Experienced dog trainer using force-free, reward-based methods. I care about the wellbeing of your dog.

Want to make sure your dog is treated lovingly and with respect? Need to know you can trust our training advice? Like to know that learning will be fun for your dog?

My dog training experience

My dog training philosophy

My principle is "First do no harm". I am a passionate advocate for science-based force-free dog training methods. Using rewards such as treats or toys works extremely well. Your dog learns fast and will be keen and happy to do what you want him to do. I want to help you build a great relationship with your dog and for your dog to be well behaved because he wants to not because he’s afraid of the consequences.

I am a vocal opponent of punitive, dominance-based training techniques, which can result in 'quick fixes' but I believe will ultimately cause more long-term harm than good while damaging the owner-dog relationship.

My mission

  • To make life easier for pet dog owners
  • To have confident, proud and contented owners who enjoy living with their friendly, social, and well-mannered dogs
  • Owners and dogs have a great relationship and fun together
  • Dogs enjoy a happy, fulfilled life as members of a family
  • Dogs learn through positive, reward-based training
  • Less dogs are rehomed or left at shelters

I support the work of the SPCA

About me

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Bev Binney

Dog Trainer and Animal Behaviour Consultant

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Full member of the APDTNZ (Association of Pet Dog Trainers New Zealand)

I grew up with family dogs and apart from a break when I got married and worked full time, companion dogs have always been a part of my life. I came to dog training because of a rescue dog I took to the local dog club classes more than 20 years ago when I lived in Hawkes Bay. After a couple of years, I found that I had a strong interest in training dogs, and began to assist with the classes, eventually gaining confidence and taking classes myself.

When I relocated to Whangarei in 2003, I continued my passion and started instructing with Whangarei Dog Training Association. I have been instrumental in developing the Beginners classes and the club’s Canine Good Citizen programme. I qualified as a Canine Good Citizen assessor for the NZKC in 2011.

In 2006, I started volunteering at the Whangarei SPCA. I developed a programme of behaviour assessments for all dogs and puppies that were received at the SPCA along with a continuous assessment and training programme for the dogs and volunteers at the centre in Kioreroa Rd.

Having attended a number of courses, conferences and seminars, I have developed a strong understanding of dogs, including their body language, behaviour and the way they learn. I remain convinced that they respond very well to scientifically proven positive training methods, minimising stress on both the dog and their people, which in turn builds a strong and beneficial relationship between the dog and their ‘pack’. Successful training is not a result of dominance, but a respect by all parties to the needs of the family members.

I continue my education and like to remain up to date with the latest developments in dog training methods. I read and attend conferences and seminars led by respected industry professionals in the areas of dog behaviour and training, such as Dr Ian Dunbar, Dr Sofia Yin, Terry Ryan, Pia Silvani, John Rogerson,  Grisha Stewart and most recently Nando Brown.

More than 20 years after I first took my dog to training in Hastings, I continue to enjoy helping dogs and owners get the most out of each other. 

All my dogs have been and are rescues. My husband and I currently have just one dog at home - an enthusiastic, but kind and gentle black labrador cross.