TAUTAHI K9's

Release the potential in your K9 star

Welcome to Tautahi K9's
Mission Statement - Our aim is to help clients realise the potential that lies within their dogs, so they may excel in whichever discipline they follow. Every dog is an individual and has a job - its just finding out what that is ! By utilising various techniques and following a methodology of positive reinforcement, let Tautahi K9's help you create a stronger bond with your dog to achieve a better outcome for both partners in the relationship.
* Foundation and Behaviour skills * Aggression in dogs* Confidence building* Tracking / Trailing* Scent detection

K9 Training Apparel

Quality products We use, recommend and supply

Julius K9, Ruffwear, Cato Outdoors and Squishy Face studios all produce exceptional quality products for K9 training - Check out our Training Resources Shop for further information

How we can Help

A brief overview of some of the services Tautahi K9's offer. Please get in touch for further information.
GPS tracked conditioning
Conditioning runs in forest environments for small groups, ideal for high drive individuals. GPS collared for added security.
Body awareness and confidence
No matter which discipline, Our purpose built elements will help develop crucial proprioception and confidence, in your K9.
Tracking / Trailing Skills
Utilise your dogs innate hunting abilities to train tracking and trailing - for article searches or human scent.
Scentwork and detection skills
Olfaction is our K9's superpower - Learning SW is great for all breeds and sizes and dispositions.

Client testimonials

  • Deborah Levy and Brian Bookman and Mabel
    "Alex has been an amazing, kind and patient teacher to Mabel and us. He has identified clearly behaviours that we can work on and also behaviours. that are natural for a young puppy that we need to accept and manage. Having Alex there has given us the confidence to work with Mabel and even after 3 weeks, we have seen a change in both her and us. Best of all, we are enjoying the process! We look forward to working with Alex to see Mabel mature into the best dog that she can be and for us to be the best dog owners that we can be ..."
  • Phil and Chico
    " Chico (our 18 mth old Labrador Retriever) and I have had 'one on one' training with Alex at Tautahi K9s and its been fantastic. Alex has a mountain of experience with dogs (literally) from his USAR search dog training / operations. With amazing patience and guidance, he gave both Chico and myself great training and exercises for core strengthening, body awareness workouts, agility, confidence and obedience working on recall and lead pulling being our main issues prior. Alex quickly identified Chico's drivers being olfactory related and provided helpful advice and exercise routines to enrich playtime and daily life. We look forward to our sessions ! Highly recommend Tautahi K9s, many thanks for your superb help Alex "
  • Alexandra Gilchrist and Charlie
    "I highly recommend Alex's classes. My dog Charlie and I, did two group courses of scent work classes at the end of '22 and throughly enjoyed them. Alex is a fantastic, passionate instructor. His USAR background gives him a wealth of practical, real world knowledge. Even though we had a total mix of handlers and dogs in our classes, in regards to breeds and experience, Alex's spot on patient guidance, brought out the best in each team. Charlie and I were novices going into this course and it was incredible to see how quickly (under Alex's careful instruction) he picked it up. In just 6wks Charlie went from no training to being able to locate a hide with just a small amount of source odour, in a large farm shed. I learnt so much and am really grateful to Alex for giving us a fantastic introduction to this wonderful sport. Again, I highly recommend Alex's courses for anyone wanting to learn more about scent work, refine your existing skills or if you want 1 on 1 classes. I'm just sad that we've since moved overseas, otherwise I'd keep going to Alex's classes !"
  • Matthew Boland and Bella
    " Alex has helped us tremendously. He was incredibly patient throughout, fun to work with and has a vast knowledge base. After a couple of one on one sessions he has given me the confidence and know - how to manage situations which were previously impossible and Bella is now making great progress. With Alex's expert guidance over a couple of sessions, we were introduced to tracking / scent work to give Bella a much needed job. Very happy I found Alex for this reason alone and we will be doing this for many years to come. I would highly recommend Alex to anybody needing help with their dog, he has a genuine passion for what he does, is very easy to work with and has your dog's well - being at the centre of what he does."

What We've Been Up To


  • Search Dog training

  • Proprioception

  • Confidence elements

  • Scent training

  • Interactive Play theory

Motivated by K9's !