A true family business, Mark and our small team of expert trainers help you create the best possible life with your dog, from the comfort of your own home.
Founder of Dog Zen, internationally renowned animal behaviourist, trainer, educator, author & TV personality.
Mark has dedicated his life to studying and working with animals. His training philosophy is based on a deep knowledge of dog behaviour and the belief that understanding your dog is the key to a loving, problem-free relationship for life. His training techniques have improved the lives of thousands of dogs and their families (his reason for being!).
Mark has trained animals for countless TV ads and Hollywood hits such as Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings and The Last Samurai. He has also starred in three heart-warming TV series’ - Purina Pound Pups to Dog Stars, Dogs Might Fly and The Funny Farm. A strong advocate for rescue dogs, you may recognise him from global campaigns to drive rescue adoption.
Mark is a Zen Buddhist who studied under the Great Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, and he brings these insights into his work with animals.
Mark continues to learn from dogs every day and never ceases to be amazed by their presence and joy.
Contact Mark and our team
For media enquiries, partnerships and requests for Mark, chat to Kim ➜
Kim has always been inspired by nature and committed to growing communities, running community environmental programs for over 15 years. As co-Founder, she has overseen Dog Zen from its inception, working alongside Mark to bring it to life through creating and running Virtual Training Schools, writing books, forming partnerships, and coordinating workshops.
Kim also happens to be Mark’s life partner, and they live together with their golden retriever Awa in the beautiful Coromandel.
Jaz grew up surrounded by animals and immersed in the world of animal training, working alongside Mark on film sets from childhood and even training the world’s first Driving Dog Porter.
For 10 years, Jaz has run our Behaviour Clinic, treating dogs with serious behavioural issues and creating impressive transformations. She is passionate about helping you eliminate the stress that a dog with behavioural challenges can bring to your life - her own dog Charlie was a rescue about to be euthanised for his severe hyperactivity, now a beloved family member! Jaz is an avid photographer and mum to two gorgeous daughters.
Alisa has looked after our online training community since the start. When you’re a member of our virtual schools, you’ll get to know Alisa well - alongside Mark, she answers all your behavioural and training questions and supports you through your training journey. She’ll know your pup’s name and loves helping you get the best possible results from our courses!
Alisa also looks after our social channels, charity partners and brand partners. In her personal life, she’s married to Mark’s son Koan and runs around after two cheeky daughters and her lovely dog, Moss.
Marie has been passionate about training since childhood, and a part of Mark’s team for over 20 years (she’s practically family!), taking on a variety of roles in the boarding kennels, cattery, zoo and animal talent agency. Marie now trains dogs for our Behaviour Clinic and offers one-off consultations to help people leap ahead with their training. She is a master trainer with a deep love and compassion for animals, who believes we never stop learning and is an avid follower of a variety of trainers and training techniques.
For admin help, product orders or subscription enquiries, chat to Kelly ➜
Coming from a corporate background, Kelly’s love of animals and passion for ensuring an exceptional customer experience brought her career to Dog Zen. Kelly looks after all new customer enquiries, runs our online store and manages Clinic bookings. She is the organisational whizz that keeps Dog Zen running smoothly behind the scenes, you’ll speak to her when you email us or give us a call!
Talk to us to start your training journey.
