Science-Based Training for Every Stage of Your Dog’s Life

From the chaotic puppy weeks to advanced support for rescue transitions, reactivity, and aggression. Get practical, evidence-based training built on nearly a decade of government handler experience.

Meet The Trainer
Hi im Katherine.

I spent nearly a decade as a Government Detector Dog Handler, training dogs to perform reliably in high-pressure environments. That intense, hands-on experience gave me a deep understanding of canine behavior and learning theory, skills I now use to help families across Christchurch and North Canterbury.

While I work with all dogs my real passion is helping owners navigate the stressful stuff: rescue transitions, reactivity, and aggression.I don't rely on guesswork or outdated methods. I’m always upskilling and am currently deep into advanced behavioral study to ensure my approach is strictly science-based, modern, and practical. 

As a mum with a busy household and my own dogs, I know exactly how overwhelming behavior struggles can feel, and I'm here to give you clear, actionable solutions that work in the real world.

Qualifications & Advanced Study
  • Government Detector Dog Handler (2016–2025) Fully qualified and operational with four working dogs
  • Professional Dog Trainer (PDT) Candidate – Companion Animal Sciences Institute (CASI)
  • Aggression in Dogs Master Course – Michael Shikashio
  • Certified Pet First Aid

Want to see what this looks like in practice? Check out my socials to see some of the current cases, dogs, and real-world training I’m working on right now. 

Instagram: @k9_equipped
Facebook: K9 Equipped Dog Training

Reach out today, and let’s build a clear, manageable plan to support you and your dog.

Services

Welcome to K9 Equipped - Your trusted dog training provider in North Canterbury. We offer a range of positive reinforcement based services including private training, puppy socialisation and behaviour consults. Whether you're in Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Amberley, or Christchurch we're here to help you and your dog succeed.

Solo Adventure $70

A structured, one-on-one walk for exercise and enrichment. This is more than just a standard dog walk. It’s a dedicated, individual outing designed to give your dog a safe physical and mental outlet. Handled entirely by an expert, these walks are tailored to your dog’s personality, whether they need a high-energy workout, a confidence-building sniffari, or just a safe break in the fresh air while you're busy. Includes: Convenience: Pick-up and drop-off included. 1-Hour Walk: Full hour of individual attention and exercise. Enrichment: Structured sniffing and confidence-building activities. Updates: Photo and video updates from the trail. Additional dog from the same household: $40

Day Training $90

One-on-one training sessions focused entirely on your goals. If you have a busy schedule but want to keep your dog's training moving forward, let me do the heavy lifting for you. During this dedicated hour, I work one-on-one with your dog on the specific skills they need most. Whether we are building confidence, mastering polite manners, or learning how to stay calm around distractions, every session uses modern, science-based methods tailored to your dog’s personality. Includes: Convenience: Pick-up and drop-off included 1-Hour Dedicated Session: Focused, individual training tailored to your exact goals. Owner Handover: Progress updates and clear guidance so you can easily maintain the new behaviours at home. What we can focus on: Reliable Recall: Building a fast, dependable return when called. Loose Lead Walking: Teaching focus and manners on the leash. Distraction Work: Learning to stay calm and responsive in busy environments. Impulse Control & Focus: Developing patience, engagement, and reliable boundaries. Confidence & Manners: Helping shy or easily excited dogs navigate daily life calmly.

Puppy Foundations $110

For puppies 8-20 weeks A 1-hour in-home consult covering socialisation, confidence, toilet training, puppy biting, and essential life skills to help your puppy get off to the best start.

1-1 Private Training From $130

Tailored one-on-one coaching for dogs of all ages. Whether you’re starting with the basics or tackling more challenging behaviours, each session provides practical, reward-based training to help you and your dog succeed. We can work on: Essential Manners: Loose-lead walking, reliable recall, and sit/stay foundations. Impulse Control: Teaching patience at doorways, settling calmly on a mat, and polite greetings (no jumping). Focus around Distractions: Helping your dog listen and engage with you in busy outdoor environments. Adolescent Hurdles: Navigating selective hearing, boundary-pushing, and sudden regression as your dog grows. Real-World Skills: Building confidence in new places and teaching calm behavior for cafe visits or vet trips. Problem Solving: Barking at the door, counter-surfing, or chewing household items.

Specialised Behavioural Support $170

For dogs navigating reactivity, over-arousal, fear, or aggression. Training a dog that barks, lungs, or panics in public is stressful. Using proven, evidence-based behaviour modification, I coach you step-by-step through a practical plan to manage triggers, build your handling confidence, and bring calm back to your walks. Behaviour Assessment & Strategy Package | $170 The essential first step for all complex behaviour cases. Before we can safely change a behaviour, we must understand its root cause. This initial deep-dive evaluates your dog's history and establishes an immediate blueprint for progress. Includes: 1.5-Hour Private Consultation: An in-depth, hands-on session at your home or a controlled location to safely evaluate your dog. Immediate Management Plan: Practical steps to stop the stress and reactions from escalating right away. Custom Training Strategy: A clear, science-based roadmap tailored to your long-term goals. Follow-Up Coaching Sessions: $150 per hour Available exclusively after your assessment. These hands-on 1:1 sessions coach you through real-world scenarios, focusing on leash mechanics, trigger management, and active counter-conditioning under expert supervision.

Travel Fee

For clients outside of Rangiora, a travel fee applies. This is calculated based on your location and will always be quoted and approved before a booking is confirmed.

Testimonials

     
Mallory Olorenshaw

Katherine is hands down the best! She has loads of knowledge and handy hints that have helped us so much with our Dogs. But most of all, she is so passionate about what she does. I couldn’t recommend her enough. Thank you so much once again for all your help Katherine :)

     
Alexis Tomes

Our 40kg golden retriever used to be a serious lead puller on walks. We had a few lessons with Kat, and she immediately identified ways to help us correct the behaviour. I would highly recommend Kat — she’s incredibly knowledgeable and a true animal person through and through.

     
Susannah Wilson

Katherine has been an invaluable source of information and help with my two dogs Silvia and Brit. My canines are so excited to see her. Katherine demonstrates such empathy with my dogs. I would certainly recommend Katherine.

     
Judith and Alistair Green

We recently had a 16 week old puppy join our family. We have always had dogs, but it is a long time since we had a puppy to train. Katherine has been a fantastic mentor to us and has helped us tremendously, both with current training practices and dog behaviour. Katherine has a calm manner, giving us clear, easy to follow instructions with an approach based on kindness and positivity. We wholeheartedly recommend Katherine.

     
Ella Crean

Katherine is fantastic! She came to us which was ideal due to the house being the problem zone for our dog and immediately made us feel relaxed. She gave us great advise which we are now working on and never made us feel like we were idiots. We now feel like there is a clear road map to helping our dog relax and become the best version of herself. The weekly check ins are also appreciated.

     
Minnie Fanselow-Brown

Katherine is a wonderful trainer who I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. I’m very picky about who I use - and I was very impressed with Katherine from day one. Her communication is excellent & her kind but effective approach to training is exactly what I was looking for. My dogs adore her! If you’re looking for an excellent trainer who you can trust wholeheartedly with your dogs and their welfare, Katherine is the best.

     
Bex Gregge

Katherine is hands down the best trainer She has so much knowledge and handy hints that have helped us so much with Gunner and now our puppy Bandit, both GSP's.

     
Greer Malcolm

Katherine from K9 equipped has been so helpful. We went to her wanting to work on our boys over excitement and manners. She has given us some great tips and we have seen amazing progress!! Highly recommend and our boy is always so excited to see her!!🐶🙂

     
Petra Dyer

We had a great experience with Katherine and our dog responded to her techniques immediately. We haven’t looked back and feel it was money well spent. If you’re having problems with your dog, don’t wait and fret, get in touch with Katherine straight away and make some changes.

     
Kristy P

Katherine is fantastic to deal with, great communicator and was so wonderful with the pup. Her calm, direct manner was very well received by the pup, and the family! She's incredibly knowledgeable about dogs, and her training tips worked wonders. Katherine, thank you!

     
Shelby Moulin

We felt so comfortable leaving our much loved dogs in Katherine’s capable hands for enrichment walks while we were overseas. More importantly, the dogs loved her! Would absolutely use her services again.

Contact K9 Equipped

Get in touch with K9 Equipped for professional dog training in North Canterbury and Christchurch.

  • Loburn, New Zealand

For bookings or enquiries, please complete the form below and ill be in touch shortly. Thanks Katherine


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