Maree as a child was always training all the family pets to do tricks, follow her around, jump over go under or through things. Anything was possible, the animals cats, dog’s goats, cows, chickens and whatever else wanted to get in on the fun. Maree started her working life farming. One of her first jobs after that was a vet nurse, not able to handle people putting their pets to sleep because they said they were “bad” She thought there must be a better way. Maree ran a boarding kennel for about 6 years and watching the behaviour of the dogs became a passion. Working with many dogs and their humans was enormously rewarding. It was time to leave the boarding kennels and do what her true passion was. She trained with several dog trainers in New Zealand and overseas. Most of the trainers had different ways to train and anything that would harm the dog was instantly dismissed as nothing learns well when in pain and that just didn’t sit right. She has done several dog training courses and is always looking at what is happening in the world of dog training. Maree found what has worked with her beliefs and caring nature. Treat training didn’t make sense as she had never used it as a child and those animals would do anything for her, also pets don’t give each other treats to explain things or train. It is all about going back to nature, understanding your dog, using love and praise.

Over the past 27 years of training some things have changed and she is always open to learning new things, however the core of the respect training has stayed the same. Dog training is more than a job it is a passion and as Maree explains it is who she is.
So having the Pet Lodge is just another way she can spend time with many different personalities, always learning