About Us
Our philosophy
At Dogs First we firmly believe in utilising the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) method. This means that we use appropriate, science-based techniques that prioritise your dog’s mental and emotional well-being above all else. Our goal is not just to achieve accolades for you, but to foster your dog’s development, helping them become the happiest, healthiest, and most well-behaved companion they can be.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all classes. Our focus is on smaller, more personal sessions, ensuring that each dog gets the individual attention they deserve. This approach allows us to cater to the specific needs and personalities of each pup, creating an inclusive and supportive training environment.
Training at Dogs First is more than just teaching commands; it is a journey of growth, understanding, and companionship. Our dedicated team of trainers is committed to making learning fun, engaging, and rewarding for both you and your beloved canine. Together, let’s embark on this adventure of fostering a deep sense of connection and understanding with your canine family member.
Welcome to a place where dogs reign supreme, and their happiness is our greatest achievement.
Our trainers
Sheelah
Sheelah began her canine career in the UK, breed showing with her first dog, a Bernese Mountain Dog, winning his class at Crufts. She then trained in Obedience, Carting, and Water Rescue, competing with her Leonberger in Carting and Water Trials.
After arriving in New Zealand, Sheelah started in Agility, training and competing at the top level. She later moved into Competition Obedience and Rally-Obedience (Rally-O), instructing at Titahi Bay Canine Obedience Club and qualifying as a Rally-O judge in 2014. She has judged all levels for both Dogs NZ and NZARO. Sheelah’s cocker spaniel, Pepsi (pictured here), achieved his Rally Advanced qualification and was working at Excellent level.
Being a spaniel, Pepsi showed an interest and ability in Nosework so in 2016, Sheelah began her Scentwork journey. They began to compete, and at the same time started tracking with Central Search Dogs (CSD). Sheelah furthered her interest in this developing sport, training and instructing with CSD and qualifying as a judge in 2019.
Sheelah was a member of Animal Evac, training in Animal Emergency Management and assisting on emergency deployments. She holds a certificate in Pet First Aid.
“For me, the enjoyment in dog sports comes from developing the relationship between dog and handler so that they work as a team, harnessing the dog’s natural ability. I love training and competing dogs and I am thrilled when they have success, but at the end of the day I believe the most important thing is to enjoy them as family members and companions.”
Claudia
Claudia came late to the world of dogs but has sure caught up since! Her exuberant black Labrador, ‘Layla,’ (pictured here) was the superstar that propelled Claudia into the world of dog training. During their nine years together, they trained in Agility, Flygility (who doesn’t love tennis balls?!!), Rally-Obedience, Domestic Obedience, Tracking, and Scentwork, and gained the much-coveted Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Gold certificate.
Claudia and Layla competed in Rally-O, where they earned their Novice title. However, Claudia could see that Layla didn’t really enjoy Rally-O, so on a whim, she tried Scentwork with her, and Layla loved it! Competing under Dogs NZ and SSANZ regulations, Layla became one of the first two dogs in NZ to receive a Novice certificate in buried hides (water and sand), and she acquired her Intermediate Scentwork title. She was well on her way to achieving the Advanced Scentwork title when Layla suddenly passed away. Missing a canine companion in her life too much, three months later, a male Golden Labrador puppy moved in. And they were off and training again! Sol (pictured top) is already showing signs of Scentwork potential.
Claudia is a student with Jean Donaldson’s Academy for Dog Trainers, has been instructing Domestic Obedience and Canine Good Citizen classes for Titahi Bay Canine Obedience Club and is currently in the process of becoming a SSANZ Scentwork judge.
Antonia (IAABC-ADT, CANZ-ATI, Cert. AC)
Antonia was fortunate to come from a family of dog lovers and quickly developed a passion for dogs herself. Upon returning from the UK in 2006, even before securing a house, she welcomed the beautiful ‘pound puppy’ Luca into her family. Luca ignited her interest in Domestic Obedience training, marking the beginning of her journey to become an instructor with Titahi Bay Canine Obedience, where she continues to train to this day. Antonia has also trained her own dogs in Agility, Competition Obedience, Rally-Obedience, and Scentwork.
After nearly five years with Animal Evac NZ, Antonia holds an array of qualifications in Animal Emergency Management, including Large Animal Rescue and stressed-animal handling. She led New Zealand’s only NZ Response Team programme Animal Rescue Team, and has participated in rescue operations across New Zealand, and Australia.
When Cairo the Greyhound-cross (pictured here), entered her life, it prompted Antonia to dive deeply into the world of reactive dogs. She sought a deeper understanding of emotive-cognitive connections in fearful dogs, exploring body language, dog aggression, desensitisation techniques, and the value of enrichment in creating a happy and content life for our canine companions.
Antonia has trained with experts such as Sarah Stremming of Cognitive Canine (confidence training, pressure in training, communication clarity, and marking), Michael Shikashio (Aggression In Dogs and Defensive Handling), and Sherrie Picking (Trick Training). She also holds qualifications in Animal First Aid & CPR, Dog Safety/Bite Prevention, Health & Safety, and holds a NZ Certificate in Animal Care.
Antonia is passionate about the use of positive-reinforcement based training methods. She is an Accredited Dog Trainer with the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants and has over 5 years working one-on-one with clients, helping dogs and their humans better understand each other, and using bonding, empathy, and fun to nurture calm, confident and engaged dogs.
