Welcome to a new era of
dog training in Christchurch.
Welcome to Urban Paws Dog Training. Where Science Meets Real-World Results in Canterbury, New Zealand.
At Urban Paws Dog Training, we like to do things a little differently. We understand that humans have been selectively breeding dogs for thousands of years, perfectly enabling them to work alongside us in a variety of different roles. From lap dogs to herders and everything in between, dogs are truly incredible. So, it makes sense that genetics plays a huge role in what makes our dogs tick and behave as they do. What works for one dog may not for another. That is why we take a science-based approach to dog training, focusing on the role genetics, neurobiology, ethology and epigenetics in shaping your dog’s behaviour. Our goal is to create a tailored training program that makes learning fun for your dog and your family.
Tug Life – Where Play Gets Real!
We love to train through play! Engaging in play makes you the owner more exciting to your dog than all the other canines and distractions surrounding you. Play helps to strengthen your bond, reduces stress and anxiety as well as overcoming behavioural issues. By being the most interesting and engaging thing in your dog’s world, you naturally encourage better focus, responsiveness, and overall behaviour.
A Balanced Approach to Dog Training.
Our dogs need us to communicate clearly about what behaviours we like and what behaviours we do not like. We do this through balanced training. Simply put, we reward dogs for desired behaviours and apply gentle pressure when they offer unwanted behaviours. Corrections are rare but purposeful, helping dogs understand boundaries in a fair and constructive way.
Neuroscience has shown us that pressure is an essential part of growth and resilience for humans and man’s best friend. At first, the pressure of learning something new can be stressful, but over time, confidence builds, and mastering the skill becomes second nature. So when we work with clients to train general obedience or offer puppy training, we break each skill into small challenges to help the dogs develop resilience, confidence, and trust in their owner, forging a strong bond.
Making Dog Training Fun for the Whole Family
Training should be an enjoyable experience for both dogs and their owners. By incorporating scientifically backed techniques with engaging, hands-on activities, we ensure that learning is not only effective but also enjoyable. Whether you’re working on basic obedience, behavioural challenges, or advanced skills and techniques, we make sure the journey is rewarding for everyone involved.
Kia Ora! I’m Michelle, and This Is My Story
This may surprise you, but I didn’t set out to become a dog trainer. I am actually a 4th generation signwriter! So what’s a signwriter doing training dogs? Well…during lockdown, I purchased a pup. I had wanted a dog for many years, but the timing had to be right. Lockdown felt like the perfect time.
With zero research into breeders, I took to google and searched for ‘German Shepherd pups for sale near me’ and bingo! There was my boy. A fluffy bundle of cuteness. But as I have already mentioned, genetics play an important role in dogs. And I hadn’t bought a regular pup. I had brought a German Shepherd bred specifically for military and security work, sold to me by a security firm who realised that they could make a profit. The breeder practically begged me to sell him back, warning me that he was too much dog for me. But, of course, I thought I knew better!
Fast forward 12 months, and I was completely out of my depth. My dog was physically and mentally strong, dominant, and way too smart for me. Worse still, I couldn’t find a pet dog trainer who was able to help… he was simply too much for them to handle. I had never felt so alone or overwhelmed.
But I’ve never been one to give up. Failure simply was not an option. I knew that I had to figure it out myself. That’s when my deep dive into dog training began. I churned through thousands of dog training podcasts, signed up for courses, attended seminars from the world’s top trainers, and listened to countless audiobooks. Every spare moment was spent learning and it paid off. My dog isn’t perfect, but he’s under control, engaged, and can do some seriously cool stuff!
Before I knew it, I was helping friends with their dogs. What started out as a necessity turned into an obsession, and eventually, the hobby became a jobby.
I never want anyone to feel as lost and helpless as I did. That’s why I started Urban Paws Dog Training – to help dog owners in New Zealand build better relationships with their dogs through science-based, balanced training.
Let’s work together so you and your dog can enjoy life to the fullest!
Tailored Dog Training Solutions.
At Urban Paws Dog Training, we offer flexible, science-based training solutions designed to meet your dog’s unique needs. Whether you’re dealing with leash pulling, reactivity, poor doggy manners or would simply like some help with distraction training, general obedience, puppy training, or crate training, we’re here to help!
Our training is available in a way that works best for you – whether it’s a one-off session, a block booking for ongoing support, or virtual training from the comfort of your home. No matter the challenge, we’ll help you and your dog build confidence, improve behaviour, and strengthen your bond… and even get your dog into a fab pair of doggles if that is what you want!
Tug Life!
Where Play Gets Real!
One of the most powerful tools in our canine training toolbox is play. More than just fun and games for our dogs, play is a deeply enriching activity that builds your dog’s confidence, strengthens your bond, and accelerates real-world learning.
Why Play Matters
We see play not just as a reward but as a confidence-builder, and a way to unlock your dog’s natural drive.
At Urban Paws Dog Training, play isn’t just a bonus… it’s a necessity to effective dog training and canine wellbeing. We use structured and purposeful play to develop engagement, strengthen your relationship, and create a shared language between you and your dog. Through tools like the terminal bridge (dog has completed a behaviour and and can expect a reward), intermediate bridge (encourage dog to continue towards a behaviour), and no reward markers, play becomes another method for communication and mutual understanding. – Don’t worry, we’ll soon have you speaking the lingo!
Play builds impulse control, acts as a high value reward that goes beyond food, and gives dogs an outlet for their natural predatory chase sequence in a safe, constructive way.
But the benefits go way beyond this. We use play to help dogs learn how to shift emotional gears (drives). This can reduce reactivity, improve obedience under pressure, and help dogs become more emotionally balanced. Importantly, play can also act as a bond repair tool. Just as wolves use play to restore social harmony after tension or stress, our dogs can use it to reconnect with us after a challenging day, hard training session or trip to the vets!.
Despite the many benefits of play, very few owners know how to play with their dogs, or understand the different types of play. But don’t worry – we are on a mission to change that! We teach owners how to use play intentionally (not just as fun,) in a skill-building, trust-deepening, confidence-boosting way.
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Phone
0290 2099 339
woof@urbanpaws.co.nz