New Zealand's Canine Specialists

Expert Care for
Extraordinary
Dogs

Professional dog training, tailored nutrition consulting, and holistic canine wellbeing — built on a deep passion for German Shepherds and all breeds.

15+
Years Experience
200+
Dogs Trained
100%
Positive Methods
Michelle's Canine Care Logo
What We Offer

Comprehensive Canine Care

From foundational obedience to advanced competition training and personalised nutrition plans — we support you and your dog at every stage.

Board & Train

4-Week Residential Programme

Your dog lives with Michelle on her peaceful Shannon lifestyle property, receiving daily training, structure, and enrichment — all in a real home environment. Designed to create real-life, reliable behaviour — not just obedience in a training environment. Taken on a case-by-case basis to ensure the right fit.

Week 1
Foundations & Engagement
Settling into routine · Building engagement & focus · Marker training · Sit, Down, Recall basics · Loose leash walking · Crate training & calm behaviour
Week 2
Obedience & Reliability
Structured heel work · Duration in Sit/Down · Recall on long line · Stay introduction · Impulse control · Introducing mild distractions
Week 3
Real-World Training
Training in new environments · Proofing commands with distractions · Advanced leash handling · Reliable recall · Neutrality around people & dogs
Week 4
Proofing & Owner Handover
Full command proofing · Off-leash work (if suitable) · Behaviour troubleshooting · Owner handover session · Take-home plan
Commands Covered
Sit · Down · Stay · Recall
Loose Leash / Heel · Leave It
What's Included
  • Regular photo & video updates
  • Progress reports throughout
  • Personalised handover session
  • 4 weeks follow-up support
  • Weekly online sessions post-stay
Pricing (per week)
$500 / week — food included
$550 / week — owner provides food
Please note: High-risk or aggressive dogs may require prior assessment. Some behaviours may need extended training. Results depend on consistency once your dog returns home. Not all dogs are suitable for off-leash reliability.
Enquire now →

Dog Boarding

Home-Away-From-Home

A calm, home environment on a lifestyle property with forest walks — far better than a kennel. Your dog is part of the family while you're away.

  • Peaceful 3-acre Shannon property
  • 2 acres of private forest walking tracks
  • Daily exercise & enrichment
  • Regular updates & photos
Pricing (per day) $40 / day — owner provides food
$35 / day — food included
Book a stay →

Pet Nutrition Consulting

Online & In-Person

Personalised nutrition plans tailored to your dog's life stage, health, and your lifestyle. Appointments available online or in-person — Michelle can travel for an additional fee.

  • Raw & BARF diet planning
  • Home-cooked meal design
  • Kibble quality assessment
  • Feeding schedules & supplements
Pricing $80 — initial consult
$40 — follow-up consults
$300 — annual package (1st year)
Learn more →

Competition Coaching

Obedience & Working Trials

Refine your partnership for the ring. As a Dogs NZ qualified judge in obedience and working trials, Michelle brings genuine ring-side expertise to every session.

  • Obedience trialling
  • Working trials prep
  • Ring craft & presentation
  • Handler confidence coaching
Book a session →
Michelle training in competition ring Michelle with Sthine
About Michelle

A Life Devoted
to Canines

I'm a passionate and experienced canine professional based in Shannon, where I live with my husband on a peaceful three-acre lifestyle property surrounded by nature. With a strong background in dog care, behaviour, and nutrition, I offer Board & Train services, dog boarding, and pet nutrition support — combining practical knowledge with genuine care for every dog in my hands.

My property includes two acres of private forest with walking tracks, creating a calm and enriching environment for dogs to relax, learn, and thrive. I believe dogs benefit most when training, structure, and wellbeing are combined in a natural home setting.

I actively compete in obedience and working trials with my three German Shepherds and Border Collie, and am a qualified Dogs NZ judge in obedience and working trials. I also work with the Greatmates Greyhound Rehoming Programme — a role that helped inspire my long-term dream of working independently in the dog industry.

Dogs NZ Qualified Judge Obedience & Working Trials GSD & Border Collie Raw Feeding Advocate Shannon, NZ 3-Acre Lifestyle Property
Work with Michelle
Pet Nutrition Consulting

Feed Real Food,
Transform Health

A species-appropriate diet is one of the most powerful things you can do for your dog's longevity, energy, coat, gut health, and behaviour. Consultations are available online or in-person — Michelle can travel to you for an additional fee.

Pricing
Initial consult$80 Follow-up consult$40 Annual package (1st year)$300

Raw & BARF

Balanced raw feeding plans with correct ratios, organ meats, and variety.

Kibble Guidance

Learn how to read labels and choose quality commercial food.

What I Do
  • Nutritional education for companion animals
  • Food & ingredient selection guidance
  • Feeding schedule recommendations
  • Lifestyle & wellness support
  • General wellness-focused nutrition information
What I Do Not Do
  • Diagnose illness or medical conditions
  • Prescribe medications
  • Prescribe therapeutic diets
  • Replace veterinary advice or treatment
  • Provide emergency care

If your pet has a medical condition or symptoms of illness, please consult a licensed veterinarian.

Book a Nutrition Consult
Raven and Stash
Client Stories

What Dog Owners Say

Michelle transformed our reactive GSD completely. Within eight weeks of working with her our boy could walk past other dogs without losing his mind. Her patience and knowledge are unmatched.

S
★★★★★
Sarah T.
Owner of Kai, 3yr GSD

The nutrition consult was eye-opening. I had no idea the kibble I was feeding was so poor quality. Michelle set us up with a raw feeding plan and the difference in my dog's coat and energy is night and day.

J
★★★★★
James M.
Owner of Bella, 5yr Malinois

We went from zero to qualifying at our first Rally-O trial with Michelle's guidance. Her competition experience means she knows exactly what judges are looking for. Couldn't recommend her more highly.

R
★★★★★
Rachel K.
Handler of Zara, 2yr GSD
Get in Touch

Start Your Dog's Journey

Whether you're after training, nutrition advice, or competition coaching — reach out and let's chat about how we can help.

We'd love to hear from you

Based in New Zealand, Michelle works with dog owners locally and nationwide via online coaching. Reach out via the form, email, or social media.

Location Shannon, NZ — in-person & online nationwide
Email michelle@canineco.nz
Social Follow @michellescaninecare
Response Time Within 24–48 hours

✓ Thank you! Your enquiry has been received. Michelle will be in touch within 48 hours. A confirmation has been sent to your email.