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Certified dog trainer
Lisa Coppins
Lisa Coppins

Lisa Coppins

Lisa Coppins grew up in Alexandra, Central Otago. After leaving school, she studied Veterinary Nursing at Otago Polytechnic. After completing her studies, she returned to her hometown and worked in various retail roles, as well as vet nursing part-time. She also ran puppy classes for several years.

In 2013, she moved to South Canterbury and settled in the Timaru area, where she works full-time as a Veterinary nurse. She noticed that many people would call her clinic for advice and help with training their dogs. Feeling a desire to help but lacking the necessary knowledge and skills, she embarked on a learning journey through Delta Institute in Australia to study canine behaviour and training in 2018. This course required her to make two trips to Australia, with assignments and videos to complete between trips. She completed her last assignment at the end of 2020 and was awarded the Delta Instructors Companion Animal Dog Trainer Course in 2021.

Training Philosophy

Lisa believes that training should be fun, innovative, and growl-free for both the animal and the human involved. She emphasizes the importance of a strong owner-pet relationship built on mutual understanding and respect. She immerses owners fully in the training process, believing that they learn as much, if not more, than their pets.

Services

  • One-On-One Consults: $70/hour, with the option of a report. Consults longer than an hour may incur additional costs.
  • Pre Paid Consult Packages: Save money by booking ahead. 3 sessions for $180, 4 sessions for $240. Pre-booked sessions must be completed within 4 months of purchase. Consult costs of $60 per hour for pre-booked sessions, that are longer than an hour may acquire added costs.
  • Puppy Plan: 3 sessions over 2-3 months for puppies ages 12-20 weeks. $180. Sessions must be completed within 3 months of the start date.
  • Troublesome Teen Plan: 3 sessions for adolescent dogs between 4-18 months. $180. Sessions must be completed within 3 months of the start date.
  • Scent Work Classes: 6-week program for dogs over 6 months old. $70. Handlers must be over 16 years old.
  • Workshops: 1-2 hour stand-alone workshops. Rocket Recall, Getting Control of your Outta Control Pooch, Bark n' Stroll, Introduction to Scentwork. Prices range from $35 to $40.

Certifications

  • National Certificate in Animal Care 2001
  • National Certificate in Veterinary Nursing 2001
  • Pet First Aid and Training (NZ) – Canine Body Language 2017
  • Fear Free Certification Level 1- 2017
  • Fear Free Certification Level 2- 2018
  • Karen Pryor – Better Veterinary Visits 2018
  • Low Stress Handling Certification Silver 2018
  • Delta Institute – Dog Training the Delta Way 2018
  • Feliway Cat Handling Programme 2019
  • Animal Evac NZ – Foundation Course 2019
  • Delta Institute – Responsible Companion Animal Ownership 2019
  • Delta Institute – Introduction to Training Class Management 2019
  • Fear Free Certification Level 3 – 2020
  • The Lemonade Conference 2020
  • Fear Free Elite Certification 2020
  • Delta Institute – Delta Instructors Companion Animal Dog Trainer Course 2021
  • Fear Free Trainer Certification 2021
  • APDTNZ Conference 2022
  • The Adolescent Dog - One-Day Online Conference 2023
  • Association of Professional Dog Trainers New Zealand - Endorsed Trainer 2024 (APDTNZ - ET)
  • CANZ (Companion Animal NZ) Accredited animal trainer/animal training instructor 2024 (CANZ - ATI)

Specializations

  • Puppy training
  • Adolescent dog training
  • Scent work
  • Fear Free training
  • Low Stress Handling

Training Methods

  • Positive reinforcement
  • Force-free methods
  • Science-based methods

Customer Reviews

Jade W, of Timaru - Betty & Ruby (ShihTzu x): Lisa was amazing with both our dogs, Betty and Ruby. She is kind and caring nature show through, she is professional and incredibly knowledgeable. Both of our dogs are completely different personalities yet Lisa knew which would work well for each. Highly recommended to every dog ( or animal ) owner

We've got the answers for your questions

Who are the dog trainers listed on this page?

We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.

How can I select the right trainer for my dog?

Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.

How do I ensure these trainers are competent?

All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.

Why is positive reinforcement emphasized, and what is it?

Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.

Are these trainers equipped to address specific behavioral problems?

Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.

How do I initiate a training program with a trainer?

Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.

How do group sessions differ from private ones?

Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.

Which training techniques do these trainers abstain from?

All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.

When can I expect to see results using positive reinforcement training?

Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.

Can I attend a training session to observe before committing?

Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.

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