BALANCED, CONFIDENT & HAPPY DOGS WITH STRUCTURED PACK WALKING.
Structured Pack Walks & One-on-One Dog Training
North Shore, Auckland
Calm • Confident • Connected
We pick your dog up, give them the best day of their week,and bring them home tired and happy.
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Picked up & dropped off from your door
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Off-leash walks in bush & forest reserves
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Air-conditioned van with experienced handler
Structured Pack Walks.
Monday - Friday
Off-Leash Adventures, Done Right
Our pack walks aren’t just good training – they’re genuinely the highlight of many dogs’ week.
Dogs get proper socialisation, physical exercise, mental stimulation, and the chance to practise calm, balanced behaviour in a real-world pack. They learn how to move together, read other dogs, and relax around distractions — all while having a great time.
What your Dog gets:
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Healthy socialisation with other dogs in a structured, supervised environment
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Physical exercise that actually tires them out — bush trails, hills, and swimming
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Mental stimulation and learning through movement and pack dynamics
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Practice staying calm and balanced around real-world distractions
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Secure pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned van
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Reserve and forest locations with space to run and water to swim
Pack Walk Pricing:
1x PER WEEK
$55
per walk
⭐ MOST POPULAR
2x PER WEEK
$45
per walk
3-4 x PER WEEK
$40
per walk
One-on-One Training
Tailored Sessions. Real-World Environment. Lasting Results.
Our private sessions are designed to tackle the issues that matter most to you — whether it’s pulling on the lead, poor recall, reactivity, or basic obedience.
We pick your dog up from home and train at one of our trusted local parks, creating a consistent, real-world environment that sets them up for success. No group classes. No showgrounds. Just focused, one-on-one work where it counts.
What We Work On
• Basic obedience and focus
• Reliable recall under distraction
• Calm leash walking and impulse control
• Reactivity to dogs, people, or bikes
How It Works
We pick your dog up from home — no stress for you, no rushing to get to a class. We train in a real park with real distractions. After every session, you get clear feedback on what we worked on, what improved, and what’s next. No jargon. Just results.
Most dogs show noticeable improvement within 2–3 sessions.
Pricing
$150 per session (1+ hours) • Availability varies • Limited spots
Let us do the heavy lifting. You’ll see the results.
What Our Clients say
Pack Walk Client
“We were nervous about pack walks — Luke had never been off-leash around other dogs. After the temperament check, Joe said he’d be fine. He was right. Our boy comes home exhausted and so much calmer. It’s the best money we spend each week.”
— Jeremy & Tina, Belmont
Training Client
“I was embarrassed to walk my dog. He’d bark at every dog, pull me across the road, and I’d come home stressed every time. After 2 sessions with Taine, we actually enjoy our walks now. I cried the first time he walked past another dog without reacting.”
— Sarah, Birkenhead
Pack Walk Client
“I’m 72 and can’t manage the long walks anymore, especially up the hills around here. Knowing Jack gets a proper run with the pack three times a week gives me so much peace of mind. Joe is wonderful with him.”
— Chloe, Milford
Pack Walk Client
“The pickup and drop-off is a game-changer. I work from home and Oscar used to drive me mad with energy. Now he goes out with the pack twice a week and he’s a completely different dog in the afternoons.”
— Tim, Northcote
Download the Balanced Dog Handbook – Free
Looking to raise a calm, confident, and well-behaved dog?
We’ve created a free guidebook packed with practical tips, real-world training advice, and proven leadership strategies to help your dog thrive - at home and on the walk. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your training to the next level, this handbook is designed to support real change.
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Learn the 10 core principles of a balanced dog
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Manage leash pulling, reactivity & socialisation
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Build stronger trust, structure, and connection
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Created by the team at North Shore Dog Training™
🐾 Love the guide? Pay it forward.
If you find the handbook valuable, we invite you to make a small donation to a cause close to our hearts—Saving Hope Foundation. They do incredible work rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs across New Zealand.
Every dollar helps give another dog the second chance they deserve. 💛
Ready to Get Started? Here’s How
Step 1 — Register Your Interest
Fill out our quick form to let us know you’re keen on Pack Walks, One-on-One Training, or both. Takes under a minute.
Step 2 — Meet & Greet + Temperament Check
We’ll meet your dog in person, answer any questions, and assess their fit for pack walks. For one-on-one training, we’ll recommend a starting plan tailored to your dog’s needs.
No commitment until you and your dog are happy.
Step 3 — Start Training
If your dog is a good fit for the pack, we’ll confirm their place. If they need more focused support first, we’ll book in one-on-one sessions to get them on track. Either way, your dog’s best day is just around the corner.
Joe Mansell – Founder of North Shore Dog Training™
I’ve loved dogs for as long as I can remember. For me, there’s nothing better than helping a dog become calm, confident, and well-rounded. That’s what drives me every day at North Shore Dog Training — giving dogs their best life through structured leadership and balanced training.
After years in international advertising and design, working in New York, LA, London, and San Francisco, I returned home to Devonport to raise my kids and focus on what matters most: family, the outdoors, and dogs.
At North Shore Dog Training, we offer calm, structured pack walks and leadership-based training that creates real, lasting change. This isn’t just a business for me — it’s a passion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What areas do you cover?
We cover the North Shore of Auckland — including Devonport, Takapuna, Milford, Castor Bay, Campbells Bay, Northcote, Birkenhead, Bayview and surrounding suburbs. If you’re unsure whether we reach your area, get in touch and we’ll let you know.
Q: What happens on a pack walk?
We pick your dog up from home in our air-conditioned van, drive to one of our trusted reserve or forest locations, and spend the session walking off-leash as a calm, structured pack. Dogs get socialisation, exercise, mental stimulation, and practice being balanced around other dogs and distractions. We then drop them home — tired, happy, and usually a bit muddy.
Q: Is my dog suitable for the pack?
Every dog gets a meet and greet and temperament assessment before joining the pack. Most dogs are a great fit. If your dog needs a bit more work first (for example, with reactivity or basic obedience), we’ll suggest starting with one-on-one training sessions to get them ready. We never rush it.
Q: What if my dog doesn’t get along with other dogs?
That’s more common than you’d think, and it’s exactly what our one-on-one training is designed for. We’ll work on your dog’s specific issues first, and once they’re ready, we can gradually introduce them to the pack in a controlled way.
Q: How old does my dog need to be?
Dogs should be at least 6 months old and up to date on basic vaccinations for pack walks. For one-on-one training, we work with dogs of all ages. There’s no upper limit — older dogs benefit hugely from structured walks and gentle socialisation.
Q: What happens if it rains?
Dogs don’t melt! We walk in rain — the dogs actually love it. In extreme weather (heavy storms, dangerous conditions), we’ll reschedule and let you know in advance.
Q: How do I know my dog is safe?
Safety is our top priority. Pack sizes are kept manageable so every dog gets proper supervision. We walk in secure, vetted locations away from traffic. The van is air-conditioned and purpose-set-up for transporting dogs safely. And we’re in regular communication — you’ll always know how your dog’s day went.
Q: Do I need to be home for pickup and drop-off?
Not necessarily. Many of our clients leave a key or have a secure arrangement so we can collect and return their dog while they’re at work. We’ll sort out the details that work best for you.
Q: What training methods do you use?
We use balanced, leadership-based training — clear structure, consistent boundaries, and positive reinforcement. No harsh methods. We believe in calm, confident leadership that builds trust between you and your dog.
Q: Can I book a one-off walk to try it?
We start every dog with a meet and greet so we can assess their fit for the pack. From there, we’ll suggest a schedule that works for you. We don’t lock you into long contracts — but most clients find their dog loves it so much they’re in for the long haul.
Still have questions? Call us on 0800 606 505 or DM us on Instagram.