Active Dogs NZ

The Border Collie is one of those breeds where the history explains why they can be absolutely phenomenal dogs… and also why they can be a lot of dog if you don’t give that brain a job. They were developed along the borderlands between England and Scotland as working sheepdogs, bred generation after generation for their ability to control livestock over huge areas of difficult countryside. That work required far more than simply being energetic. They needed stamina. They needed incredible responsiveness to their handler. They needed to notice tiny changes in the movement of livestock. And they needed enough independence to make decisions at distance while still remaining part of a working partnership. That famous Collie “eye” — the intense stare and controlled stalking movement you see in many of them — comes directly from that herding heritage. And those instincts haven’t disappeared just because the modern Collie lives in a family home. That sensitivity to movement can show up around bikes, runners, children or other animals. Their intelligence means they can learn brilliant behaviours incredibly quickly, but they can learn bad habits just as efficiently. And simply trying to physically exhaust one often isn’t the answer. You can spend your life trying to out-walk a dog that was bred to work all day. I’d much rather give them structured physical exercise alongside obedience, problem-solving, scent work, retrieving or appropriate outlets for those natural working instincts. They’re one of the most trainable breeds in the world when that intelligence and drive are channelled properly. But if you understand that this is a dog developed to think, work and respond for hours at a time, you start to understand why a quick walk around the block often isn’t enough. Give a Collie purpose, structure and a strong relationship with you, and you’ve got the foundations for an extraordinary companion. #BorderCollie #DogBreedHistory #WorkingDog #DogTraining

🐾 SCENT SEEKERS CLUB 🐾 (Daytime class)

Got the fundamentals down? Time to level up.

New venue every week. Vehicles, containers, interiors, exteriors, active retrieve. Multiple odours available and real-world problem-solving.

📍 Fridays, 12.30pm | Location confirmed on booking
🎟️ Single sessions or 5–10 session cards

Ready to search anywhere, not just the spots your dog already knows? 👇

https://www.activedogs.co.nz/classbookings

🐾 NEW PUPPY? WE’VE GOT YOU! 🐾

Is your gorgeous new puppy turning your home upside down?

Biting, jumping, stealing everything that isn’t nailed down, toilet training, pulling on the lead or simply finding the whole world FAR more exciting than you?

You’re not alone, and these are all things we can help you with!

Our Active Puppies Preschool is a fun, practical 6-week programme designed to help you build the foundations for a happy, confident and connected dog.

And when you’re ready for the next step, we have plenty more ways to keep learning together:

🐶 1:1 Coaching – personalised help for your individual challenges
🎓 Foundations & Focus – build those essential life skills
🏆 Dog Sports – Agility, Scentwork, Hoopers, Rally O, Flygility & Tricks for dogs who love to learn!

📍 Ōhau, Levin
🌐 https://www.activedogs.co.nz/classbookings

Puppy Preschool has spaces available now — start any time!

🐾 Classes are kicking off this week – there's still time to join! 🐾

Whether you're raising a new puppy, tackling those teenage dog challenges, or looking for something fun to do with your dog, we'd love to welcome you to Active Dogs NZ.

✨ Starting this week:
🐶 Trick Training – Wednesday 12.30pm
👃 Intro to Scentwork – Wednesday 6pm
🔍 Scent Seekers Club (Advanced) – Wednesday 7.15pm
🏃 Foundation Agility – Thursday 6pm

We also have open enrolment available, so you can start anytime in:
🐾 Active Puppies Preschool – Sundays 10am (8–16 weeks)
🐾 Foundations & Focus – Mondays 6pm (4 months and up)

Our classes are all about building a great relationship with your dog through positive reinforcement, games and practical skills that make everyday life easier—and more fun!

📍 Ōhau, Levin
🌐 https://www.activedogs.co.nz/classbookings

If you're not sure which class is the best fit, send me a message; I'm always happy to help.

⭐️ Tink did super well today nailing all four of her Advanced searches at Tītahi Bay Canine Obedience Club’s brilliantly run Scentwork trial! Exterior, Vehicle, Interior & Containers. I believe that gets her Vehicle & Containers titles! Such a clever girlie! 💖
Added bonus - I won a spot prize of a roll of Chunky!

❄️Snowy start this morning.❄️
This is the lowest snow I’ve seen since moving her in 2019!
Gorgeous & chilly.. The training still goes on with Tricks in the shed today at 12.30pm & Scentwork with hides in the shed, on vehicles, containers and around the property!!
New classes starting next week.
www.activedogs.co.nz for info!

Natural breed specific behaviours.

Here are my 3 doing what comes naturally to them:

Potter - herding Torin! Eyeing - Stalking!
Torin - Retrieving after sniffing & searching
Tink - Pointing her toy to get me to throw it for her

What natural/breed specific behaviours do your dogs do? Drop your photos below. ⬇️⬇️⬇️