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About
Walking the Talk ....
The abilities of our K9 companions are unlimited - you just need to recognise them.
What is in a name you may wonder? ....
Tautahi -(personal noun) Sirius, Dog Star - one of the brightest stars in the sky and found in KāhuiTakurua (Canis Major)
Hi there - My name is Alex Schanzer and I am the owner / trainer at Tautahi K9's in Pukekohe, North Waikato, NZ.
Bryn is my K9 star who has recently retired due to developing Hip issues. Together we have been certified Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) live find specialists with the NZUSAR Search Dog Association and operational team members of the New Zealand USAR Taskforce.
Bryn's resistence to retirement has meant a new direction for us - we have now qualified and are active in the Therapy Dog arena helping to mitigate stress and strengthen mental well being. The results of this work is very humbling.
Over the years and most recently as CVL trainer for the SPCA, I have been priviledged to have worked with a multitude of K9 characters and have learnt from each and every one. These experiences, coupled with a desire to be a life long learner, have helped formulate the positive reinforcement methodology, which I follow in my training.
A passion to help others unlock that special relationship with their dog, is the cornerstone of everything the Tautahi K9's experience offers its clients, no matter which discipline you are involved in. Never forget the adage 'Train the dog infront of you'- every dog is an individual and needs to be interacted with and trained accordingly.
Enjoy the process and build the bond - the results are worth the effort !!
To learn more about Bryn's story and what NZUSAR SDA is all about and Tautahi K9s- check out the links below.
Disaster Dog Training
Working in this field has taught me an immeasurable amount about the K9 / Handler bond. Clear communication, patience and utmost respect in the abilities of these K9 stars who will go anywhere and do anything to find the subjects - all for a tug toy reward and interaction with their handler.
Alerting on Buried subject
Canine olfactory and cognitive abilities at their best ...
'Another one over here!'
Trained to find and stay with the buried victims and alert via a bark response till the handler arrives.
High Line Training
These dogs need to be comfortable in all scenarios - just another day at the office !!