Fair! It’s confusing even for professionals sometimes. Anyone can call themselves a dog trainer as there’s no licensing or consistent standard.

Quality dog training education combines science, ethics, and practical assessment, with a focus on behaviour, welfare, and professional conduct. Examples include the Karen Pryor Academy, Delta Institute, ICSP, or PACT. Trainers who belong to professional bodies like the Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA) or Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) are usually committed to ethical practice and ongoing learning. Further study, such as a master’s in behaviour, welfare, anthrozoology, or animal law, is another good sign.

Sometimes what you really need is a vet with behaviour expertise (especially if your dog’s behaviour has changed suddenly, or you suspect pain or discomfort).

• GP vet with an interest in behaviour: a great first step. They can assess medical issues, prescribe medication if needed, and refer you to behaviour specialists for ongoing support.

• Behaviour vet (VB): a veterinarian with postgraduate qualifications in behaviour medicine who focuses on complex behaviour cases.

• Veterinary Behaviour Specialist: the highest qualification level, with advanced training and clinical experience in behaviour medicine. There are only a few in Australia.

• “Behaviourist” isn’t a regulated title in Australia. True clinical animal behaviourists are rare, with qualifications generally earned through universities overseas. Check credentials carefully. Ethical trainers usually identify as “behaviour consultants” or “behaviour coaches.”

If I think a vet’s input might help, I’ll point you toward your own vet or a trusted specialist I work with. Collaboration makes a real difference to how quickly and comfortably dogs improve.

I work with everything from new-puppy mayhem to long-standing behaviour struggles. Common themes include:

• Puppies and adolescent dogs finding their feet

• Dogs who chase, bark, or lunge at wildlife, people, or dogs

• Sighthounds including ex-racing greyhounds adjusting to pet life

• Herding breeds and working dogs learning to live as family dogs

• Toy breeds and rescues needing confidence and calm

• Families juggling kids and dogs under one roof

• Separation anxiety, multi-dog tension, or fear-based behaviour

If you’re unsure whether I’m the right fit, reach out. If I’m not, I’ll help you find someone who is.

Yes, really! We meet online to talk through what’s happening and work on practical strategies tailored to your dog and home. I’ll coach you in real time, often demonstrating with my own dogs so you can see the techniques in action. You’ll also send short video clips between sessions so we can review and fine-tune together.

Online sessions work well because your dog stays relaxed in their own space, learning unfolds where everyday life actually happens, and you build the skills and confidence to keep progress going long after our sessions end.

Nope. A stable internet connection, a computer, tablet or phone with video, and a space where your dog can move comfortably are enough. If you’re unsure about how to set things up, I’ll guide you.

If we’re doing follow-ups or a package, you’ll send short video clips for feedback. You can share them however works best (email, WhatsApp, or your private client folder).

The first session is about understanding the full picture: your dog’s history, daily life, environment, and the goals you have in mind. You’ll get practical steps for fast relief and clear priorities for the weeks ahead.

Afterwards, you’ll receive a detailed written plan. It includes a summary of your dog’s behaviour, management ideas, training exercises with video, and recommended next steps.

Behaviour change takes time and consistency, which is why the six-week package is designed to give enough space for learning, feedback, and real progress.

You’ll get:

• Weekly 45-minute sessions

• Personalised video feedback (up to three clips a week)

• A shared training tracker so we can see progress together

• Priority email support between sessions

It offers structure, steady support, and better value than booking individual sessions, helping you and your dog build lasting change at a comfortable pace.

I understand that life happens. You can reschedule as long as you give at least 48 hours’ notice. It helps me plan ahead and ensures session times stay available for active clients..

If you’re working through a package, sessions need to be used within four months to keep progress rolling.

My work is welfare-based and relationship-focused. I don’t fix dogs or blame people. I help you understand each other and live more easily together. The aim isn’t control but connection, built through positive reinforcement, clear communication, and attention to the unique needs of both dog and human.

Every dog has their own history, emotions, and ways of coping, and so does every person who loves them. Together, we focus on practical changes like breed-appropriate enrichment, reducing stress, and creating routines that support wellbeing for everyone involved.

Yes, absolutely. I’ve worked with clients around the world, including the UK, US, Romania, and South Korea. If our clocks and internet get along, we’ll be fine too.