About us

ABOUT ME

Hi, my name is Emily.

My life has always been about animals. I grew up in the dog training industry and started assisting with puppy classes at 8 years old. I then started entering my own dogs into obedience and agility competitions in my teenage years.

After completing my internship and undertaking numerous academic studies, I became a qualified Dog Trainer and Behavioural Practitioner; I then ran my own dog training and behaviour centre in South Africa for 11 years.

After moving to New Zealand in 2019, I continued to pursue my passion in working with animals and opened See Spot Learn in 2020 .

I specialise in advanced behavioural modification techniques, focusing on helping families understand their dog better, and helping them learn effective training methods to improve their lives with their dog. My expertise also extends to fear-based reactivity, aggressive behaviours, and other complex issues like separation and isolation anxiety, generalised anxieties, well as compulsive behaviours. 

Everything I do with animals revolves around a strong core belief of Do No Harm, Cause No Pain, Create No Fear!

My training methods are based in scientific knowledge which are kind and gentle for your pets and for your family.

My Mission and Training Philosophy

For some dogs, the world can be a frightening and unpredictable place. Through understanding, compassionate training methods, and tailored behaviour modification programmes, I can help you and your dog navigate the fears associated with various life events and situations, empowering you both to face the world with confidence!

My goal is to help you and your family understand your dog’s unique nature and build a relationship based on mutual trust. Every dog is different, and I bring a wealth of knowledge from my long and successful career.

I approach each situation with empathy and compassion, aiming to understand the challenges you face with your dog, your family, and your household needs. I develop clear path to progress, along with an achievable step-by-step programme, using a variety of rewards, all grounded in science-based, force-free training methods to shape and reinforce desired behaviours. There are no harsh techniques that rely on consequences, correction, or intimidation tactics.

My training programs create a logical plan. Instead of focusing on what your dog may be doing “wrong”, and trying to correct it, I teach you how to set your dog up for success and shape new behaviours. You will learn how to manage your environment, reinforce the the behaviours you want, and learn what to do with the behaviours you can’t ‘ignore’. 

I will also teach you how to understand the role of the environment in your dog’s behaviour, helping you learn to manage it effectively. We use gradual exposure therapy, systematic desensitisation, and counter-conditioning to transform your dog’s negative associations into positive ones.

Specialising in:

Qualifications:

Accredited animal behavioural consultant
Canine behaviour professional accredited diploma
Diploma in canine aggression
Certified force-free training professional
Certified canine behaviour counsellor
Certified senior dog trainer & handler
Full member of the Pet Professional Guild
Full member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers New Zealand
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Qualifications

Accredited animal behavioural consultant
Canine behaviour professional accredited diploma
Diploma in canine aggression
Certified force-free training professional
Certified Canine Exercise Practitioner
Full member of the national institute for Canine Ethics
Certified canine behaviour counsellor
Canine Pharmacology Accredited Advanced Certificate
Full member of the Pet Professional Guild
Full member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers New Zealand
Puppies to Seniors Nutrition Certificate
Accredited in canine health and nutrition