Every morning, Tarah and the team are greeted by wagging tails and excited dogs, ready for their day. Tarah runs Shine Canine, a doggy daycare, boarding kennel and training facility just out of town on Moewai Rd, set on a couple of fully fenced acres — a safe, wide open space built for dogs to roam.
Twenty-plus years of working with and training dogs have given Tarah a strong understanding of canine behaviour and what dogs need to feel safe, settled and happy.
That understanding is reflected in the way Shine Canine is run, with dogs given the freedom to explore, play, learn and simply be themselves.
For many of the dogs who come regularly, Shine Canine becomes a real home away from home. Some have been coming for years, arriving excited for their day while their owners have peace of mind knowing they’re being well cared for.
A Lifelong Passion
Tarah got her first puppy at 16 and named her Shine — and every dog she’s owned since has had a name connected in some way to light or something that shines. She has been training dogs and competing and judging dog agility for more than 20 years. Just last weekend in Kawerau, her dog Azmin picked up first and second-place ribbons in different events.
Watching Azmin, mum Ember, and dad Blaze sail over the agility course was a joy – weaving through poles, turning on command, ears flying and tails a blur, while Tarah called out cues with the easy rhythm of someone who’s done this ten thousand times before.
Care You Can Trust
Tarah and her team all hold dog daycare pack management certificates and know how to read dog behaviour. They keep a close eye on the dogs, carefully managing group interactions and making sure each dog is comfortable and well suited to the environment. Beyond day-to-day care, Tarah is a go-to source of advice on training and socialising and getting the most out of the bond between dogs and their people.
Shop, Stay, Play and Learn
The front shop is small but well stocked – hand-picked toys, treats, accessories, quality food, and their own custom-made leads and collars. For overnight guests, there are clean, comfortable kennels, crates, and even deluxe suites complete with beds and couches, roomy enough for families of dogs to stay together.
Every Thursday from 10am to 12pm, fully vaccinated puppies under six months are welcome at their free puppy play group. And for anyone wanting to see what Shine Canine is all about, they offer local dogs a free daycare trial to experience the services and facilities firsthand.
Tarah isn’t just running a daycare centre, boarding kennel, training school, or pet shop. She’s running a place where dogs shine – and where the people who love them can trust they’re in the best possible hands.
For quality daycare, boarding and experienced help with dog training, contact Shine Canine.
◾️Shine Canine, Doggy daycare & boarding – open to visitors and locals alike. Shop: 027 360 4870, 142A Moewai Rd Open 8.00-9.00am and 4.30-5.15pm
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