Accredited with the ABC of SA® ™ (CanineABCSA-0332020)
L5 Diploma in Canine Aggression (Dip-CA)
L5 Diploma Canine Behaviour Practitioner (603/4965/7)
Accredited Advanced Certificate in Canine Pharmacology
Accredited Certificate in Canine Health and Nutrition
Approved Health and Wellness Expert with Canine Principles
Certified Canine Exercise Practitioner (CEP-082018)
Professional Dog Trainer and member of the Pet Professional Guild.
Full Member of The International Institute of Canine Ethics.
Full Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers New Zealand.
I maintain my expertise through ongoing professional development and work internationally with veterinarians and dog rescues to stay current with the latest research and best practices.
