Our Team
Why we love what we do
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Why we love what we do
Down with dogs is a place where dogs can truly be dogs. We believe that a calm dog is a happy dog. We achieve calm by being around other dogs and being in their natural environment. Fresh air in their lungs, sun on their coat, grass and dirt between their paws and lots of love and good energy.
Alex started working with dogs in 2012 at a daycare and kennels, and from 2015 as a dog walker, initially overseas and then back in Wellington. That naturally progressed into starting Down with Dogs as a walking service, in 2017. In 2020, Alex and her partner, Aaron, purchased the beautiful piece of land at Makara where Down with Dogs daycare and pack walking is now held. Alex has a deep value in creating an environment where dogs can ‘be dogs’, enjoying a natural environment with the wind in their fur and grass under their feet, and where they can have a safe and energising day out.
Alex doesn’t have a favourite dog breed as their different personalities are really what she likes, however, she does tend to gravitate towards mixed breeds. Her hidden talent is that her ability to communicate with dogs is on another level. Her favourite part of running Down with Dogs is being around dogs all day, watching them flourish and seeing them outside in their element. She also loves being part of such a great team of handlers at Down with Dogs, and sharing the Down with Dogs lifestyle with her partner, Aaron and their gorgeous boy, Rama.
“I truly believe that she has no fave breed - she defo loves them all - and she has also allowed my foster pups to join the fun on some days too which has been AMAZING for them!”
Mackenzie has been with us since 2021 and is famous at Down with Dogs for having a big pack trailing behind him, most of which only have eyes for him! Mackenzie is very cool, calm and collected and has a really kind nature which the dogs naturally gravitate towards.His favourite part of the job is working with such a cool team, and hanging out with all the dogs.
“Mackenzie - what a massive asset to your team, always making sure our first baby is happy and looked after! He's always updating us on her progress every Tuesday morning . I sometimes wonder if she actually likes Mackenzie more than us, because everytime he leaves she will cry and sulk by the door for hours- we're really not that bad!”
Amber has been with Down with Dogs since 2023, and has 14 years experience working with dogs, including dog walking in London. She has learned a lot of great canine handling skills in that time, including Mantrailing - which is when a dog uses their nose to find a person. She has a very gentle way about her which the more shy and nervous dogs feel more comfortable.
Amber loves to take the quieter dogs down to the stream at the Down with Dogs land, and loves spending time outdoors, even in less desirable weather! She is such a joyful person and is a wonderful part of the team. To is also very talented at photographing the dogs, and to add to her canine skills she is also studying “TuiNa” (canine bodywork/acupressure).
“Pixie loves Amber. She goes absolutely crazy when she arrives and has the best days. Thanks for being so great with our girl!”
Will has been with us since 2023. He is a friendly, happy guy and brings such a positive energy to Down with Dogs. Will is great at being a part of a team, and he makes new people (and dogs) feel welcome and at ease.
Will loves dogs for their characters, and has a soft spot for scrappy mutts or farm dogs. What he loves about working at Down with Dogs is working with the team, hanging out with dog buddies and soaking up nature, especially when the sun is out.
Will is a super awesome soul who we appreciate immensely - he is definitely Clifford’s other favourite human!”
Jack joined the team in 2024. He has become a valued part of the team and the dogs love his cool, calm and collected vibe. We are especially impressed with his skills at remembering all of the dogs’ names.
Jack also helps us with the maintenance of the yard and the track, especially keeping the pesky gorse at bay. Jack loves that he gets to work on such a beautiful piece of land, out in nature with dogs, and that his work keeps him fit for his other love, Jiu Jitsu.
Lindy joined the pack in late 2024, and likes to say she is a ‘general dogsbody’! She jumps in wherever there’s a need for another set of hands, whether its supervising puppies too young for the pack walk, maintaining the yard gardens, or supporting Alex and her family with whatever is on her to-do list for that day.
While Lindy is a former dog groomer, her favourite thing about dogs is training them to see their relationship and skills with their human and canine counterparts grow. Lindy thinks Down with Dogs is her dream job and reckons she’ll never get tired of seeing the wave of wagging tails at the gate.
