Lisa and Roo

Most dog training advice focuses entirely on the dog. What to teach, when to reward, how to read the signals. But there's a variable almost nobody talks about and it's standing at the other end of the lead.

Kylie Hodkinson is a breathwork facilitator and the founder of Grounded Breath, where she helps people reconnect with themselves through the power of their breath. She's also collaborating with Lisa on Zen Starts With You, a breathwork component inside the Zoomies to Zen course designed to help dog owners regulate their own nervous system before, during, and after training sessions.

In this episode, Kylie and Lisa dig into something that doesn't get nearly enough airtime: what your body is doing when you're stressed, what your dog is picking up on because of it, and what you can actually do about it. Dogs don't just read our body language; they smell changes in our cortisol and adrenaline, they mirror our autonomic state and they respond to our breath before we've even consciously registered that we're tense. Understanding that changes everything.

We talk about what's really happening in the body under stress, why so many of us hold our breath without realising it, what that signals to our nervous system and our dog, and what a simple breathing practice can do for your training outcomes before you even clip the leash on .

In this episode:

• Why your nervous system is one of the most important variables in your dog's training

• What dogs are actually sensing when we walk in stressed from the day

• The physiological difference between a dysregulated and a regulated handler

• What to do in the moment when you feel frustration or anxiety rising mid-session

• How often to practice so breathwork is actually available when you need it

• The most common thing people get wrong about breathwork

• What "Zen starts with you" really means and why it matters for your dog

About Kylie Hodkinson: Kylie Hodkinson is a breathwork facilitator and the founder of Grounded Breath, where she helps people reconnect and feel grounded through the power of their breath. She offers 1:1 coaching and weekly breathwork classes supporting mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. Kylie is collaborating with Lisa Telle on Zen Starts With You, a breathwork practice built into the Zoomies to Zen course.

🌬️ Find Kylie: Grounded Breath on Facebook and Instagram, Email Kylie: [email protected]

🐾 Register Your Interest in Zoomies to Zen: [email protected]

Dog handling has quietly become one of the fastest-growing service industries in New Zealand and until recently, there was no national standard governing it. Anyone could call themselves a professional handler, regardless of training, experience, or safety knowledge.

Kathleen (Kat) Weeks decided that needed to change. She's the Director of Training and co-founder of the National Dog Handling Academy (NDHA), New Zealand's first NZQA-accredited dog handling academy. With over 20 years of hands-on experience and more than 300 handlers trained throughout her career, Kat has seen firsthand what happens when passion for dogs isn't matched by real competency.

In this episode, Kat returns to the podcast to talk about what it actually took to build a formal qualification from scratch, starting with a kitchen table conversation in May 2023 and ending in three NZQA-approved micro-credentials. Lisa also shares her own role as Industry & Employer Representative on the NDHA board, bringing an insider's perspective to the conversation.

We talk about the difference between loving dogs and being qualified to handle them professionally, what the Junior, Intermediate, and Senior pathways actually cover, the risks Kat thinks about most when it comes to pack handling, and what every dog owner should be asking before they hand their dog over to someone else.

In this episode:

• The kitchen table conversation that started it all
• Why the dog handling industry has operated without standards for so long
• What Junior, Intermediate, and Senior handler qualifications actually mean
• Pack behaviour, risk management, and what keeps Kat up at night
• The RPL pathway for experienced handlers
• What dog owners should ask before hiring a handler or walking service
• Where professional dog handling is headed in New Zealand

About Kat Weeks: Kathleen (Kat) Weeks is the Director of Training and co-founder of the National Dog Handling Academy (NDHA), New Zealand's first NZQA-accredited dog handling academy. With over 20 years of experience in professional dog handling and handler development, Kat has trained more than 300 handlers throughout her career. Driven by the absence of any formal national standard in the industry, she spent years building a structured qualification framework from the ground up.

🐾 Learn more about NDHA: https://ndha.co.nz 📸

Instagram: @ndha_aotearoa

What is happening with the Sandflat Road pines in Cromwell, Central Otago?

In this episode, we break down the full story behind the proposed tree felling at Sandflat Road and what it means for Cromwell’s off-leash dog walking areas, community wellbeing and public space planning.

Joined by Judy Cockeram, Dr Sarah Jones and Eddy Raffles, we walk through the timeline of council decisions, the independent arborist report, and the data showing Cromwell is at risk of losing 97.6% of its safe off-leash dog exercise space.

We cover:

• The Central Otago District Council (CODC) plan to harvest the Sandflat Road pine block
• The timeline of decisions from November 2025 to now
• What the independent arborist report found about tree safety and health
• The comparison between Cromwell and Alexandra dog exercise areas
• The real-world impact on dogs, owners, cyclists and shared community spaces
• Key questions around consultation, process and future planning

This episode is for anyone wanting a clear, evidence-based understanding of the Sandflat Road pines situation, including Cromwell locals, dog owners, and those interested in local government decision-making in New Zealand.

If you’ve seen the headlines or heard about the petition, this is where you’ll get the full context.

Because this isn’t just about trees. It’s about how decisions are made and how communities are impacted.

Learn More/Our Website: https://www.zoomiesdogtrainingadventures.com/pawsforpines

Sign the Petition

In this episode, Lisa sits down with Dr Nick Sneddon, Senior Lecturer in Animal Breeding and Genetics at Massey University, to unpack one of the most important yet misunderstood topics in the dog world: how genetics and early life experiences shape behaviour, health and lifelong wellbeing.

The episode also challenges popular trends in modern dog breeding and highlights why selecting for temperament, function and long-term welfare matters more than appearance or popularity.

In this episode, Lisa and Nick explore:
• What genetics really means for behaviour, temperament and health
• The balance between nature and nurture in shaping dogs
• Developmental programming and why early life experiences have lifelong effects
• What ethical breeding looks like when long-term welfare is prioritised
• The hidden connection between physical health, structure and behavioural outcomes
• Red flags in breeding practices that may increase anxiety, reactivity or poor coping skills
• What responsible breeders should measure beyond basic genetic testing
• Questions future puppy owners should be asking breeders before choosing a dog
• The future of dog welfare and how public decision-making influences the dogs we see in society

This episode is for dog owners, trainers, breeders and anyone curious about the deeper biological foundations of behaviour. If you’ve ever wondered why some dogs seem naturally resilient while others struggle despite great training, this conversation offers a powerful lens into how early life and genetics shape the dogs we live with today.

Contact Nick

Keep in touch:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a Free Consultation with Lisa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zoomies Dog Training and Adventures⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zoomies Dog Nutrition⁠

In this episode, Lisa sits down with Lilly McKenzie from Body Mind Care to explore a totally unique (and seriously fascinating) approach to animal behaviour transformation through surrogate hypnosis, energy work and the deep human-animal connection.

What makes this episode extra special is Lilly’s evolving work with animals through her service “Pawsitive Change”, where she supports behavioural shifts by intuitively connecting to the animal’s subconscious through a surrogate session with her assistant, Ergie.

Together, Lisa and Lilly dive into what this process actually looks like, how it supports emotional regulation and healing (not just behaviour “management”), and the bigger conversation around animal sensitivity, stress, trauma and how our own nervous systems influence the animals we love.

💎 Lisa and Lilly talk about:
• Lilly’s journey from psychology into healing, hypnotherapy and body-based work
• What “Pawsitive Change” is and how it supports animals with behaviour challenges
• How the surrogate hypnosis session works step-by-step (and why Ergie is involved)
• What subconscious connection means in this context and what’s happening during the session
• How animals can carry stress, grief or emotional weight from their environment
• What owners typically notice after a session and how changes unfold over time
• How to tell the difference between true regulation vs behaviour suppression
• Ethics, boundaries and how this work complements vets and force-free training

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like their pet’s behaviour is communicating something deeper, and who’s open to exploring a whole new lens of healing, connection and co-regulation 🎧🐾 Disclaimer: Lisa has never participated in a Surrogate Hypnosis session

Lilly’s Links:
Body Mind Care Website
Body Mind Care Instagram
Enquire about Pawsitive Change Sessions

Keep in touch:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a Free Consultation with Lisa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zoomies Dog Training and Adventures⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zoomies Dog Nutrition⁠

In this episode, Lisa sits down with Dr Lucy Scott from Veterinary Behaviour Services NZ to explore what happens when behaviour is driven by what’s going on inside the body, not just training or environment.

Lucy is a qualified veterinarian with a Membership in Veterinary Behaviour who works with dogs, cats and horses. Today, the focus is on dogs and the often-overlooked medical, emotional and physiological factors that can shape how they show up in the world.

Together, Lisa and Lucy unpack the powerful connection between the body and the brain, why some dogs struggle despite “doing all the right things,” and how shifting from labels to curiosity can completely change outcomes for dogs and their humans.

💎 Lisa and Lucy talk about:

• What veterinary behaviour medicine actually is and when it’s needed
• Why some behaviour challenges are not “just training” issues
• How pain, illness and internal stress can present as reactivity, anxiety or aggression
• What’s really happening hormonally during adolescence in entire dogs
• How chronic stress affects the nervous system and behaviour over time
• When behaviour medication can be helpful and how it supports learning
• What a regulated dog looks like physically, mentally and emotionally
• Daily habits and lifestyle shifts that support nervous system health
• Why collaboration between trainers and behaviour vets matters

It’s an honest, grounding conversation for anyone living with a dog who feels like they’re struggling beneath the surface. If you’ve ever wondered whether behaviour might be more than just behaviour, this episode is for you 🎧🐾

Dr Lucy’s Links:
Veterinary Behaviour Services NZ Website

Veterinary Behaviour Services Facebook

Veterinary Behaviour Services Instagram

Keep in touch:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a Free Consultation with Lisa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zoomies Dog Training and Adventures⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zoomies Dog Nutrition⁠

In this episode, Lisa sits down with Kelly Wolfe from Wolfe Dogs to unpack the wild world of “unemployed working dogs” those brilliant, high-drive dogs who were bred for big jobs but now find themselves living in our modern pet homes. Kelly shares her background working with some of the most driven breeds out there and explains why so many of these dogs struggle when their instincts don’t match their daily life.

Together, they explore what these dogs were truly designed for, the welfare issues that show up when their needs go unmet and what owners can do to work with genetics instead of constantly fighting against them.

🔹 Kelly and Lisa talk about:

• What an “unemployed working dog” really is
• Why high-drive breeds are struggling more than ever
• The behaviours that pop up when dogs feel under-fulfilled
• How to channel herding, hunting, or guarding instincts safely
• One small lifestyle change owners can make today
• How to reframe “naughty” behaviour as communication
• Why nuance matters in conversations about training tools
• What structure and clarity actually mean for powerful, driven dogs
• What a fulfilled working dog looks like physically, mentally, emotionally
• Kelly’s favourite enrichment ideas for purpose-bred dogs

It’s an eye-opening conversation for anyone living with a dog who feels like they’ve got a full-time job no one hired them for. Tune in to learn how to meet your dog’s needs in a way that builds connection, confidence and calm. 🎧🐕

Kelly’s Links:
Wolfe Dogs Website
Wolfe Dogs Instagram
Wolfe Dogs Facebook
Email Kelly: [email protected]

Keep in touch:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule a Free Consultation with Lisa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zoomies Dog Training and Adventures⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zoomies Dog Nutrition⁠

Your dog’s gut is more than a tummy. It’s their second brain! 🧠🐾 In this episode, we dive into:

-The fascinating gut-brain connection

-How environmental toxins can throw it out of balance and simple

-Simple, non-food ways you can help your dog feel calmer, happier, and healthier from the inside out.

Perfect for dog parents who want to go beyond diet and make everyday changes that truly support their pup’s wellbeing.

Keep in touch:

⁠Schedule a Holistic Consult with Lisa⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zoomies Dog Training and Adventures⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Our first ever episode of Guess That Zoomer!

This one is bound to make you laugh! We had a blast. Each of us brought a cheeky list of clues about one of our beloved Zoomers. Can you figure out who is who before we do?

You will hear:
✨ The quirks and hilarious habits of some of our most memorable Zoomers
✨ Sweet stories and moments that make each dog one of a kind
✨ Why learning your dog’s individual personality is key to building connection

Grab your cuppa (or take us on a walk) and play along. We promise you will be smiling by the end of this one.

Keep in touch:

⁠Schedule a Holistic Consult with Lisa⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zoomies Dog Training and Adventures⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This week on the Zoomies Podcast, things get extra tasty as Lisa is joined by fellow Zoomies team member and pie-making genius Leanne—our dog walker, assistant trainer and now founder of Wiggle Butt Bakery!

Leanne’s been cooking up a storm with a brand-new line of NZ meat pies (for dogs!), and we’re putting them to the ultimate test in our very first “Bark & Bite Challenge”.

The full Zoomies taste-test panel is here:
🐾 Lisa & Roo
🐾 Jasmyne & Aroha
🐾 Leanne & Willow

Together, we dig into three delicious flavours:
🥧 Fish Pie – sardines, applesauce & blueberries
🥩 Steak & Cheese – steak, kidney & cheese
🍗 Creamy Chicken – chicken, veggies & applesauce

Plus, we talk all things Wiggle Butt—how Leanne’s baking journey began, the science behind her superfood ingredients and which pies made our dogs drool the most.

This episode is part fun, part foodie and full of love. For our dogs, our work and the snacks that bring us all together.

🎙️ Grab your pup, your fork, and maybe a napkin and tune in for some wholesome chaos, crunchy crusts, and wagging tails!