About me

Hi, I’m Apoorva Nagendran, the founder of Smart Paws Academy. As a certified dog trainer, a proud member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), and a member of APDTNZ (Association of Professional Dog Trainers New Zealand), I bring both international expertise and local insight to my work. Along with several professional certifications, I’ve dedicated years to studying and applying science-based, positive training methods that prioritize each dog’s unique needs.

 

I don’t believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach—every dog has their own personality, history, and way of learning. That’s why I tailor training to suit not just your dog, but also your family’s lifestyle and goals. My extensive study of dog body language and communication allows me to help you understand how your dog sees the world, what they’re trying to tell you, and how you can communicate more clearly with them.

 

At Smart Paws Academy, training isn’t about teaching a few tricks—it’s about building a lifetime bond. My mission is to empower pet parents with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to raise happy, well-adjusted companions, while creating a relationship rooted in respect, trust, and love.