About DogsZone

Hi, my name is Leone Ward and I live in a rural property with my partner Jim, our 2 dogs Buddy and Chez and a bossy but lovable cat Chance. Most of the time we have another dog here that is either being assessed or in training for Epilepsy Assist Dogs.

Experience & Qualifications

I have trained dogs and handlers for over 20 years in many fields including both Urban and Wilderness Search and Rescue. I was employed at NZFB Guide Dog Services and for the last 5 years have been the Head Trainer for Epilepsy Assist Dogs. I teach puppy preschool and Real World Classes for dogs alongside my behavioural consults in private homes.

I have completed a Certificate in Canine Behaviour at Massey University, various in house course at Guide Dogs, have attended many specialist canine courses and conferences internationally and am a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) USA, APDT Australia. I am an avid reader of canine behaviour books and most recently I attended a 5 day conference in USA for Dog Trainers.

My methods

I choose to use reward based positive training methods and have a passion to see the dog/human relationship enhanced through greater understanding of dog language and use of good scientific, learning theory based methods. I regularly keep up to date with new training methods overseas and apply the best and most effective of those to my dog training.

I choose not to use fear based methods such as punishment collars, submissive rollovers, or dominance for training our best friend, the dog.

Full member of Association of Pet Dog Trainers USA, Australia & NZ

We offer free support for life by phone or email to any dog we visit and free repeat classes.

BECAUSE WE WANT YOU TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN TRAINING YOUR DOG

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