About
We meet you in the Messy Middle.
Neewood Pups was created with one simple belief: life with dogs should be fun and full of joy—even when it’s messy. We know the “Messy Middle” well—that stage where things feel overwhelming, frustrating, or just not what you imagined life with your dog would be. It’s a stage every owner hits at some point, but it doesn’t have to mean giving up or growing apart.
Our difference
We meet people right where they are, with practical tools, clear guidance, and a whole lot of empathy. From quick resets to structured training plans and self-led learning, everything we do is designed to help you move forward with confidence and connection—it's not about chasing perfection or striving for the “most obedient” dog.
The heart behind Neewood Pups comes from real experience. Renee, our founder, has been in the trenches herself—navigating her own dogs’ quirks, volunteering in shelters, and supporting countless owners who felt lost or stuck. She saw that with the right support, the struggles that once felt like breaking points could actually become turning points.
Meet Renee
Renee is a dedicated canine behaviour specialist with a playful spirit and a down-to-earth approach. Like many of her clients, she lives in the “Messy Middle”—where life can be wonderfully full and a little hectic—so she understands the challenges of fitting dog training into real life. This makes her the perfect guide for owners who want practical, achievable solutions that truly work.
Her journey with dogs began early, growing up surrounded by family pets and later advocating for her own spirited rescues. That personal passion grew into a professional calling. From volunteering with the Auckland SPCA to running a bustling dog daycare managing up to 80 dogs a day, Renee has built an incredible breadth of hands-on experience with dogs of every size, temperament, and need.
At home, she shares life with her beloved rescues Badger and Lloyd (and still draws inspiration from her first rescue, Mischa). Alongside her young son Arlo—who is proudly learning his own dog training skills—Renee embraces the joyful, messy, everyday moments that come with raising dogs and children together.
Through it all, Renee’s mission is simple: to help owners truly understand their dogs and create small, meaningful shifts that build lasting connection. Her mix of empathy, expertise, and lived experience makes her not only approachable, but also the best person to turn to for guidance when you and your dog need it most.
Qualifications
Renee has also invested deeply in her professional training, completing the Professional Applied Behaviour Training with Allsorts Dog Training and Veterinary Behaviour Services NZ, Mark Vette’s Train the Trainer, courses with The School of Canine Science, and specialised workshops in reactivity strategies and canine adolescence. This blend of real-world and advanced study gives her the insight to meet each dog-human team where they are.
"It’s about understanding, working with who your dog really is, and building a life together that feels calmer, lighter, and a whole lot more connected."
—Renee Mabey
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