Real Stories. Real Dogs. Real Results.
Every dog is different, and so is every training journey. Over the years, Dogs Are Us has helped hundreds of Tauranga dog owners build calmer, happier relationships with their dogs through practical, positive training.
Whether you're welcoming a new puppy, working through behavioural challenges, or simply looking to strengthen your bond, nothing speaks louder than the experiences of real clients.
Read what local dog owners have to say about training with Kat.
Amazing Trainer
Kat is an amazing trainer and person, we were super sceptical that 2 lessons would even help, but honestly those 2 lessons did so much, the way she teaches not only dogs but also humans is amazinng, our boy buddys behaviour is so much better and we couldnt be happier. ! Thankyou Kat, so if anyone has doubts about booking, please dont! Just do it! You will not be disappointed!
Perfect Board & Train
Kat did a fantastic job of looking after Fudge in her board and train whilst we were overseas. Fudge had only just completed her vaccines so hadn't been out leash walking before her stay. Kat really helped to build Fudge's confidence and expand her experience of the outside world including socialisation with other dogs. Fudge also improved with her toilet training and puppy biting during the board and train as well as starting to learn to walk nicely on the leash, so we are enjoying having a much calmer and more engaged puppy after the board and train. Thanks Kat.
Simple, No Nonsense
Kat was amazing with helping us with Summer. She was clear and constructive and helped answer all my niggly little questions. She helped introduce simple no nonense steps that help us to communicate with our pup and get her on board with training. I trust Dogs Are Us so much we have Summer booked in for puppy sitting when we go away.
Brilliant One-on-One Training
Had golden Labrador in the board and train, the difference a week of one on one training made! The information and ability to read puppy's personality and behavior was huge help in the on going training back at home. We were tearing our hair out and frustration at night training was setting in, the calm after board and train was hugely noticeable!
Super Friendly & Knowledgeable
Kat is super friendly and very knowledgeable on dogs. She has helped us with our 6 month old pup and also helped teach us. Recommend her one on one sessions and puppy school.
Invaluable Training
We did Kat’s 4 week training course with our 6 month old schnauzer and found the training was invaluable. We have since caught up twice with Kat as we address certain behaviours that have developed and each time Kat has given us excellent training knowledge to work with our now 9 month old puppy. Simple and insightful knowledge, I would highly recommend Kat to future dog owners who desire to have well behaved and socialised pets that are a joy to be around.
More Client Success Stories
Every dog has a story. Here are a few more from families we've had the privilege to work with.
Panda
Thank you so much to Kat who was really amazing with our Foxy-Maltese-Lady Panda. Kat is structured, patient and absolutely natural with the dogs. Our dog really wanted to please Kat and so we were able to copy Kat to get good results. She also explained a lot and had a logical answer to every question. I enjoyed working with Kat and so did our dog!“ - Nicole & Panda
Shelby
I have a very hyper-active 2 year old boxer. I went along to the animal expo at Mt Maunganui to find a dog trainer that could give me some training ,I was not enjoying my dog as much as I should due to his bad behaviour, jumping up at me and strangers etc. I met Kat here and organised a one on one training session . We spent an hour working with Shelby playing games that were also training him to listen and respond to me . life has been so much nicer and im enjoying Shelby so much more we still have a bit to improve on but am very happy with shelbys progress. Shelby and I will be going to a group class with Kat to learn more and would highly recommend anyone needing some assistance with their Dog to contact Kat. - Gillian Stops
Jeff
We come from a very busy and chaotic family so the introduction of Jeff (the dog) into family life added an extra dimension. With three kids and being as unstructured as we are, trying to be consistent with our training and getting Jeff to do anything we wanted was a bit of a mission. Kat (the dog whisper) was introduced to us through a mutual friend and proved to be the sanity we were looking for. She talked to us about why Jeff was such a lunatic and what we needed to do as a family to ensure his safety and our peace of mind. With regular sleep overs and guidance from Tama (Kats dog) Jeff is now an all-round good guy and I feel comfortable enough to walk with him to work without a leash and for him not to run under a car or up to another dog and for me to lose control of the situation Basically, he is a great member of our family (better behaved than the kids) and we really need to thank Kat for that - Zac & Steff
Billie
We have Billie a female black retriever who is about 2 years old that Kat has helped us train her when walking with her especially along road footpaths and importantly when crossing roads.Kat has given us good dog obedience tips and methods to keep Billie with us and staying and waiting before crossing roads ONLY on our instructions.And lots of other good dog obedience tips.Thanks Kat. - Sarah and Allan
Loki
Kat was great, it was nice for Loki to be trained in an unregimented way in our own home and her familiar space. She offered great tips to take away and work on and was very flexible and accommodating. We would recommend Kat as a trainer for anyone with a new pup and a dog that needs some refreshers. - Susie
Zeke
Thanks for your help Kat, helping us provide consistency and recognising his signs. FYI Kat has helped us iron out some anxiety Zeke has around cars (barking and launching at passing cars). Improving every day - Rebecca Ryder
Lulu
We got Lulu (Shar-Pei cross Staffy) from [the SPCA] when she was 3 months old, she was very well behaved and perfect looking puppy. Kat was recommended to us by our friends and this proved to be the right decision. Lulu was abandoned as a very little puppy and ended up with Kat as a Foster Dog Carer and we believe that her very first beginning of life couldn’t be better than at Kat’s. Kat’s first training helped us to settle down with our first dog. She is 2 years old now and we have the best dog ever! Thank you Kat 🙂
- Oliv & Marek (Lulu)
Bailey
We booked Kat for a one on one training session over the weekend. She was great.She offered lots information and great idea’s, as owners we also learned so much in that one visit.Our puppy Bailey had a ball, we now have new fun interacting games to play as well as homework to do. I can already see a difference in our bond and can’t wait to show Kat how far we have come the next time we book her!
- Melissa
Ziggy
Just a short note to say thank you for your help this afternoon and for adding to my confidence by reiterating that I’m on the right track with Ziggy. I’m certainly looking forward to our next outing!! I wish you all the very best with your “Dogs are Us” business as I found you very knowledgeable, patient and confident in your approach to both owner and dog and I shall certainly be passing on your details. Thank you once again
- Dee
Archie
We highly recommend Kat to train your puppy. Kat recently had our puppy for six nights to help us to crate train him. We both work full time and were finding it very difficult to go to work each day on very little sleep so we asked Kat to help us. Our puppy Archibald had a wonderful time at Kats. Playing with her dogs and learning new behaviour’s. Kat not only taught Archie to sleep through the night in his crate but also got him used to some commands and helped in his toilet training. Archie is a lot better behaved now and we all get a full nights sleep every night. Thanks for everything Kat. We wouldn’t hesitate in using your services again.- Leanne, Kevin & Archie
Gracie
Kat has been walking Gracie every Friday for the past couple of months. Gracie is nearly 10 months old and is a busy puppy with loads of energy. Due to my change in work the dog walking service has been fantastic. Kat is a true animal lover and makes sure Gracie has fresh water after her walk. Kat has been wonderful to deal with and both Gracie and I have learnt a lot from her. Gracie walks on the lead a lot better now, she also waits by the gate on a Friday morning for Kat to arrive which is so sweet, this has been a great reminder of what day it is over the festive season! Thanks Kat! - Lorraine
Ready to Start Your Dog's Training Journey?
Whether you're bringing home your first puppy or looking for help with an older dog, Kat is here to guide you every step of the way.