Most popular · Mon–Thu
Structured Pack Walks
Genuinely the highlight of your dog's week. Off-leash in the bush, learning to move together, read other dogs and stay calm around distractions.
From $40 / walk
See pack walk pricing → 
Calm. Confident. Connected.
Structured pack walks · North Shore, Auckland Give your dog the best
Give your dog the best
walk of their life
Off-leash adventures through the North Shore's best bush and forest reserves — building confidence, recall and calm in a balanced pack. We pick up from your door and bring them home tired and happy.
Confidence Recall Socialisation Stimulation Exercise
Door-to-door pickup & drop-off
Off-leash bush & forest reserves
Air-conditioned van, experienced handler
What we offer
Three ways to a calmer, happier dog
Start where yours needs it most — from weekly off-leash pack walks to a full residential reset.
One-on-One Training
Focused work on pulling, reactivity, recall or anxiety — we take the lead, do the training, and hand back a calmer, more responsive dog.
$150 / session
Book a session → Dairy Flat Weekend
A full weekend away with Joe — a total reset for dogs that need deeper, faster progress.
$595 / weekend
Explore the weekend → 
Our method · Structured Freedom
Real freedom, earned through structure
Energy isn't the problem — lack of direction is. We're balanced trainers: we use whatever genuinely helps a dog become calm and reliable, so yours can safely earn real off-leash freedom.
01
Calm leadership & structureClear, consistent direction your dog can trust — the foundation everything sits on.
02
Genuine rewardYes, treats and praise. We reward the behaviour we want, so it sticks.
03
Clear communicationA gentle beep collar works like a walkie-talkie for your dog — instant, fair signals that make off-leash recall rock-solid.
How it works
Simple to start, easy to keep going
1
Register
Tell us about your dog and what you're working towards.
2
Meet & assess
Joe meets you both, reads your dog, and maps a plan.
3
Join the pack
We collect from your door and hit the bush, off-leash.
4
Tired & happy
Home content, not wired — with better habits every week.
In owners' words
The proof is in the lead
★★★★★
We were nervous about pack walks — Luke had never been off-leash around other dogs. After the temperament check, Joe said he'd be fine. He was right. Our boy comes home exhausted and so much calmer.
— Jeremy & Tina, Belmont
★★★★★
I'm 72 and can't manage the long walks anymore, especially up the hills around here. Knowing Jack gets a proper run with the pack three times a week gives me so much peace of mind. Joe is wonderful with him.
— Chloe, Milford
★★★★★
The pickup and drop-off is a game-changer. Oscar used to drive me mad with energy — now he goes out with the pack twice a week and he's a completely different dog in the afternoons.
— Tim, Northcote
Meet the team
The people behind the pack
Founder & head trainer
“I don't train dogs to obey. I help owners become the calm leader their dog is looking for.”
North Shore Dog Training is run by Joe Mansell. After years in international advertising and design he came home to Devonport to focus on family, the outdoors, and dogs — and building calm, confident, well-rounded dogs through structured, balanced training.
Joe MansellFounder & Head Trainer, NSDT
Trainer & pack walker
“Give a dog structure and you give it confidence.”
Taine runs most of our one-on-one sessions and Dairy Flat Weekends. Years working with rescue dogs, reactive cases and high-drive breeds, a long-time foster carer with the Saving Hope Foundation, and three dogs of his own — a calm, trusted hand with any pack.
TaineTrainer & Pack Walker, NSDT
Register your dog
Register your interest
Tell us about your dog and what you're after. It's an expression of interest — we'll be in touch to book a free meet & greet.
Free meet & greet — no obligation.
Free download
The Balanced Dog Handbook
Our free guide to raising a calm, confident dog — the everyday habits that make the biggest difference. Straight to your inbox.