Our Story

Elite Canine Collective was founded in 2021 as Christchurch’s first enrichment-based dog daycare, setting a new standard in the industry. After working in a variety of facilities from the age of 15, I witnessed firsthand the stress, shutdown behaviours, and even dangerous fights that can occur in environments lacking proper staff training, stimulation and structure. Too often, dogs were left in empty spaces with little to do.

I set out to create the kind of daycare I would want for my own dog, a place filled with enrichment, play equipment, and meaningful activities designed to keep dogs happy, engaged, and thriving. That vision became Elite Canine Collective.

Our team never stops learning, because a well-trained team means happier, safer dogs

Because dog daycare is an unregulated industry, the quality of care can vary greatly.

At ECC, we choose to go above and beyond by making staff education and training a top priority. Our team is skilled in reading canine body language, understanding communication, and managing behaviours to ensure every dog enjoys a safe, stress-free, and enriching environment.

We believe learning never stops, our staff are committed to ongoing professional development through professional courses, seminars, webinars, summits, and short courses.

  • Georgia & Carl

    Chief Executive Pawfficers

    Est. 2021

    Hello & Woof! My name is Georgia and I am the Managing Director of Elite Canine Collective LTD. I have adored all animals my whole life and knew from a very early age that it's where I wanted my career to be. Throughout my childhood, my goals jumped between being a vet, guide dog trainer, or a police dog handler. I got my first after-school job working in a local boarding kennel, doing not much more than washing dishes, hosing out kennels, and the odd walk, but I loved it! 
    I have been working in the industry since I was 15 in different daycare and kennel facilities, and shadowing trainers. I have since spent the last few years studying nutrition and behaviour, and creating a plan to bring together an awesome daycare experience that I would be glad to send my dogs to! 

    My areas of interest are social development of puppies, genetic make-ups of personalities, heelwork, trick training and nutrition! 


    And Carl - well he's married to the madness!

  • Memberships

    • Association of Professional Dog Trainers NZ (APDTNZ)
    • International Society of Animal Professionals (ISAP)
    • Association of Pet Behaviour Councilors (APBC)
    • International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC)

    Credentials

    • Fear Free Animal Trainer Certification
    • Fear Free Boarding & Daycare
    • Dog Psychology, Behaviour & Training
    • Puppy Socialization
    • Puppy Lab
      SOCS
    • Canine Science 
      SOCS

    • Canine Enrichment Certificate
    • Fear Free Canine Enrichment
    • Dog Enrichment Course 
    • Canine Bonding & Play
    • Interactive Play
    • Canine Calmness Certificate
    • Canine Communication Certificate
    • Canine Compulsive Disorder (CCD) Certificate
    • Canine Body Language PP Certificate
    • Group Management PP Certificate
    • New Dog Evaluations PP Certificate

    Current Study

    • Behaviour Bible 
      SOCS
    • Advanced Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour Management 
    • Fundamentals of Neuroscience 
    • Professional Canine Nutritionist Certification

  • Lisa

    2IC & Team Leader

    Senior Handler

    Est. 2022

    Hi, I’m Lisa! 🐾
    I’ve had a deep love for dogs since I was four years old, when my family started breeding Corgis. From the very beginning, I was right there in the middle of it all—helping raise the pups and spending every possible moment with them. I loved watching their little personalities develop and seeing how each one grew into their own.

    Over the years, we also had several rescue dogs come into our home. Helping them go from shy and unsure to confident, happy, and full of life was truly something special—and it sparked a lifelong passion for understanding and working with dogs.

    When I was 11, I became even more curious about what I could achieve with training, and started exploring different types of dog sports with my own Corgi, Pete. The original goal was the breed shows, but Pete had other ideas… and that’s how we both discovered Dog Agility—and we were hooked. At 14, I won my first national competition with Pete. Since then, I’ve gone on to build a 5-dog team and earned another title in 2019 with one of my Border Collies.

    I’m constantly learning and evolving as a trainer and handler, always looking for new ways to better understand dogs and strengthen the connection we can have with them.

    Finding a job that allows me to mix my passion with my daily life is something I’m so grateful for. I LOVE spending my days with the amazing dogs that come through our doors—they always leave you smiling, and they definitely leave pawprints on your heart. 🩷

  • Credentials

    Dogs have competed in different Agility grades including; JB, JA, Intermediate and Senior

    • Jumpers Awards - JD, JD, JD, JD, JDX
    • New Zealand Dog Agility Championship's Novice Winner 2011 - Smalls
    • New Zealand Dog Agility Championship's 2019 Finalist
      Starters Final x4 dogs
      Jumpers C Final x1 dog
    • New Zealand Dog Agility Championship's Starters Winner 2019 - 500s

    • Canine Body Language PP Certificate
    • Group Management PP Certificate
    • New Dog Evaluations PP Certificate
    • Fear Free Animal Trainer Certification (current study)

  • Hayley

    Intermediate Handler

    Est. 2022

    Hi, I’m Hayley!
    I’ve always had a passion for dogs and feel so lucky to be able to turn that into a career. Over the years I’ve built up extensive experience in the canine industry, developing a deep understanding of dog behavior and training & continue to grow & learn as I go. I love being able to use that knowledge every day to make sure each dog feels safe, happy and understood while they’re with us.

    One of my favorite parts of the job is getting to know all the different personalities that come through our doors, no two dogs are ever the same, and that keeps things fun and rewarding. Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my own dog Fern, whether it’s exploring on the farm ,trick training, agility training or just enjoying a good cuddle at home.

  • Credentials

    • New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care
    • Pet First Aid
    • Fear Free Boarding & Daycare
    • Canine Body Language PP Certificate
    • Group Management PP Certificate
    • New Dog Evaluations PP Certificate

  • Naticia

    Intermediate Handler

    Est. 2023

    Hello! My name is Tesha and I have always had a deep fondness for dogs as well as all other animals. I consider myself fortunate to have them as constant companions in my life.

    My tri merle border collie, Keava, is a beloved member of my family who enjoys playing with balls, frisbee and is very much a water bug. You may have come across her on social media; she thoroughly enjoys accompanying me to work and would eagerly do so every day if given the chance.

    I've recently completed my Animal Care Qualification and am excited to gain more experience and certifications to advance my career in the animal industry,specially dogs!!

  • Credentials

    • New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care
    • Pet First Aid
    • Fear Free Boarding & Daycare
    • Canine Body Language PP Certificate
    • Group Management PP Certificate
    • New Dog Evaluations PP Certificate