Hamilton, New Zealand. Since 2018.

Training dogs.Teaching people.

Certified dog training and behaviour coaching built around real life, your dog, and the most important part of the whole process: the human on the other end of the lead.

Patricia hugging a big chocolate labrador outdoors

The Greatest Hits

Five tracks, all tailored to your dog, your family and your goals. Open the liner notes for the full story.

A1
Patricia teaching two children and a black puppy at home

Owner Coaching

1-1 in-home training and behaviour consults, focused on your dog's needs and temperament and your goals.

Liner notes

Sessions include a temperament and behaviour assessment, some of the basics of animal psychology and training theory, plus practical, hands-on training.

You'll get personalised information and recommendations, and a written support plan focused on building your own skills with your dog.

A2
Patricia crouching beside a grey Thai Ridgeback on a footpath during a training walk

1-1 Training Sessions & Walks

60–90 minute* training walks with your dog. One-offs or weekly regulars. Puppies too.

Liner notes

Sessions vary with the issues being addressed, your dog's needs and the goals. Keep going for as long as you like. Puppy sessions include exposure, habituation, socialisation and basic training.

Our holistic approach aims for pets that are balanced, mentally and physically, and able to live a happier life in a human world.

* Times and prices may vary depending on the dog's age and needs.

A3
Patricia talking to a room full of children sitting on the floor

Kids & Dogs Safety Sessions

For children and teens of all ages, and their parents. Perfect for school holiday and community programmes.

Liner notes
  • Understanding dogs and their emotions
  • Reading body language
  • How to behave and interact with dogs
  • How to be safe around dogs
B1
A pregnant owner cuddling a yellow labrador

Baby Preparation Consult

Pregnant, with a furbaby already at home? A 1-1 session to help you and your pup get ready for the new arrival.

Liner notes

Tailored to your family's needs and logistics.

Note: this is not a behaviour modification consult. If your dog has behaviour or training issues, book a Coaching Session.

B2
Adults seated in a community room listening to a dog behaviour workshop

Educational Workshops

Teaching humans how dogs work and how they perceive our world. For your organisation, school or community group.

Liner notes

Topics include animal behaviour, training, communication, safety and defensive handling. Sessions can focus on specific issues like reactivity, aggression or children, or wider ones like social expectations and manners.

What's your dog actually saying?

Dogs talk all day long. Pick a signal and read the translation.

A quick taste, not a diagnosis. Every dog is different and context matters, so read the whole dog. Worried about yours? Ask Patricia.

Patricia smiling cheek to cheek with Lilly, a white and black dog
Patricia & Lilly
Patricia sitting on the grass with a small tan and white dog in a blue harness
Bessie in training
Patricia patting a white horse
Horses are magical

Meet Patricia

After many years in the corporate world, Patricia finally chased her passion for animals, education and teaching, and started Dog Minds NZ in 2018.

Dog training isn't just about obedience, and it isn't just about the dog. The human side is the most integral part, so your plan is built to fit your lifestyle, with an integrated approach based on respect, understanding, communication and obedience.

Think of dogs as those foreign best mates we choose to share our lives with, who need our help to understand how our crazy world works. Methods here are gentle, education-based and scientific, and small wins always get celebrated.

  • NDTF Certified Trainer
  • Full Member APDTNZ / CANZ
  • Kids Safe with Dogs Instructor
  • ESL Teacher

Satisfied owners. Happy dogs.

11/10says Jessica

Patricia gave my fiancé and I the confidence to have our pup around our baby. Through her guidance and resources we are confident with all baby/pup interactions. After the session Patricia checked in multiple times to see how we were going and made sure we knew to ask if we needed more support. I would 110% seek support from Patricia in the future if we need it.

Jayda Martin-Fitzharris 2022

Patricia is amazing!! Being first time dog owners, we needed a lot of guidance to help our boy through the adolescent stage and we couldn't have asked for a better trainer! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Patricia to anyone :)

Katie Cammell 2021

We have a rescue pup who is 1 years old who is reactive on the lead, overprotective and insecure. We have been able to work through these together and help make Kobe the confident dog he is meant to be! Patricia is so lovely, bubbly and approachable and we wouldn't want to go with anyone else. I would highly recommend her. Can't wait for more sessions !! 11/10

Jessica Anne Supardi 2021

Patricia is truly an outstanding trainer, one of New Zealand's best. She is compassionate, knowledgable, and determined to see your dog thrive! After just one consultation with Patricia we had incredible breakthrough with our puppy's behaviour. 100% recommend Dog Minds!

Hannah-Rose Haimona 2020

Patricia is passionate, knowledgeable and has excellent communication skills with both dogs and humans. In our first session together she gave me so many useful tips and strategies, all of which are proving to be really valuable. I can't recommend Dog Minds highly enough.

Jo Lascelles 2020

Patricia is super passionate about dogs and was very experienced with Monty given his young age. The tools and tips she suggested have worked perfectly. Monty quickly learnt positive behaviours and responded quickly to his training. We would highly recommend Patricia and her services.

Deena Clarkson 2019

More reviews on Facebook

Let's talk dog.

021 775 562
Email
dogmindsnz@gmail.com
Where
St Andrews, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand
Get directions

This opens your email app with your message ready to go.