Dog Behaviour and Training Services

Professional Dog Training and Behaviour Services in Auckland

See Spot Learn offers science-based dog training and behaviour services in Auckland.
Unlike many professions, the dog training and behaviour industry is unregulated. This means anyone can call themselves a trainer or behaviourist, regardless of their qualifications or methods.

At See Spot Learn, we use science-based, humane methods grounded in animal behaviour research. We’re fully qualified, independently accredited, and committed to reward-based training. Our focus is on your dog’s emotional well-being, not just their outward behaviour.

Behaviour Consultations

Emily Dustan is a qualified and independently accredited canine behaviourist with over 21 years of experience. She holds formal qualifications in canine behaviour, aggression, and nutrition, and uses science-based, humane methods to support dogs with fear, anxiety, reactivity, and aggression.

She is an Accredited Behaviourist with the Animal Behaviour Consultants of South Africa (Canine0332020), holds a Diploma in Canine Aggression (DiPCA), and is a certified expert in Canine Health and Nutrition (CP60082).

Emily is also a full member of:

  • Pet Professional Guild (PPG)
  • Association of Professional Dog Trainers New Zealand (APDTNZ)
  • The International Institute of Canine Ethics (IICE)

Her work focuses on practical, evidence-based support for dogs and their families. Every consultation is tailored to the dog’s needs and the household’s goals, with the aim of improving wellbeing, behaviour, and everyday life.

Find out more about Dog Behaviour Consultations.

Puppy Training Classes

Our puppy classes are specially designed and led by Emily, with a focus on emotional development, life skills, and confidence, rather than just teaching them to sit or stay.

We teach:

  • Confidence-building around new experiences
  • Calm and safe social interactions
  • Environmental management
  • Prevention of problem behaviours

We’ll help you navigate common puppy challenges, such as mouthing, toilet training, sleep routines, and preparing for alone time. These sessions support your puppy in becoming a confident adult while giving you the tools to guide them calmly and consistently.

Our goal is to make puppy training clear, achievable, and tailored to your daily life, so you and your new puppy can build a great life together from the very beginning.

Discover how our Puppy Training Classes support early development.

Dog Training Support

We offer tailored one-on-one training sessions to help with common behaviour challenges, including:

  • Difficulty getting your dog’s attention or recall
  • Reactivity on walks (barking, lunging, growling)
  • Pulling on the lead
  • Jumping up at people or on furniture
  • Struggling to settle when guests visit
  • Destructive behaviours such as chewing or digging

These sessions are ideal for dogs who need help with everyday routines or who haven’t responded well to group classes. Our focus is on practical strategies you can use in real-life situations.

The goal is to give you and your dog the skills to manage daily challenges with more confidence and less stress.

Explore our Dog Training Services in Auckland

Dog Walking with Training and Enrichment

Our dog walking services are more than just a stroll around the block. Sessions are led by Emily and run by experienced, positive reinforcement trainers. Whether you’re looking to give your dog a fun, structured outing while you’re at work or need extra behavioural support, these one-hour sessions provide both.

Each walk includes:

  • Confidence-building exercises
  • Sensory enrichment
  • Basic training tasks and fun games
  • Varied, dog-friendly routes

We tailor every session to your dog’s temperament, learning about their needs and unique traits. These walks are ideal for dogs who find group walks overwhelming or benefit from one-on-one attention with a trained professional.

Each session is structured into three parts:

  • 30 minutes of outdoor adventure walking with scent games—like finding hidden treats or toys. If needed, we also work on managing impulsivity, reactivity, or fear-based responses to help your dog feel safe and form positive associations.
  • 15 minutes of targeted training based on your dog’s specific needs, following a plan created by Emily and carried out by our training assistants, Brianna or Fiona.
  • 15 minutes of low-impact agility-style activities—such as navigating tunnels or gentle obstacles—to build confidence, improve focus, and support physical well-being without overexertion.

We book sessions a month in advance to keep your dog’s routine consistent. If you need to pause or stop walks, we kindly ask for one month’s written notice to ensure fair scheduling for all clients.

Explore our Specialised Dog Walking Support in Auckland.

Dog Grooming

Our grooming salon is based in Mt Albert, Auckland, and is for all dogs — whether they’re confident, cautious, or still learning to feel safe during handling. We welcome all dogs, including those that simply need a reliable and gentle groomer, as well as those who are anxious, sensitive, or new to the grooming process.

This approach is especially helpful for:

  • Puppies being introduced to grooming
  • Dogs who are fearful, noise-sensitive, or touch-sensitive
  • Dogs with a history of stress during grooming or vet visits
  • Anyone looking for a calm, behaviour-aware grooming experience

We work at your dog’s pace, using clear handling, choice-based interactions, and positive reinforcement. Sessions include regular breaks and are adjusted based on how your dog is coping on the day.

Our priority is to keep your dog physically comfortable and emotionally safe, whether it’s their first groom or part of a regular routine.

Learn more about our reward-based Dog Grooming Services in Mt Albert.

Dog Health and Nutrition Consultation

Our Dog Health and Nutrition Consultations are designed to support physical well-being and mental focus across all life stages — from puppies to senior dogs. They’re particularly helpful for dogs who are:

  • Overweight
  • Recovering from injury or surgery
  • Ageing
  • High-energy or easily overstimulated
  • Anxious or under-stimulated
  • In early development, and needing structured physical support (puppies)

Each session is tailored to your dog’s age, physical condition, and activity level. Whether you’re supporting early development, managing recovery, or maintaining long-term function, the programme may include:

  • Strength and coordination exercises
  • Joint support and mobility routines
  • Confidence-building through low-impact physical activities
  • Nutrition reviews based on current veterinary guidelines

Nutrition plays a key role in supporting a dog’s health, behaviour, and recovery. We look at your dog’s current diet in the context of their energy needs, weight, life stage, and medical history. Where needed, we offer practical recommendations that align with recognised veterinary nutrition standards.

This service helps reduce injury risk, support balanced development, and improve quality of life, especially for growing puppies, ageing dogs, and those with limited physical capacity.

Find out more about our Dog Health and Nutrition Consultation.

How We Work at See Spot Learn

We’re committed to providing care that aligns with current science and upholds a strict ethical standard: Do no harm. Cause no pain. Create no fear.

Our team is genuinely passionate about dogs and stays up-to-date with the latest developments in training, behaviour, and grooming. This ensures that we provide services that are both effective and humane, consistently meeting high standards.

All See Spot Learn staff are expected to act with professionalism at all times—treating you, your dog, and each other with respect, honesty, and courtesy. We are transparent in how we work and follow established best practices across every part of the business.

Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or have years of experience, we aim to be a trusted partner in creating a safe, positive, and supportive environment for you and your dog.