About Us
Real World Canine is us taking our dog training to new heights. Formerly operating under Pawsitive Behaviours, we’ve separated our training services to create a clearer, more focused experience while keeping the same team, values, and standards you know and trust. With the same team behind it, Sophie, Sarah, and Nic continue to deliver evidence-based, rewards-based training tailored to each individual dog
Hi, I’m Sophie!
I’m a trainer here at Real World Canine helping dogs and their humans navigate real life with more clarity, confidence, and a lot less stress.
Like a lot of trainers, my journey started with a dog… and not an easy one. Pebbles was my first dog, and she came with complex, deeply rooted aggressive behaviours after a rough start in life. Living with her changed everything. It pushed me to learn, to do better, and to support other owners navigating similar challenges because I know firsthand how isolating and overwhelming it can feel. That experience shaped the way I train today.
I’m an Accredited Dog Trainer through the IAABC and am currently working towards becoming a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant. I’m also Pet First Aid certified and an approved muzzle fitter. Over the years, I’ve trained alongside and learned from respected trainers both locally and internationally, continually developing my skills to provide practical, evidence-based training that actually works in the real world.
These days, I share my life with two Miniature American Shepherds, a bit of a shift from bull breeds to herding dogs! But no matter the breed, the goal is always the same: helping dogs and their people live better, more manageable lives together.
I understand what it’s like to feel limited by your dog’s behaviour but I also know there’s a way forward.
And I’d love to help you find it.
Hi, I’m Sarah!
I am a dog trainer at Real World Canine, working with pet dogs to live full, happy lives here on the Kāpiti Coast.
I have been with Sophie since 2020, learning the ropes of working with dogs and developing my skills as a trainer. This journey was sparked by losing my previous dog, Moana. She was an aggressive bully mix who taught me endless lessons in handling fear-based reactivity and understanding the compassion needed when working with these dogs and their owners. Underneath her genetic fear, she was an incredibly loving dog who was just trying to feel safe.
It was through her that I learned about positive reinforcement, clicker training, and management to keep her and others safe.
My current dog is a young border collie called Sadie, and she has been a troublemaker since the day I brought her home! She has taught me a lot about breed-specific enrichment and fulfilment—there was no point trying to work against her herding instincts, so I learned how to work with them instead. We compete in scent work competitions to engage her brain, she has her Advanced Trick Dog title, and we love exploring local trails and walks.
Whether you have a herding dog wanting to work, a terrier who loves digging, or a retriever who constantly wants to hold things in their mouth, I love finding ways to work with these behaviours rather than against them.
I am passionate about continued education and am working towards becoming an accredited dog trainer. I have completed multiple courses with the School of Canine Science and Spirit Dog Training, I am an active member of the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, I have attended conferences across New Zealand, and I am a certified muzzle fitter.
I would love to help you find ways to work with your dog and their genetics, rather than against them, so you can live happier, more fulfilling lives together.
Hi, I’m Nic!
I’m often the first friendly voice you’ll hear from Real World Canine.
As the administrator, I help keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes and am here to answer any questions you might have about our services, classes, and training options. With a background in business, I love making the process as easy and stress-free as possible—whether you’re booking your first class or figuring out the best fit for you and your dog.
At home, I have an English Pointer named Pluto, who keeps me just as busy outside of work!
