Taking the leap to work with dogs was the most rewarding decision of my life, but it has quickly evolved into educating humans about behaviour and how dogs learn.

The highlight of my week is teaching puppy classes, and then observing & coaching as our young pups develop into adult dogs, helping them every step of the way. I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by such a fun-loving team of honest, positive and hard working professionals, and such wonderful dogs of all breeds, sizes and personalities.

Every day is unique and we always have a story to tell. I enjoy spending time with my young sheepdog Maverick, he has an excellent sense of humour and I love the way his antics bring a smile to people’s faces.

Qualifications & Professional Development:
An evening with Dr. Susan Friedman 2019
Australiasian Animal Training Conference ASZK 2018
Delta Institute Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services 2016 - Present
Alexandra Horowitz, Inside of a Dog 2017
Wagging School Instructor Training and Behaviour Skills 2016
Gentle Dog Trainers Association Dog Instructor Training Course 2012
Ian Dunbar in Oz Puppy Instructor Seminar 2012

Professional memberships:
Pet Professional Guild Australia
Australian Association of Gentle Modern Dog Training Instructors
Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia Inc

After adopting a dog who provided his fair share of training challenges, I struggled to find good advice and became extremely intrigued with the world of dog training. I found that reward-based methods matched consistently with the concepts I was learning in my Animal Science degree.

I find that helping people to better understand their dogs extremely rewarding. Most of all, I love how a gentle approach to training encourages owners to develop a happy and healthy relationship with their pets.

Qualifications & Professional Development:
Learning About Learning Dr. Susan Friedman & Peta Clark 2019
PhD (Ag Sciences) 2017 - Present
Bachelor of Science (Honours, Animal Welfare and Behaviour), University of Melbourne 2016
Gentle Dog Trainers Association Dog Instructor Training Course 2015
Wagging School Instructor Training and Behaviour Skills 2016

Professional memberships:
Australian Association of Gentle Modern Dog Training Instructors
Instructor at the Kintala Club 2015 - 2017

I have always loved dogs and had very close relationships with my childhood dogs that I will always cherish and remember. I think it's amazing how dogs bond with us and understand us, their passion for life and fun is something that brings a lot of joy into my life.

As a dog trainer it is part of my job to build up the dog’s skills and assist them to cope in our world, to teach them what we would like from them and to guide them to socialise politely with one another. I enjoy helping them overcome any issues they may have so that they can have the best life possible. I love speaking and learning their language - to spend time with them and share in their happiness is something very special.

Qualifications & Professional Development:
Wagging School Instructor Training and Behaviour Skills 2016
NDTF Certificate III in Dog Behaviour & Training 2015
Founder of Rescuing Our Companion Animals 2014
Ian Dunbar in Oz Puppy Instructor Seminar 2012

I have been a dog lover all my life. I grew up surrounded by dogs as my Dad also had a soft spot for them, always adopting homeless and unwanted pets.

I left the corporate world to work with dogs because they love us unconditionally and I want to do whatever I can to make every day of their lives as enjoyable as possible; Rain, hail or shine!

Qualifications & Professional Development:
Gentle Dog Trainers Association Dog Instructor Training Course 2017
Delta Institute Component 1: Dog Training the Delta Way 2016
Wagging School Instructor Training and Behaviour Skills 2016

I have the funniest memories of my first dog an unruly Alaskan Malamute. We’d skateboard from St Kilda to Fitzroy with him pulling me all the way, this was the best way to capitalise on his excellent capacity to lunge and pull. If only I knew then what I know now - I could’ve taught him to stop turn left and swap spots.

Today I find myself on an incredible exploration in inter species learning and collaboration thanks to my precious rescue pups who demand only the highest form of communication…unconditional love and positivity.

Discovering positive reward based training has given me the skill set to train and aid other people and their pups so that they can build an awesome and loving life together.

Qualifications & Professional Development:
Learning About Learning Dr. Susan Friedman & Peta Clark 2019
An Evening With Dr. Susan Friedman 2019
Odours & Olfaction and NW2 Workshop, Fred Helfers & Chews Australia 2018
Suzanne Clothier - Relationship Based Training Seminar Australia 2018
Delta Institute Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services 2016 - 2018
Bob Bailey Down Under 2017
Wagging School Meteorite Mentor program 2016 - Present
Wagging School Creativity Unleashed Meta Learning in Dogs 2016
Wagging School Instructor Training and Behaviour Skills 2016

Professional memberships:
Animal Training Academy

I have grown up with dogs my whole life and so it was natural for me to want to work in this field. Since moving to Australia from England I volunteer at the RSPCA where I walk the shelter dogs and have progressed to working with the behaviour team.

I am that person who will talk to the dog before the human, and hang out with the dogs at parties. I hope to work with dogs for many more years as nothing makes me happier than their wagging tails and gorgeous eyes that just want love.

I am currently assisting the RSPCA to rehabilitate dogs and their puppies rescued from puppy farms, until they're ready to be adopted out to their forever homes. It gives me great pleasure when I see their progress from a shy little pup to a confident dog.

Qualifications & Professional Development:
An evening with Dr. Susan Friedman 2019
Steve Austin’s Dangerous Dog Assessing and Handling Workshop 2015
Gentle Dog Trainers Association Dog Instructor Training Course 2014
Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services 2013
Introduction to Dog Grooming Skills (Level 1) 2011

Volunteer Service:
RSPCA Animal Handler / Dog Walker

Having grown up with dogs, I have a special affinity with our furry friends. One of my earliest memories is of our family dog, Odie, trying in earnest to pick me up by the overalls and carry me around the back yard with her, she thought I was her pup!

Qualifications, Volunteer & Professional Development:
An evening with Dr. Susan Friedman 2019

In my 6 years spent volunteering at the RSPCA, I had the opportunity to play a small role in the rehabilitation and training of puppy farm and rescue dogs. It was incredibly rewarding to see the development of these animals from shy and fearful, to confident and excited. I have always known that I want to become a Veterinarian, but this for me sparked a passion for behavioural development. Learning and utilising techniques of reward-based training has paired so naturally with the knowledge I have gained from my tertiary studies. I've just completed a placement with the Moonlit Wildlife Sanctuary, where working with Dingoes was the highlight of my experience!

Qualifications, Volunteer & Professional Development:
An evening with Dr. Susan Friedman 2019
Gentle Dog Trainers Association Dog Instructor Training Course 2019
Master of Agricultural Sciences (Animal Science – Animal Behaviour and Welfare), University of Melbourne 2018
Bachelor of Science (Neuroscience), University of Melbourne 2016
RSPCA Animal Handler / Dog Walker 2012-2017
Certificate II in Animal Studies 2010

Growing up, I always had a special bond and love for my childhood animals. It’s only natural that I’d want to pursue my love and passion for working with them.

Working with my own Pet Photography business allowed me to capture how much love and happiness there is in a dog’s life and helped me understand each and every dogs unique, fun personalities.
I absolutely love dogs and want to make their lives as fun and adventurous as possible!

Qualifications & Professional Development:
Certificate III in Animal Studies, Box Hill Institute 2019
Selena Hema Photography 2018-Present

Chahinez joins us from Glasgow where she was a social group dog walker, doggy daycare attendant and pet sitter for dogs, cats and rabbits.

Her experience is vast with an excellent understanding of canine signals, behaviour assessment, holistic therapy, ensuring the safety of dogs in her care and supervising while guiding off-leash park play.

In Scotland, force-free training is the norm and dogs and humans alike gravitate towards her gentle and positive energy.

I've always had a passion for animals and have grown up owning dogs and cats throughout my life.

My passion for animals drove me to study Animal and Veterinary BioSciences majoring in zoology and minoring in microbiology, and I continued on to study veterinary nursing. I've worked in various animal care roles at The Lost Dogs Home as an animal attendant and in various clinics as a veterinary nurse.

I love animals so much, they are my family.

Qualifications & Professional Development:
Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing 2016
Animal Handling Training - The Lost Dogs Home 2015
Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary BioSciences 2013

Charlotte Barker is a qualified Delta behavioural trainer, holding a Cert IV in Companion Animal Services 2007 and has been involved in positive reinforcement reward training for the past 14 years conducting agility, puppy, basic manners, advanced classes and 1 on 1 private consultations. Charlotte has worked closely with veterinary behaviourists, vets and clients in their homes assisting with behavioural concerns ranging from excessive barking and separation anxiety; to phobias, fear and aggression. She has spent her canine life in the company of working breed dogs and came to training through the joy of tricks training and agility with Frank, the Kelpie x Husky pictured here.

Qualifications & Professional Development:
Bob Bailey Seminar 2017
Delta Therapy Dog Assessor 2013-2014
Formerly the owner of Furry Critters Dog Training 2007-2017
Vet Nurse Canine Puppy Class Educator 2013
Pets and Parents Seminar with Dr Gabrielle Carter 2013
Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia Seminar 2012
Helping the Second Hand Dog Seminar, APDT Australia, 2012
Science Based Dog Training with Feeling Seminar; Dr Ian Dunbar in OZ 2012
Puppy Class Seminar with Good Pet Behaviour 2012
Behind the Scenes with Animal Trainers at Melbourne Zoo; APDT Australia 2011
The Future of Veterinary Behaviour Seminar; APDT Australia with Dr Debbie Calnon & Dr Caroline Perrin 2010
Reactivity Seminar; APDT Australia with Dr Debbie Calnon 2010
Delta Professional Dog Trainer's Association Seminar 2010
Dispelling the Dominance Myth; Australian Veterinary Behavioural Interest Group Seminar 2009
Delta Qualified, Certificate IV in Companion Animal Management Services 2007