About Us
Tania Nilsen & Samantha Jackson
Founders & Dog Trainers of thecanineclub
We are a team of experienced dog trainers and have over 12 years experience working together, successfully training dogs (& people!) all over Auckland.
Our classes are based on Auckland's North Shore and we visit all around Auckland for personalized behaviour consultations.
We have a "different than the usual" training style which is based around positive reinforcement techniques which you will find refreshing. We refer to ourselves as "hands off" trainers and do not believe in using any kind of force to train a dog, it is simply not needed.
We offer personalized home visits or training classes, which ever best suits your dog and your family. Our programs are created to ensure they are workable within the busy lives we all lead. We are committed to ensuring your dog has the best life possible with you, we will arm you with skills and useful tools to have a happy, sociable relaxed dog.
thecanineclub have trained dogs for NZ Epilepsy Assist Dogs to assist people living with Epilepsy. We are also experienced in training dogs to be well behaved companions for autistic children, we have found that a well behaved canine companion makes a positive difference in children's lives.
Testimonials
"It is with pleasure that I write this glowing testimonial for thecanineclub. I am a Vet Nurse and my goal was to attend a puppy class so that I could socialise my new puppy and have revision on basic training, as it has been awhile since I owned a dog. I very quickly learnt that my own techniques were old fashioned and that thecanineclub offer a training style that not only teaches your dog their 1, 2, 3's (sit, stay, come) but more importantly they have given me the tools I need to train my dog to be a well adjusted, sociable, calm, happy dog that I can take ANYWHERE at ANYTIME (or leave at home anytime). What more could you ask for! thecanineclub train 'what really matters' so that you have a content easy dog for LIFE without any niggly behavioural problems! I recommend thecanineclub to ALL puppy owners experienced or not. Thank you Tania and Sam for your professional, supportive and expert knowledge, I am forever grateful to you for the lovely dog I now have who I can truly say is my companion."
Aimee Welch Joey's Leader
“I would highly recommend Puppy Class. It was fantastic to see that our puppy enjoyed Class as much as we did. Tania and Sam were very knowledgeable and great with the different breeds. Classes provided us with some awesome training tips. Thanks “
Lylaa’s Leader
As a vet nurse and dog groomer, I highly recommend thecanineclub classes and behavioural consultations to my clients and have seen great improvements in the dogs which have attended classes there.
I started training with thecanineclub back in 2010 with my Wheaten Terrier pup Nala, firstly with puppy class at 9 weeks old and progressing through to the more advanced classes (her tricks are always popular!). We have been regularly complimented on her behaviour right from puppy age, and we can confidently take her anywhere with us. At 2 years old, Nala is now a show champion, therapy pet, agility dog, and excellent ambassador for her breed, and the classes we attended with thecanineclub put us on the right track with her from the start as we had never trained a dog from puppy before.
I have also attended classes with my adopted rescue dog who is reactive. Training a reactive dog can be challenging at times when working around other dogs, but training with people who understood our special needs and recognised that reactive dogs are not 'bad dogs' was refreshing and made the classes enjoyable.
I would not hesitate to recommend training with Tania & thecanineclub to anyone, no matter what level your dog is at.
Erica Petrie, Leader to Jock & Nala
Ben & I would just like to thank you and Sam again so much, since the last class Chester has been so well behaved (except for the odd jumping of the fence) but he is much calmer now when we have people to visit, and is way more calmer now around our god daughters and any other children we have around. I feel that by doing that last class has advanced him and ourselves further and I don't know how we would've coped if your team had not been there through all those classes
Chester's Leader
“It was great meeting you and sharing your in-depth knowledge of our canine friends”
Twinky’s Leader
“Leo's training has been going great, we've noticed a real imporvement, no more whining when we leave and he seems very happy. We got him a sandpit which he loves!! and everytime we leave do a lot more to make the garden an adventure for him using all your techniques.”
Leo’s leader
“Lucy improving - did not run across road to another dog and I had her wait outside bread shop, untied , and 2 big dogs went by - no problem! Maybe she realises I AM top dog??”
Lucy’s leader
“Thank you for your time and help in training our dogs. We thought your presentation was excellent and very clear, already we are making progress.”
Kaiser’s Leader
“As an animal behaviourist we have come to rely on her as our recommended reference for any problem animals. I have found that all of the clients I have sent to her have given me glowing reports of the usefulness of her advice and methods.”
Dr P Chisholm- Parkhill Vet Clinic
“Tania has a natural affinity with animals and has used this to great effect in developing a successful business in dog behavioural and obedience training. Tania’s help in being sought by an increasing number of organizations dealing with the role of dogs assisting people with a range of health challenges.”
Dr R Gregory - North Shore After Hours Vet Clinic
Aimee Welch Joey's Leader
“I would highly recommend Puppy Class. It was fantastic to see that our puppy enjoyed Class as much as we did. Tania and Sam were very knowledgeable and great with the different breeds. Classes provided us with some awesome training tips. Thanks “
Lylaa’s Leader
As a vet nurse and dog groomer, I highly recommend thecanineclub classes and behavioural consultations to my clients and have seen great improvements in the dogs which have attended classes there.
I started training with thecanineclub back in 2010 with my Wheaten Terrier pup Nala, firstly with puppy class at 9 weeks old and progressing through to the more advanced classes (her tricks are always popular!). We have been regularly complimented on her behaviour right from puppy age, and we can confidently take her anywhere with us. At 2 years old, Nala is now a show champion, therapy pet, agility dog, and excellent ambassador for her breed, and the classes we attended with thecanineclub put us on the right track with her from the start as we had never trained a dog from puppy before.
I have also attended classes with my adopted rescue dog who is reactive. Training a reactive dog can be challenging at times when working around other dogs, but training with people who understood our special needs and recognised that reactive dogs are not 'bad dogs' was refreshing and made the classes enjoyable.
I would not hesitate to recommend training with Tania & thecanineclub to anyone, no matter what level your dog is at.
Erica Petrie, Leader to Jock & Nala
Ben & I would just like to thank you and Sam again so much, since the last class Chester has been so well behaved (except for the odd jumping of the fence) but he is much calmer now when we have people to visit, and is way more calmer now around our god daughters and any other children we have around. I feel that by doing that last class has advanced him and ourselves further and I don't know how we would've coped if your team had not been there through all those classes
Chester's Leader
“It was great meeting you and sharing your in-depth knowledge of our canine friends”
Twinky’s Leader
“Leo's training has been going great, we've noticed a real imporvement, no more whining when we leave and he seems very happy. We got him a sandpit which he loves!! and everytime we leave do a lot more to make the garden an adventure for him using all your techniques.”
Leo’s leader
“Lucy improving - did not run across road to another dog and I had her wait outside bread shop, untied , and 2 big dogs went by - no problem! Maybe she realises I AM top dog??”
Lucy’s leader
“Thank you for your time and help in training our dogs. We thought your presentation was excellent and very clear, already we are making progress.”
Kaiser’s Leader
“As an animal behaviourist we have come to rely on her as our recommended reference for any problem animals. I have found that all of the clients I have sent to her have given me glowing reports of the usefulness of her advice and methods.”
Dr P Chisholm- Parkhill Vet Clinic
“Tania has a natural affinity with animals and has used this to great effect in developing a successful business in dog behavioural and obedience training. Tania’s help in being sought by an increasing number of organizations dealing with the role of dogs assisting people with a range of health challenges.”
Dr R Gregory - North Shore After Hours Vet Clinic
