Sonia Calvert |
Professional Dog Trainer
About me …
Do you need a professional dog trainer?
Is life with your dog turning out to be a nightmare instead of the dream you imagined it would be?
Are you desperate for more knowledge and experience to up-skill your dog and puppy training?
Are you struggling to understand why your dog does the things he does?
I’ve been there, believe me!
Chewing, biting, jumping up, separation anxiety, barking and lunging: these are all natural dog behaviours but can become very frustrating, very quickly and without guidance, you could easily start thinking to yourself…
“I didn’t sign up for this!”
Don’t worry … at Pet Pro trainer we can help you get back on track to a better, easier, stress-free life for both you AND your dog!
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Pet Pro Trainer is owner operated by me, Sonia Calvert, a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and a Fear Free Certified Professional Dog Trainer
I have been (and am still), a Volunteer Instructor (2006-2023) at Central Allbreeds Dog Training School in Wellington, NZ.
I also worked with Hound Lounge Dog Daycare (2015-2018) to provide one on one training for clients, before recognizing a need in the dog training scene for more qualified and experienced trainers.
My own early dog owning history in addition to some disappointing training experiences inspired me to seek and build a wealth of knowledge of my own. I have now spent over 18 years gaining knowledge and experience, which means that I understand your struggles and can get results dealing with all kinds of dogs and behaviour issues.
I have a special interest in reactivity (barking and lunging esp. at other dogs) and anxiety in dogs!
I’m also a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) having worked with a variety of clients since 2020 specifically targeting Sep Anx Training.
We are also happy to be bringing Puppy Preschool Classes to Island Bay, helping to start puppy owners on their journey.





About me …
Need a professional dog trainer?
Is life with your dog turning out to be a nightmare instead of the dream you imagined it would be?
Are you desperate for more knowledge and experience to up-skill your dog training?
Are you struggling to understand why your dog does the things he does?
I’ve been there, believe me!
Chewing, biting, jumping up, separation anxiety, barking and lunging: these are all natural dog behaviours but can become very frustrating, very quickly and without guidance, you could easily start thinking to yourself…
“I didn’t sign up for this!”
Don’t worry … at Pet Pro trainer we can help you get back on track to a better, easier, stress-free life for both you AND your dog!
Pet Pro Trainer is owner operated by me, Sonia Calvert, a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and a Fear Free Certified Professional Dog Trainer
I have been (and am still), a Volunteer Instructor (2006-2023) at Central Allbreeds Dog Training School in Wellington, NZ.
I also worked with Hound Lounge Dog Daycare (2015-2018) to provide one on one training for clients, before recognizing a need in the dog training scene for more qualified and experienced trainers.
My own early dog owning history in addition to some disappointing training experiences inspired me to seek and build a wealth of knowledge of my own. I have now spent over 18 years gaining knowledge and experience, which means that I understand your struggles and can get results dealing with all kinds of dogs and behaviour issues.
I have a special interest in reactivity (barking and lunging esp. at other dogs) and anxiety in dogs and am enthusiastic to share Co-operative Care training and grooming techniques to help make dogs and owners lives happier and healthier.



My Dogs
Winnie the Pooh
My most recent addition, Winnie is the baby of the family. Now 9yrs old, she was adopted by us into her third home when she was only two. This girl has BIG feelings but has come a long way in the nearly 7 years we have had her. She has gained much more confidence in social situations which previously would often erupt into a reactive outburst esp. around other dogs when on lead.
Toto (Piako Totilas)
12 year old Bedlington Terrier
Toto’s job is to keep me on my toes though as he’s aging he is as content to snore the day away. Although he misses the ball A LOT … he never misses an opportunity!
His vision is deteriorating now and he was diagnosed with Cushings disease 2 years ago, at age 10. He still has his zany moments and likes to play the clown!
Sputnik
One of the truly most amazing dogs on this planet! Sputnik was almost single-pawedly responsible for keeping my training alive when I went through a really rough patch. He has accompanied me through KPA as my certified Canine Partner and is now in his 16th year of life! He continues to amaze me with his enthusiasm and zest for life!
I tried to teach my dog with books
He gave me only puzzled looks
I tried to teach my dog with words
They passed him by, often unheard
Despairingly I turned aside
“How shall I teach my dog?”, I cried
Into my hand, he put the key
“Come”, he said, “Come play with me!”
– Anon
I tried to teach my dog with books
He gave me only puzzled looks
I tried to teach my dog with words
They passed her by, often unheard
Despairingly I turned aside
“How shall I teach my dog?”, I cried
Into my hand, he put the key
“Come”, he said, “Come play with me!”
-Anon-