Flip Calkoen | Auckland Dog Trainer and Behaviour Specialist

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Auckland's Most Experienced Dog Trainer — 40 Years, 10,000 Dogs

Every session with Flip Calkoen.
In your home. One-on-one.

Book a home consultation
Well trained dog sitting on couch with its owner

Auckland's Most Experienced Dog Trainer — 40 Years, 10,000 Dogs

Every session with Flip Calkoen.
In your home. One-on-one.

Book a home consultation
Flip Calkoen - Dog Trainer

Auckland Dog Trainer & Behaviour Specialist

Hi, I'm Flip Calkoen!

I am a dog trainer and behaviour specialist in the Auckland area. I have been training dogs professionally for over 40 years. In fact throughout my career I have trained over 10,000 dogs of all varieties and temperaments.

I have developed a deep understanding of dogs and training methodologies. My framework for teaching dogs and their owners is built from working with so many dogs of varying ages, breeds, temperaments and challenges.

I offer you an opportunity for you and your dog to be directly coached by me. My Training Programs are focused on creating harmony between you and your dog. I will also provide you with a deeper understanding of what drives dog behaviours and how this differs to ours. My coaching ensures you are equipped to get the best out of your dog and give your dog the best life. I adapt my Training Programs based on you and your dog’s individual circumstances, abilities and goals.

I offer Home Consultations followed by private Training Programs from your home and in your local area, as I find this the best way to help dogs of all ages and their owners. Through my Training Programs I focus on teaching your dog to listen to your commands and modify unwanted behaviours. My experience is that individual training results in a better outcome for socialisation and training of your dog than group classes can provide.

I look forward to helping you!

Learn more about me
Thank you Flip for the marvellous work you have done with Hawkeye, Neil and myself. We are very pleased with the way Hawkeye responds and generally behaves. This all means we have a happy Mrs W, happy Hawkeye and a very happy farmer in Mr W!! Thank you Flip for your professionalism, experience and skill.
Carlene & Neil
Carlene & Neil
My Schauzer Eddie and I cannot speak more highly of Flips amazing training. Eddie and I not only learnt so much but it also enabled us to form a closer bond. A well trained dog is a Happy dog and a Happy owner. Flips knowledge is second to none. Thankyou Flip, what a pleasure!
Jules & Eddie
Jules & Eddie
We searched for a long time to find a trainer that we thought would be the right fit for us and our dog Daisy. She's a loving and lovely mongrel -- but she has had issues with nervousness (especially around children) and aggression towards other dogs. Any doubts have been firmly put to rest as the results have been nothing short of amazing. The extra level of knowledge and skill that Flip brings into the training is priceless. Flip's training and guidance has changed Daisy's life and ours. She is now calmer and in control and we are able to do so much more with her and she is so much happier as a result. You get what you pay for, and every cent spent with Flip was well worth it.
Cliff & Bella
Cliff & Bella
Flip has completely transformed our 2 mini schnauzers. After being too scared to take our dogs to public places and being anxious about their barking and nervous aggression when we had guests over, we now have 2 happy and more confident dogs who we have control over. It has been so beneficial to have our 2 children (aged 10 and 12) join us in every session with Flip so that we all learnt the same things together. We didn't expect our dogs to enjoy training so much and become even happier and more affectionate at home. We have loved Flip's gentle and calm manner towards our dogs and his patience with us while we learnt everything.
Kat
Kat
My dog Mayonnaise was a bit of an unruly spaz before Flip, but we did the short course and the transformation is unreal. It’s been a great relationship builder and my wife seems pretty chuffed at his behaviour now, too. I couldn’t recommend Flip and Cindy more, they’re both professional and effective. If you’re on the fence, definitely give it a go.
Dog trainer Flip Calkoen
Hito
We are thrilled with the results of our very enthusiastic labradoodle who can now walk around town and even sit at the cafe without jumping, barking or pulling!! Bikes, birds, kids, whatever, she's calm! It is such a joy to feel comfortable and safe taking her everywhere! Flip is TOP notch! The Rolls Royce of trainers! Not only is he a pleasure to talk with and learn from, but our dog is happy as can be to see him every time he shows up! She can now be more a part of our family than she ever was before and we would not have gotten there without Flip and his incredible training. Paisley thanks you too!
Kate
Kate
I am pleased to report that after your visit Bernie’s behaviour (and ours) have turned a corner. By putting the steps you mentioned into place we had an incident free holiday. All parties very happy and relieved. Thank you so much for your help!
Dog trainer Flip Calkoen
Joanna

Your Home Consultation with Flip

All my clients start with a one-hour Home Consultation with me. This first session is an opportunity for me to meet you and your dog at your home, answer any questions you have, discuss any challenges, assess your dog, give you some training tips that are appropriate for you and your dog and introduce my Training Programs to you. My Home Consultation steps are:

ASSESS

Your dog will be taken through a number of exercises to assess their temperament and determine the best training techniques for you and your dog. 


ADVISE

Flip will share with you his training methods, based on over 40 years as a professional dog trainer. You will be shown his methods to positively reinforce wanted behaviours.

DISCUSS

Your questions will be answered and we will discuss any challenges you are having with your dogs behaviour. You will be advised of the best options to reach your behavioural goals. 


PLAN

You and your dog will be given training tips and introduced to your optimal Training Programme so you and your dog can bring out the best in each other.

DEMONSTRATE

Flip will demonstrate his training techniques with your dog in your home. Your dog’s responsiveness to training will be assessed.

The price of the one-hour Home Consultation is $300 payable in advance.

I offer appointments during weekdays, with my last appointment time being 6pm. I also offer Saturday appointments.

view my programs
Book a home consultation

FAQs

Every dog is unique, and Flip’s approach is to tailor his training methods to suit you and your dog’s individual circumstances, abilities, and goals.
Who is Flip Calkoen?
Flip Calkoen is a highly experienced dog trainer and behaviour specialist based in Auckland. 
As a professional dog trainer since 1978, Flip has trained more than 10,000 dogs of various breeds, ages, and temperaments.

Flip offers home consultations and personalised training programmes. All clients start with a one-hour Home Consultation, followed by tailored Training Programs conducted in your home and local area.

The one-hour Home Consultation costs $300 (incl GST), payable in advance.

During the Home Consultation, Flip will:
– Assess your dog’s temperament
– Advise you on training methods
– Discuss any challenges you’re facing
– Plan a tailored training programme
– Demonstrate training techniques with your dog

No travel required on your part. Flip comes to you. All training takes place in your own home and neighbourhood, which is actually where it matters most — dogs learn best in the environment where they live. Flip works with clients across Auckland, from Orewa in the north to Howick in the east and everywhere in between, including Orewa, Albany, Takapuna, North Shore, Devonport, CBD, Parnell, Ponsonby, Mt Eden, Remuera, Epsom, Manukau, Botany and Howick. Get in touch to confirm he covers your area.

Flip works with dogs of all ages, from puppies to senior dogs. He has experience with a large variety of breeds and temperaments.

Training Programs range from a Foundation Training Program of 6 sessions over 3 weeks to longer, more comprehensive programmes. The length and intensity depend on your dog’s needs and your goals.

Flip teaches dogs his Foundation Commands, creating a shared language between you and your dog. He also focuses on modifying any unwanted behaviours and teaches you how to provide leadership to your dog.

Yes, Flip has experience dealing with various behavioural issues, including aggression and high anxiety. His programmes are tailored to address your specific challenges.

Flip offers appointments on weekdays, with the last appointment at 6pm. Saturday appointments are also available.

To book a Home Consultation, you’ll need to complete a booking questionnaire. Once Flip receives your answers, he’ll call you to discuss any questions and arrange a suitable date and time.

Yes, Flip’s Training Programs include phone, email, and text support to ensure you have the guidance you need between sessions.

Absolutely! Flip can train your dog to be well-mannered in various settings, including parks, beaches, cafés, offices, and even when visiting friends or on holiday.

Take the lead today

Book a home consultation