Dogs 101 started unintentionally — with just a few dogs, a big garden, and a lot of love. I’m Pip Dellabarca, and I never set out to run a dog business. Back in the early 2000s, I was working as a vet nurse in the South Wairarapa, teaching puppy preschool on the side, and slowly becoming fascinated by dog behaviour. That curiosity led me to study canine behaviour more formally, and train with Mark Vette, which completely changed the way I saw dogs and their relationships with people.

​

At the same time, I was casually helping friends by looking after their dogs — and suddenly, more people were calling. I realised that by combining behaviour knowledge with a safe, homely environment, I could offer something truly valuable: a place where dogs could stay, learn, and be understood. The garden walks we took with our own dogs became part of the daily rhythm for the visiting dogs, too — and before I knew it, the business had grown.

​

Today, Dogs 101 is a place where dogs aren’t just cared for — they’re known, respected, and treated like part of the family. Over the years, we’ve added behavioural consults, in-home training, and more structured services, but the heart of it is the same: individual care, clear communication, and strong relationships with both dogs and their humans.

​

Our days still begin with a quiet walk up the driveway — just me, Wayne, and a few regulars — and that peaceful start reminds me why this work matters. This business wasn’t built from a plan; it grew from trust, connection, and a deep belief in doing right by every dog who walks through the gate.