Where communication leads to connection

At Apex Canine, we believe that the key to a strong and harmonious relationship with your canine companion lies in effective communication, quite simply we will teach you how to speak dog.

We want to provide you with the knowledge and tools to forge a deep bond with your dog, even in the face of challenging behaviours. 
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Whether it’s basic obedience, leash manners or addressing more complex behavioural issues such as reactivity or aggression we have the expertise to guide you and your dog towards success.
 
With a focus on fostering trust and understanding between you and your dog we go beyond conventional training methods, our unique approach centres around teaching you how to read your dog’s body language enabling you to decipher their needs, emotions and intentions. Through this skill, you’ll be able to communicate clearly, build trust and create a strong foundation for a lifelong partnership.

What our clients say  about us

Unleashing confidence: Empowering owners. Transforming dogs.

One of our core strengths is working closely with the client, one-on-one, helping them to communicate effectively with their own dog.

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Experience you can trust: 30 years of canine expertise

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Meet Jason Van Wijk

Jason brings over 30 years invaluable experience to every training session, with an impressive background that includes training and handling dogs for the South African police,  as a private military contractor attached to the US military and department of defence, he also trained and  managed canine teams for maritime security and has conducted training in detection, tracking and other areas of expertise in professional dog handling.

Since arriving in New Zealand in 2019, Jason’s unparalleled expertise quickly caught the attention of local dog day cares and training facilities over the past three and half years, and he generously shared his knowledge with them.

Fuelled by a joint vision, Jason and his wife Angela, made the decision to establish their own business and Apex Canine was born.

Jason’s deep connection to the canine world qualifies him to help with any of your dog behaviour issues, from mastering the basics of obedience to addressing complex behavioural challenges. Jason will create a personalised training plan to tailor specifically to your dog’s needs, and transform your relationship where effective communication will lead to lasting harmonious companionship. 

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Meet Angela Van Wijk

Growing up amidst a diverse group of dogs with varying personalities, Angela’s deep connection to her canine companions has shaped her understanding of their world. Angela’s dedication extended to fundraising and volunteering for rescue organisations where she fostered and adopted numerous rescues gaining deep insights into the intricacies of dog behaviour.

Crossing paths with Jason she embarked on a transformative learning experience as a patrol and detection handler qualifying to train dogs for scent detection, controlled aggression and obedience, this inspired her to start a successful dog training business in South Africa with Jason.

Moving to New Zealand in 2020, Angela has immersed herself in the world of dog day care and training facilities, she managed an overnight stay business for two years honing her ability to read body language, understand dog behaviour  and communicate with dogs.
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With her caring nature and extensive experience, Angela is an ideal guide on your journey to strengthen the bond between you and your four-legged companion.