Meet Leone

Leone Ward

Meet Leone

Hi, I’m Leone, a dog trainer with more than 35 years of experience working with dogs and the people who love them.

My journey has included Search and Rescue, NZ Guide Dogs Services, 14 years as Head Trainer for NZ Epilepsy Assist Dogs, puppy and dog training classes, and one-to-one consultations with owners in their homes.

I studied canine behaviour at Massey University and have continued learning through courses, workshops and conferences in New Zealand and around the world. I also volunteer as a facilitator and assessor for Outreach Therapy Pets and am the author of Easy Clicker Training for Dogs.

I believe in relationship-centred training. By first helping people understand their dog’s behaviour and what their dog is trying to communicate, we can teach dogs to live in our world with greater clarity, kindness and success.

I created Dogs Zone because so many dog and puppy owners feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice and the sudden chaos of bringing a puppy home. My aim is to provide calm, practical guidance that helps people build trust, confidence and a genuine connection with their dogs.

I am deeply grateful to all the dogs who have shared my life and taught me so much. My current dog, Baxter, has benefited from everything I have learned and is a wonderfully calm companion who is a delight to be with every day.