Choosing the Right Trainer for You and Your Dog
You love your dog. You want the best for them—the healthiest food, the tastiest treats, the softest beds.
You want the best dog trainer, too, but with so much conflicting information and advice swirling around out there, how do you choose?
2 Things You Should Know:
Dog Training Is Unregulated: Unlike your doctor, lawyer, and vet, dog trainers have no official regulating body. That means no required education, no enforced best practices, and no ethics oversight. The results are vast variations in dog trainers’ skills, knowledge, and methodologies – and a confusing chaos of advice.
Methodology Matters: While the lack of regulation means trainers don’t have to adhere to the science of behavior and training, the science itself is clear about how dogs learn and how best to teach them.
Decades of research show that reward-based, force-free dog training is the only approach to changing behavior that comes without unwanted behavioural side effects, risk of physical harm, and potential damage to the relationship between dogs and their people.
3 Tips for Screening a Trainer:
Listen to Language: Look for trainers who use terms like “reward-based” or “positive reinforcement.” Avoid terms like “balanced” or “alpha,” which hint at outdated methods.
Beware of Guarantees: No one can guarantee specific results. A true professional focuses on helping you and your dog succeed without making false promises.
Look for Credentials: Professional trainers invest in ongoing education. Ask about their qualifications and continuous learning.
5 Questions to Ask:
-What are your qualifications?
-What training methods do you use?
-What tools do you recommend?
-How do you handle mistakes?
-Do you guarantee results?
1 More Thing…
Your trainer should be supportive and invested in your success. Training should be fun for both you and your dog!
Ready to choose your dog trainer?
If you're looking for a trainer who ca
🐾 Queenie's Amazing Transformation: The Power of Medication and the Right Support 🐾
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Queenie twice, and both times she left quite an impression. Each time I moved, she would bark at me, and she was on constant high alert during our walks—scanning her surroundings, barking at every perceived threat, and patrolling her home, reacting to every little noise. Sitting or lying down seemed impossible for her.
Queenie was already on behaviour medication when we started, but something still didn’t seem right. After seeing her for the second time, I referred her back to the lovely Dr. Ellie at Old Reynella Veterinary Clinic . A change in medication later, and I was astounded by the difference in Queenie’s behaviour!
Yes, she barked briefly when she first saw me, but then something amazing happened—she settled and even became curious about me. For the first time, I was able to gently pat her. We encountered cars, bikes, dogs, and kids, all things that would have previously triggered her during our walk. But Queenie stayed calm. When we returned to the house, she followed me inside and even left her owner outside to chat with a friend—something unimaginable before! And the most heartwarming moment? Queenie lay down with her head on my foot.
I wish I could take credit for this transformation, but as her owner admitted, they hadn’t done any training since our last session. The only change was the medication.
I'm sharing this to show just how incredible the right medication can be in transforming the life of not only your pet but also yours. Huge thanks to Dr. Ellie and the amazing team at Old Reynella Vet for their expertise and support. Now, Queenie is in a better frame of mind to start learning new behaviours and facing her triggers with confidence.
I’m really looking forward to our upcoming training sessions and seeing Queenie blossom into a calmer, happier, and more confident pup. 🐶💖
#DogTraining #Behavi
🌟 Today we are celebrating Mack's remarkable progress! 🌟
When I first received a video from Charlotte showing Mack pulling like a sled dog, refusing to eat outside the home, and not responding to even familiar cues, I knew we had a challenging road ahead. During our first session, Mack completely lost focus the moment he saw the harness, and I knew we had to go back to basics.
I gave Charlotte the task of working on desensitization and engagement exercises inside the home for two weeks, which also gave Mack a much-needed two-week cortisol holiday. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how much progress we’d make!
But when I returned two weeks later, I was blown away! Mack had made so much progress—we were able to head outside, even if it was just up and down the street. We added some new exercises to help Mack stay focused on Charlotte, and just a week later, they were doing even better.
While there's still work to be done before Mack is ready for hour-long hikes, the dedication and patience Charlotte has shown in implementing the training has been incredible. They’re taking it at Mack’s pace, and that’s what’s making all the difference. 👏
Here’s to more milestones ahead for this awesome duo! 🐾💪
#DogTrainingJourney #ProgressNotPerfection #MackTheDog #DedicatedOwner #PawsAndReward #SupportSmallBusiness #Adelaidedogs #PositiveReinforcement #DogTraining #Dogsofadelaide
🐍🎥 Check out this video of our clever Snake Aware Course participants practicing their recall to the sight and scent of a snake. Watch as Dougall starts to learn to turn around just from smelling the snake! He didn’t even need his owner to give a full recall anymore. 🙌🐶
Of course, these skills will need to be generalized to different environments and setups, but the participants now have all the information and tools they need to continue the training at home.
The next Snake Aware Course starts on the 21st of September at Blackwood Uniting Church—only two spots left! Secure your place now and teach your dog these life-saving skills. 🐾
#SnakeAware #DogTraining #SafetyFirst #DogRecall #BlackwoodUnitingChurch #Dogsofadelaide #PositiveReinforcement #snakeawarenessclass #snakeawarenesstraining #Adelaidesnakes #snakeawareness
🐶🐍 Snake Aware Training in Action! 🐍🐶
Check out this awesome video of Louis practicing his indicator behaviour—a knee touch— which he will use to alert his owner when he spots a snake. 🐕
✨ Through this training, Louis is learning an essential skill that could one day help keep him and his owner safe.
Paws & Reward's next Snake Aware Course kicks off on the 31st of August at Blackwood Uniting Church. If you want to equip your dog with life-saving skills like Louis, there’s still time to join us!
📅 Date: 31st of August
📍 Location: Blackwood Uniting Church
🎟️ Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now! https://pawsandreward.com.au/snake-aware
#AdelaideDogs #PositiveReinforcement #Dogsofadelaide #DogCommunity #SnakeAware #DogTraining #SafetyFirst #AdelaideEvents #Adelaidedogtrainer
🎓 Exciting Update to Puppy College! 🐾
I am thrilled to announce a new addition to the Puppy College program! 🎉 Now, when you sign up, you'll receive a 40-minute video that dives deep into understanding your pup and managing those tricky situations before class even starts. 📚🐶
But that's not all! Along with the video, you'll get an e-workbook that helps you apply what you learn directly to your dog. 📝✨
You'll receive both within 48 hours of signing up, so you can kickstart your training journey early and set your puppy up for success from day one. 🚀
Ready to get started? Join Puppy College today and give your pup the best start possible! 🐾💪 https://pawsandreward.com.au/puppy-training-class
#PuppyTraining #PuppyCollege #DogTraining #StartEarly #DogTraining #Dogsofadelaide #SupportSmallBusiness #PositiveReinforcement #adelaidedogs #PuppyLove #AdelaideDogs #DogObedience #PuppyClass #DogTrainer #AdelaidePets #Blackwood #PuppyTraining #DogCommunity
Lately, despite my better judgement, I've found myself scrolling through Facebook posts where people seek dog training advice here in Adelaide. It's disheartening to see so many recommendations for "balanced" trainers and aversive methods. It's troubling how easily we turn to "quick-fix" solutions that punish behaviours instead of embracing researched, safe methods or considering medication to support our dogs in today's stressful world.
Although I doubt those who advocate for 'balanced' methods will watch this video, I wanted to highlight why the force-free, positive approach is truly in the best interest of our pets and ourselves. As someone at Zoos SA wisely said, 'Your quality of care is their quality of life.'
Let's remember this as we strive to give our pets the best care and training possible. 💖
Credit to Guy Hedderwick for pointing out these benefits of force-free training in his recent PPGA Marketing Webinar 🙏
#PositiveReinforcement #Adelaidedogtrainer #DogTraining #Dogsofadelaide #adelaidedogs #Adelaidepups #ForceFreeTraining #PositiveReinforcement #ScienceBasedTraining #EthicalDogTraining #NoQuickFixes #CompassionateTraining #ChoosePositive #DogTrainingAdelaide
I'm looking forward to running the Snake Aware Course in Clare this weekend! 🌟🐍 Watch this amazing video of Archie recalling just from smelling the snake skin – it's incredible how our furry friends can learn to stay safe!
🐾 Want to ensure your four-legged companion knows how to navigate around snakes? 🚫🐍 Enroll in the Snake Aware Course today and equip your pup with essential skills to stay safe and sound! 🐾📚
Spaces are limited, so act fast! 🏃♀️🏃♂️ Drop me a message or book in through my website www.pawsandreward.com.au/bookings if you're ready to join the Snake Aware adventure! 🐾🌟 Let's keep our pups safe and happy together! 🐕❤️
#SnakeAware #DogSafety #TrainingAdventure #ClareCanines #Adelaidedogtraining #Adelaidedogs
🐾 Exciting News! 🐾
I'm thrilled to share that I am now officially a Dog and Cat Management Board Approved Trainer! 🐶🐱 This means I can provide specialised training courses for dogs under Control Orders, as per section 50 of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995.
I'm here to help if your furry friend is subject to any of the following control orders:
Dangerous Dog Order
Menacing Dog Order
Nuisance Dog Order
Barking Dog Order
Feel free to reach out to me if your pup is under a control order, and let's discuss the best training approach for your furry friend. 🐾Together, we can ensure a happier and safer environment for you and your beloved pet. 🏡✨
Looking forward to helping our four-legged friends (and their human companions) thrive! 🐾💙
#adelaidedogtrainer #Councildogtraineradelaide #dogsofadelaide #adelaidedogs #adelaidepups #dogorders
🐾🐍🎓 Had an absolute blast teaching the Snake Aware Course to this adorable group of corgis! 🎓🐍🐾
From Henry, the nervous nellie who conquered his fears one step at a time, to the extremely food motivated girls who would cross burning coal for a piece of kibble, and the proud achiever Archie who learnt to recall just from the snake scent (Stay tuned for this impressive video!) - these pups stole my heart with their unique personalities! 🥰
If you're interested in organising a private Snake Aware Course for your friends, family, or community, don't hesitate to reach out. Let's empower more furry friends to stay safe and sound in the great outdoors! 🐾🌿
#snakeawareness #pawsforsafety #corgiadventures #adelaidedogs#adelaidehillsdogtraining #adelaidehillsdogs#dogsofadelaide #adelaidedogs
🌟 Witness Coco's impressing snake avoidance progress! 🐾
Coco's inaugural recall and alert training session with a snake shed scent was a resounding success! Following just 30 minutes of dedicated practice, she has mastered the skill of promptly returning to her owner and touching her knee upon encountering the scent of a snake. In this video her owner does not use her recall word. Coco simply sniffs the shed, runs back to her owner, and touches her knee.
The use of a post-it note as a marker for the desired touch location will gradually be phased out as Coco's proficiency continues to grow. Congratulations, Coco, on your impressive progress!
🐾✨ Exciting News for Growing Families! Introducing the Dogs & Storks® and Dogs & Toddlers™ Programs! 🍼👶🐶
I am thrilled to share two new programs that cater to the unique needs of growing families, including our beloved furry friends! 🌟
👶🐾 Dogs & Storks®: Preparing Families with Dogs for Life with Baby
Having a baby is an incredible journey for everyone in the family, and that includes your beloved dog. Dogs & Storks® is an internationally renowned program designed to provide positive, practical, and fun solutions to challenges that often arise when a family with a dog welcomes a new baby.
📚 What Dogs & Storks® Covers:
✅ Preparing Your Dog Before the Baby Arrives
✅ Introducing Your Dog After the Baby Arrives
✅ Reading Your Dog’s Body Language
✅ The Five Types of Supervision
✅ Success Stations
✅ And Much More!
Dogs & Storks® fills in the gaps left uncovered by obedience training and childbirth education classes.
👧🐶 Dogs & Toddlers™: Preparing Families with Dogs for Life with Toddler
As your baby undergoes rapid developmental changes, it brings new challenges for our family dogs, potentially causing stress and confusion. Dogs & Toddlers™ provides valuable insights and proactive solutions to address common challenges faced by families with dogs as their baby becomes mobile.
📋 What Dogs & Toddlers™ Covers:
✅ Ways to Improve Your Dog Aware Skills
✅ Grumble and Growl Zones
✅ The Importance of Proximity
✅ Fun Games to Make Life Easier
✅ Important Milestone Moments
✅ The Five Types of Supervision
✅ And Much More!
👶🐶 Online Seminar:
Dogs & Storks® and Dogs & Toddlers™ are now available to book as engaging 1.5-hour online seminars!🌐✨
🏡 Optional In-Home Private Training:
For those seeking personalised attention, I'm delighted to offer optional in-home private training sessions. I will work directly with your family and furry friend to address specific needs and create a custom
