About:

At Canine Know How our philosophy is simple; we provide the training that you want! Whether that means we train your dog for you, coach you through training or you want to attend class training - we've got you covered. Canine Know How uses the latest scientific training methods to keep your dog safe from harm. You can relax knowing we don't use any force, intimidation, shock, or physical corrections.

Meet the team:

Cat Watson CPDT-KA (owner and certified dog trainer)

  • Certificate in Canine Training and Behaviour (DIP)
  • Certificate in Dog Training (DIP)
  • Certificate in Canine Communication (DIP)
  • Certificate in Puppy Training (DIP)
  • Certificate in Canine Nutrition (DIP)
  • Certified professional dog trainer -KA (CCPDT)
  • Member of the APDT (Association of professional dog trainers)
  • Pet CPR, First Aid & Care Trained - updated in July 2025
  • Fearful and Reactive dogs course (FDSA)
  • Sirius dog training academy (Dr Ian Dunbar)
  • Fear in dogs (Nando Brown)
  • 30 days of Canine Science (The School of Canine Science)
  • Canine Behaviour Bible Year 1 - Neurobiology, Endocrinology, Evolution and Domestication, Sociology, Physiology, Genetics, Cognition and Emotion. (The School of Canine Science)
  • Dog Bite Prevention Educator (Dognostics Career Centre)
Cat is dedicated to helping dog owners reach their training goals and dogs reach their full potential. By following the latest scientific research and keeping up to date through continual educational courses and conferences, you know you are in good hands. Cat is in close affiliation with Nelson Vets enabling her to work closely with experienced veterinarians throughout her training. Cat loves nothing more than heading up in the hills for overnight tramps with her husband and dogs. Cat is a proud mum to her two (human) boys, Logan and Oakley and when she isn't training someone else's dog you will find her spending time with her boys and her own dogs, Noki and Chase. You may get to meet these four legged helpers in classes or as assistant dogs for private training.

Sarah Gebhard

Sarah brings a great deal of experience to the Canine Know how team. As well as running and assisting classes Sarah also runs the 'Wagging Walks' side of the business, taking carefully selected, small groups of dogs for weekly adventures or working closely with dogs who need a bit of extra TLC on their walks. Sarah has a certificate in Dog Psychology and Training and is currently working towards her Canine Training and behaviour qualification. Previously works at Abbyblythe kennels and The Contented Canine, caring for a wide variety of small breed dogs. Sara has a Swedish Vallund called Moss and a rescue dog, Max. When Sarah isn't hanging out with her canine pals she will have either a paint brush or spatula in hand as this girl loves to create both art and kai!

​Emily Osborne

Introducing our newest member of our team - Emily!With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, years of hands-on experience working with animals, and a lifelong love of dogs (32 years and counting!), she brings both knowledge and heart to the team.After a big life shift in 2023, she followed her passion and completed full-time study in Canine Behaviour & Training at UNITEC in 2025 — discovering that her background in farming and psychology was never wasted after all! She has a special soft spot for rescue dogs, especially those with nervous or reactive tendencies, and is currently a dedicated volunteer with the SPCA. You may get to meet Emily teaching or assisting classes, through private training or as part of the Wagging Walks team. When she’s not out with our four-legged crew, she’s working with cattle — and dreaming of future projects supporting rescue dogs and kids in need!

Michele Craven

Michele runs our exciting Scent Seekers nose work course. She has been working with dogs for a large number of years and has a keen interest in competitive obedience and scent work. Michele currently competes with her young German Shepherd, Solo, who loves nothing more than putting his nose to work.

What our customers say:

  • We are so grateful for your help! It's been a dramatic difference walking him now that we know what to do! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! We cannot thank you enough for helping with his reactivity! We are forever grateful 💕
  • I just want to say a huge thank you again for everything you’ve done with Riley. The progress she’s made really shows, and we can see she’s right where we were hoping she’d be at this stage. She’s responding to us so much better, and it feels really clear now that we’re the ones in charge, not her (hehe). It’s such a relief to see that shift, and it gives us so much confidence moving forward.
    We honestly couldn’t have done this without your guidance, patience, and consistency. Riley adores working with you, and it’s obvious how much your training has helped both her and us as owners.
  • Just wanted to say a massive thank you for your fabulous support & guidance with now 11-month-old Mo.He is the most calm & placid "old gentleman." People are constantly blown away that he's so young because he is so incredibly chill. I can only put this down to having you on hand helping us navigate 1st time puppy ownership.I've watched a lot of mums tear their hair out introducing a puppy to the house but looking back, our experience has been incredibly enjoyable.
    Thank you so, so much for the massive part you played.
  • As a first-time dog owner, I was incredibly grateful to find Canine Know How.Cat Watson supported me in building a strong foundation with my young dog(s), not only through skillful training but also by helping me grow in confidence and understanding.
    I attended several of Cat’s classes and can personally recommend the Out and About and Scent Seeking courses. The sessions were well-structured, with small groups that created a warm and supportive environment. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, and while we had a lot of fun, there was always space for individual guidance and questions. I especially appreciated the thoughtfully prepared training handouts — I still refer to them years later.
  • Cat’s deep knowledge is evident in how she runs her classes, but what stood out even more was her kind-hearted nature. She is empathetic, flexible, and understanding — for example, when my puppy unexpectedly came into her second heat and couldn’t attend a course, Cat was compassionate and accommodating.
    I also had private training sessions with Cat, which I highly recommend as well.
    A big thank you also to Michele, who ran the Scent Seeking class. You were wonderful to learn from, and your fun, encouraging presence added so much.
  • Thank you so much Cat for the amazing job you did in helping me to choose a much healthier food for my two Cavaliers. I was "blinded by science" when it came to all the product ingredients and comparing the different brands. You gave me such a thorough report on several food brands and their health benefits and as a result I felt very confident in making the right choice for my girls. They love their new, healthier food and I couldn't have done it without your help. Everything you do shows how much you love dogs and that you want the very best for our furry families. Thank you again.
  • "We loved the dog classes we took our 6 month old puppy to. Cat's knowledge and passion means you're in good hands!"
  • "I highly recommend Cat. She has worked with my dog Willow and we are getting positive results. Cat discusses the problem and listens carefully, she then builds a relationship with your dog and observes the way the dog behaves. Cat is highly professional offering sound practical advice to help you improve your dog's behaviour in a positive caring way."
  • Thank you to Cat and her team of trainers. We've learned so much in the puppy classes, but most of all our kids have so much more confidence in training their first puppy. Highly recommend and look forward to the next level of classes.
  • Amazing lady!! I met Cat at puppy classes with Tommy my beautiful vizsla! I haven’t had a dog for a long time so wanted to get the best advice for a puppy. Words cannot express how grateful I am to Cat! Tommy is doing great! I highly recommend Cat!!
  • "Cat worked with us to help our new puppy Coco settle in right from 8 weeks old. We had six weeks of training from Cat in our home, which was invaluable. Cat developed a personalised training programme for Coco. She gave us so much confidence with every aspect of bringing a new puppy into our lives, and we know that it has given Coco such a great foundation for being a happy, confident little dog. Everyone comments on how well behaved Coco is! We love Cat's professional and approachable nature, her ability to listen to the issues we're having, and not only to teach us how to train Coco, but also observe what we're doing and offer helpful tips"