Meet Dog Guy

In 2002, Simon Goodall graduated from Massey University with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Zoology and Psychology with a focus on dog behaviour. Since then, he has built an extensive career in dog training and behaviour consulting, becoming a member of the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC) and working with clients globally. He has also travelled internationally as a guest speaker, sharing his expertise at various conferences. Simon is also assisted by Caitlin who is an expert in her own behaviour training. Caitlin often does the basis training while Simon focuses on problem behaviours. Caitlin has studied at Unitec on Animal Behaviour and also works at SPCA.

​

With over two decades of experience, Simon has worked with thousands of dogs and collaborated with councils, other trainers, doggy daycares, and organizations to identify and address canine behaviour. He specializes in positive reinforcement training, avoiding the use of check chains or e-collars. This approach is accessible for all dog owners, ensuring that both the dog and the handler enjoy the training process. Simon believes that every dog is unique, and he tailors his methods to suit individual situations, partnering with owners to find the best solutions for their pets. Simon was the sole owner of NZs largest dog training and behaviour companies before selling in 2016. Simon then spent 2 years enjoying time with his children before heading back and starting up Dog Guy.

Simon’s passion for dogs, along with his patience and persistence, is reflected in his personalized training style. His experience includes guest speaking at the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) conference in Houston, Texas, and collaborating with a leading dog food company to develop a nationwide puppy preschool plan. He has also presented at the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) conference on running puppy preschools and designed vet nurse training modules focused on recognizing aggression in dogs for continuing education credits.

Other notable projects include working with local council animal control to identify stress in dogs, collaborating with NZ Post to reduce postie dog attacks nationwide, and serving as an expert witness in numerous court cases involving dog behavior. Simon has also contributed as a columnist for Stuff, where he covered topics ranging from dog aggression to recall and lead walking (a column that ran until 2015).

Simon lives in rural Ardmore with his wife, two children, two golden retrievers, and two cats. In his spare time, he enjoys endurance sports, having completed multiple ultra marathons, five Ironman triathlons, and long-distance swimming events.

Additional Professional Experience:

• Featured as a behavior expert in House & Garden magazine, Women's Weekly, and Pet Magazine

• Appeared on Holmes, Prime TV, and Newstalk ZB as a dog behavior expert

• Contributor to Fetch Magazine and other publications covering dog behavior

• Guest speaker across New Zealand on dog aggression and behavioral issues

• Collaborated with Fletcher Building to prevent dog bites for inspectors working on earthquake-damaged homes

• Delivered educational talks at schools, radio stations, and overseas conferences on dog behavior and safety

• Provided expert testimony in court for cases involving aggressive dogs.

Simon’s passion for helping dogs and their owners spans over 20 years, with his work recognized both locally and internationally across various media platforms and professional arenas.