About the Doggy Lady

My passion in life is helping people train and communicate with their pet dogs.and to make training FUN!. 

I have been training dogs for over 19 years, including 14 years as a professional detector dog handler. My interest in dog training started with my first rescue dog “Flute”, a young German Shepherd x Labrador who introduced me to just about every training issue under the sun. With all the right intentions, I headed off to the local obedience school and, at my very first lesson, landed flat on my face – literally! So I do understand what it feels like to lack control at the paws of a delightful, but slightly crazy, dog!

Since then, I have studied the science of dog training - gaining knowledge and experience from some of the best trainers in the world, and also some very wise dogs!

I regularly update these techniques and skills by attending conferences and seminars both in Australia and internationally. In the last few years this has included (but not limited to!): Joey Iverson (USA), Chirag Patel (UK), Nando Brown (Spain), Kay Laurence (UK), Sam Turner (Netherlands), Steve Mann (UK), Steve White (USA), Susan Friedman (USA), Rise VanFleet (USA), John McGuigan (Scotland) and Claudia Pereira Estanislau (Portugal).

Somehighlights from the past three years include travelling to the UK to immerse myself in the world of Border Collies from world expert Kay Laurence, passing my Proprioception Instructor Course (Level 1) with Sam Turner (plus some further advanced training with her), several workshiops, mentoring and discussions with John McGuigan the Glasgow Dog Trainer, on best methods for working with "hyper" and "aggressive dogs" and spending time with Steve White (both in the UK in 2017 and hosting him in Perth in 2018) to delve deep into the world of scent dection. 

In 2016 I also undertook courses and a stringent assessment with the Instituate of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT), an internationally recognised dog training body. To pass this assessment trainers must reach a high standard of training in both people AND dogs, plus possess a very strong knowledge of the principles of dog training. I am pleased to advise that I passed this assessment and gained a Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Dog Training and Behaviour. Furthermore, I was also offered full membership to the IMDT. Members of the IMDT must also maintain and update their skills, undertaking re-assessment every two years to maintain their membership. This affiliation also provides my clients with the assurance that I abide with a strict code of ethics. Since 2019 I have been an instructor and assessor with the IMDT, teaching and mentoring the next generation of dog trainers.

Both my one-on-one consultations and classes provide a non-judgemental and supportive environment for you and your dog to learn in and the content is always tailored to your individual needs.

But most of all - training will be FUN!