Pawsitive Behaviours is a team of six, united by a shared commitment to high standards in dog care, training, and behaviour. Our collective experience spans personal ownership, professional practice, shelter and rescue work, and formal education.
From humble beginnings running small group classes, we have grown into a respected daycare and pack walking service on the Kapiti Coast.
In 2022, we were proud to be recognised as finalists in the Electra Business Awards—an acknowledgement of both our training expertise and our contribution to our team, clients, and the local community.
We look forward to welcoming you
SOPHIE
Sophie founded Pawsitive Behaviours in 2019. Born and raised on the Kapiti Coast, she is passionate about helping local dogs, (and their owners!), become some of the most responsible and have the most fun in New Zealand.
She is an IAABC Accredited Dog Trainer, she also owns Real World Canine, Dog Behaviour & Training. Sophie has worked alongside a range of respected trainers and mentors, shaping her practical, behaviour-focused approach.
Sophie shares her life with her two dogs, Bree and Hazy, who often join the pack for a day each week
SARAH
Sarah joined Pawsitive Behaviours in late 2020 and has played a key role in the business ever since.
She has undertaken formal study through the School of Canine Science, Fenzi and Spirit Dog Training, and has been working as a dog trainer since 2023. Sarah also continues her professional development and trains with Real World Canine.
Living with her high energy Border Collie, Sadie, Sarah brings both practical experience and a composed, capable approach to managing and fulfilling the needs of dogs in our care
NIC
Nic is often the first point of contact at Pawsitive Behaviours. As our superstar Administrator, she brings a strong background in business and keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
She’s here to answer your questions and guide you through the enrolment process, making everything easy and stress-free.
Nic has an English Pointer, Pluto, who occasionally joins us for daycare and pack walks.
BEX
Bex transitioned into working with dogs after a career in childcare, bringing a natural ability to read behaviour, provide structure, and care for those who need it most.
She enjoys both pack walks and time at base, where she makes sure every dog is supported — whether that’s through calm leadership, enrichment, or the occasional cuddle. Bex is a familiar face to our daycare dogs, as she’s part of the team every day.
She also owns a German Shepherd, Kaiser, who sometimes joins the pack. With her upbeat, cheeky personality, Bex brings a positive energy to the team each day
TRACY
Tracy joined Pawsitive Behaviours in December 2022, bringing with her a background in Police and Animal Management. Her experience gives her a calm, capable presence that the dogs respond well to.
After taking some time out of the workforce, she was excited to return to working with dogs — and we were just as excited to have her on the team.
At home, Tracy has a Husky named Grayson. She is confident with pack walking and has a natural way of connecting with dogs
EMMA
Emma plays an integral role within the Pawsitive Behaviours team. With a background in kennels and daycare, she brings a solid foundation of experience working with dogs in group environments.
She demonstrates a strong understanding of canine body language and provides attentive, considered supervision across our day service groups. Emma is also confident in pack walking and contributes consistently across both areas of the business.
As she continues to develop her training knowledge, her natural aptitude with dogs positions her as a valuable and growing asset to the team
Pawsitive Behaviours 