Mark Vette BSc, MSc (Hons)
Internationally renowned animal behaviourist, educator, author and TV personality
Mark Vette BSc, MSc (Hons)
Internationally renowned animal behaviourist, educator, author and TV personality
Mark is a globally recognised Animal Behaviourist, Zoologist and Trainer. He brings together a unique combination of academic studies with 40 years of applied clinical animal behaviour consulting and treatment through his behaviour clinic.
Mark has also trained a variety of species for film and television performance on such movies as Narnia, Lord of the Rings and The Last Samurai. Mark has also led three TV series to date – Purina Pound Pups to Dog Stars, the UK-based Dogs Might Fly and his earliest work The Funny Farm. He is New Zealand’s go to media commentator on all things animal.
Mark draws together his deep love and understanding of dog behaviour into Dog Zen – a training philosophy where to truly love your dog, you must first understand them. Built on his 40 years of experience, Dog Zen explores how to establish a loving, sound relationship with your dog, the importance of learning state and a shared language, and all the tools and techniques you need to correct common, persistent behaviour problems.
Mark draws on his deep understanding of wolf and proto-dog behaviour to provide deep insights into the dog, their behaviour and how to resolve issues. These insights were first developed in the US under the renowned behaviourist Prof Erick Klinghammer then strengthened through training the wolves on Narnia and solving dog behaviour problems in his clinic.
If you were to ask Mark where his most profound insights come from it would be his 40 years of Zen practice under the guidance of his Great Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.
Dog Zen is informed by all of Mark’s trainings and acknowledges that dogs too are his ‘Dog Zen Masters’. He continues to learn much from these wonderful being that have been at his side all his life and never ceases to be amazed by their presence and joy.
Meet the Team
Kim Morresey
General Manager – BBS (Marketing), Post Grad Dip International Development
Kim has over 15 years experience running diverse and complex programmes and teams in the environmental management field in local government. This work grew out of a love of all things in nature and a deep commitment and passion for community.
Five years ago her career took a sharp left turn into dogs, cats and managing all things animals. Brought in to help Mark run the business side of things, Kim has overseen the birth of Dog Zen Ltd and supported Mark in developing the online programme, writing books and managing the team.
As Mark says, dogs are often one of the last vestiges of nature in people’s lives, so working in this business isn’t too far removed from her previous work. Kim’s personal passion in the business is growing a collective sense of community, particularly in the online space.
Kim also happens to be Mark’s life partner – this is a true family business!
Marie Manderson
Senior Trainer
Marie has always been obsessed with animals and at a young age proudly declared to her parents she wanted to be “Lassie’s” trainer. Over the years that followed, Marie has participated in a variety of animal disciplines including pony club, obedience, agility, dog trick titles, breed showing, and instructing to name just a few. Marie’s working career started with her working in a boarding kennel after school, moving onto a pet store and veterinary clinics.
Marie has worked alongside Mark for well over 20 years, starting in his boarding kennels/cattery, zoo and later positions in the animal talent agency and behaviour clinic. Marie also featured in two of Mark’s TV series. Throughout this time she has also continued to further her education and understanding of animals, animal training, and behaviour.
Marie believes we never stop learning and is an avid reader and follower of a variety of trainers, teachers, mentors and training techniques. Marie is extremely grateful for the many opportunities animals have brought, and continue to bring, into her life.
Jazmin Vette Dal Bello
Senior Trainer – Behaviour Clinic Trainer and Manager
Jazmin grew up surrounded by animals, and totally immersed in the world of animal training. With years of experience behind her, Jaz has learned a wealth of invaluable animal training skills, some of which she used to train the world’s first driving dogs! Jaz has also found the time to: study photography, travel, live in Brazil with her husband, and bring two new additions to the family in the form of her gorgeous daughters. On a global scale, it’s Jaz’s face that’s plastered on YouTube as the trainer of global phenomenon Driving Dog Porter.
Jaz now runs the Behaviour Clinic, treating dogs with serious behavioural issues and creating impressive transformations. She is passionate about helping people eliminate the stress that dogs with behavioural issues bring to their lives. Animal training aside, Jaz is a sparkling human being with a heart of gold. Nothing is ever too much to ask, and anyone who has the pleasure of dealing with her will find her efficient, hard working and lovely!
Koan Vette
Customer Training Enquiries
Koan has worked on and off for Animals on Q and the Behaviour Clinic since he was a teenager, and spent a number years as Manager of our Behaviour Clinic helping dogs with serious behavioural issues. Koan prides himself on being able to make big changes in difficult dogs, and loves the challenge of going the extra mile to turn a dog’s life around.
Koan is now off the frontline and behind the computer, helping customers with their online dog training and books. You may also find Koan with his dog Patch riding his bike in Woodhill or hiking the summit of Mt Ruapehu, as he’s always in search of an adventure somewhere in the outdoors.
Kelly Cross
Clinic Coordinator
Kelly comes from a corporate background, having spent 15 years in the head offices of both ASB and Air New Zealand. She took time out to start a family and when her youngest daughter turned one, she found herself looking for a new challenge. Determined not to return to the corporate rat-race, she started looking for something different and interesting to do, which brought her to the doorstep of Mark Vette. Given her lifelong love of all things animal-related, and passion for ensuring an exceptional customer experience, she now wakes up to a job she really enjoys every day.
Kelly looks after all of the customer enquiries we receive from people looking for support/training with their animals and how we may be able to help.
Want help working out which of our services will suit you best? Contact Kelly on enquiries@markvette.com
My Blog
How to stop your dog begging for food
How to stop your dog begging for food When your dog gives you those puppy dog eyes, it can be hard to resist sharing, right?! But even if you do have good self-control yourself, if your dog is in the habit of begging, others may not be so careful about what they do...
How to prevent your cat from hunting
How to prevent your cat from hunting Practical advice to help stop your cat from hunting and killing animals like birds, mice and rats. I’m working on an exciting cat project, and as part of my research will be adopting a cat of my own to love and cherish. But I live...
How to stop your dog eating poo
How to stop your dog from eating poo Here we explore why your dog eats their own poop, and how you can stop it! Why do dogs eat their own poo? Poop eating is a fairly common condition, it is called coprophagia. There can be many reasons a dog might do this: Eating poo...