Unpacked Dog Education & Training

10/11/2024

It finally happened!

We have our first Bassett hound in our scent class 😍

Introducing Sir Albert ⚔️ (the class added the ‘sir’ 😉)

We cannot wait to have more fun with this dude of a dog 💙

09/11/2024

Please donate if you can to support the amazing work the Conservation Ecology Centre do in the magnificent Otways region of Victoria 🐨 🌱

November 13 is World Kindness Day, and we’re asking you to give a little kindness to the Otways! Your gift of ‘kindness for the Otways’ will help continue our work for these animals and the ecosystems they live in.

Visit www.conservationecologycentre.org/kindness

Share our work and your support with friends using

08/11/2024

Looking forward to this! 😁

Have a great day! ☀️

07/11/2024

Heartwarming story for the week 🐾

Uche had a vet check up appointment this week and while he and Leigh were in the waiting room, a mother and daughter shuffled into the clinic, holding a small carry cage 🐈

The vet nurse gently nodded at them, confirmed the cats name and lit a candle on the counter. Sadly, it was obvious that it was their cat’s time, nothing more could be done 😔💔

As there wasn’t a lot of room, Leigh got up and insisted they sit, moving Uche well out of the way. The mother and daughter were gently crying and everyone in the room felt the sorrow present at that dreaded time.

Uche was watching them both and started to lean towards them. The mother noticed and said ‘it’s ok’ and so Leigh let him approach them, quietly. He didn’t approach the cage (he loves cats) but instead put his head on the little girls lap ♥️ He absolutely sensed she needed this, he does this anytime anyone is sad. The little girl stroked him gently and wept 😢

He then gently did the same for the mother, before returning back to Leigh.

What a beautiful boy we have 🙏🏻 how anyone ever believed dogs didn’t feel or have emotions is beyond us! Labradors are renowned for this, especially those that have been bred for the service dog industry. But all dogs feel and read our emotions, and it’s so important to read theirs too. Uche had some good rest when he got home, to ensure he doesn’t take on too much 💙

We send our love and heartfelt condolences to this family who made the toughest and kindest decision we ever can for our animals 💐💔🐾

07/11/2024

Heartwarming story for the week 🐾

Uche had a vet check up appointment this week and while he and Leigh were in the waiting room, a mother and daughter shuffled into the clinic, holding a small carry cage 🐈

The vet nurse gently nodded at them, confirmed the cats name and lit a candle on the counter. Sadly, it was obvious that it was their cat’s time, nothing more could be done 😔💔

As there wasn’t a lot of room, Leigh got up and insisted they sit, moving Uche well out of the way. The mother and daughter were gently crying and everyone in the room felt the sorrow present at that dreaded time.

Uche was watching them both and started to lean towards them. The mother noticed and said ‘it’s ok’ and so Leigh let him approach them, quietly. He didn’t approach the cage (he loves cats) but instead put his head on the little girls lap ♥️ He absolutely sensed she needed this, he does this anytime anyone is sad. The little girl stroked him gently and wept 😢

He then gently did the same for the mother, before returning back to Leigh.

What a beautiful boy we have 🙏🏻 how anyone ever believed dogs didn’t feel or have emotions is beyond us! Labradors are renowned for this, especially those that have been bred for the service dog industry. But all dogs feel and read our emotions, and it’s so important to read theirs too. Uche had some good rest when he got home, to ensure he doesn’t take on too much 💙

We send our love and heartfelt condolences to this family who made the toughest and kindest decision we ever can for our animals 💐💔🐾

02/11/2024

👌🏻 👏🏻

31/10/2024

Couple of spots available for our Level 2 Life Skills course starting tomorrow morning, Sat 2 Nov in Redan at 10.45am 🐾

Suitable for dogs who have completed our Adolescent course and also our previous clients who would like to learn some new, real-life skills! 🐕

Be quick! To book, send us an email at [email protected] or send us a message.

Weather is looking good! ☀️ come and join the fun 🤩

New course alert! 🚨 Life Skills - Level 2

Do you want a dog you can go to a cafe with, take camping and on holidays? How do we build on the skills we learnt in adolescent classes?

Our Life Skills - Level 2 course is based on the Canine Good Citizen Test or Award - as our aim is always better and happier dogs in society. In fact, we finish the course with a group walk in Ballarat!

Our 4 week Life Skills (Level 2) course (with optional week 5 group walk) will cover:

🔶 'levelling up' our recall, loose lead walking, leave it with more distractions and other exercises

🔹 bridging/marking skills, including a fun game that will improve what your understanding of what it’s like for your dog

🔶 perfecting our greeting skills of people and dogs - teaching politeness / impulse control around doors, gates, getting in and out of the car, crossing roads

🔹 working on brief periods of separation and being calm while not being glued to your side!

🔶 standing for examination / vet visits, close or middle, come to heel and practising ’settle’

🔹 Defensive dog handling - what to do when an off-lead dog rushes you and your dog.

Suitable for dogs who have completed our adolescent class.

Next course starts Sat 2 Nov at 10.45am in Redan.

To book your place, please email [email protected] or send us a message! 🐾

29/10/2024

Still a couple of spots in our Adolescent Dog Training course starting this Saturday 2 Nov at 9.30am 🐶 ☀️

Enjoy the spring weather and get your training in before the Christmas visitors! 🤶 🎄

Our 4 week adolescent dog training course is ideal for pups aged 4-12 mths+ who have either attended puppy school and are looking for the next step or for those who have missed it! It’s also very suitable for older dogs too 🐕

Come join the fun and learn how to navigate this challenging ‘teenage’ phase in your dog’s life. Covering loose lead walking, recall (come when called), greeting people and other dogs politely, progressing obedience, reading your dog and promoting appropriate play, working with distractions and ‘leave it’, cooperative care for groomer and vet visits and how to deal with destructive behaviour, like barking, digging and chewing.

Experience the difference of a small class and 2 qualified instructors to help you at every step 😊

To book your place or for more info, please email [email protected].

Private home consultations also available for dogs of all ages for any training or behavioural concerns 🐶

Come and join the fun!

25/10/2024

Tough life playing with puppies, but someone’s gotta do it 😉 🐾

Thank you Lilacbreeze Bernese Mountain Dogs for another memorable afternoon 🥰 🙏🏻

Lucky new owners getting these cuties! ❤️

25/10/2024

Upcoming course dates 🐾

🐕 Sat 2 Nov - Adolescent course Level 1
9.30am - 10.30am in Redan

🐕 Sat 2 Nov - Life Skills course Level 2 10:45am - 11:45am in Redan

🐕 Sat 9 Nov - Scent course Level 1 1.30pm - 3.00pm in Mount Clear

That’s right! We finally have a weekend scent class!! 🎉 🥳

All are 4 week courses and further details are on our website: https://unpackeddogtraining.com.au/

Places are limited - to book your place email us at [email protected] or send us a message.

Come and join the fun! 🤩

We ‘unpack’ dog training into all of its components, from genetics to breed specific characteristics, experiences, environment and the relationship between human and dog, through fun and positive classes, workshops and consultations. We help people to understand their dog’s behaviour and how t...

24/10/2024

😂😂 it’s not hard! 💩

22/10/2024

New course alert! 🚨 Life Skills - Level 2

Do you want a dog you can go to a cafe with, take camping and on holidays? How do we build on the skills we learnt in adolescent classes?

Our Life Skills - Level 2 course is based on the Canine Good Citizen Test or Award - as our aim is always better and happier dogs in society. In fact, we finish the course with a group walk in Ballarat!

Our 4 week Life Skills (Level 2) course (with optional week 5 group walk) will cover:

🔶 'levelling up' our recall, loose lead walking, leave it with more distractions and other exercises

🔹 bridging/marking skills, including a fun game that will improve what your understanding of what it’s like for your dog

🔶 perfecting our greeting skills of people and dogs - teaching politeness / impulse control around doors, gates, getting in and out of the car, crossing roads

🔹 working on brief periods of separation and being calm while not being glued to your side!

🔶 standing for examination / vet visits, close or middle, come to heel and practising ’settle’

🔹 Defensive dog handling - what to do when an off-lead dog rushes you and your dog.

Suitable for dogs who have completed our adolescent class.

Next course starts Sat 2 Nov at 10.45am in Redan.

To book your place, please email [email protected] or send us a message! 🐾

17/10/2024

Brilliant breeders 🐾

We want to give a shout out to the brilliant and ethical breeders that we have come to know and love in the Ballarat region and beyond ❤️

Thank you for your care, knowledge, deep love of your dogs and for giving your puppies the very best start to life 🐶 PLUS all the advice and support you provide for the life of the dog 🙏🏻

We look forward to this list growing in the coming years 🗒️ feel free to drop a link to your favourite breeder in the comments below and we would love to introduce ourselves! 👋🏻

Lilacbreeze Bernese Mountain Dogs
Camuka Golden Retrievers
Montroy Golden Retrievers
Wherryman Spaniels
Ballan Dog Training & Von Goron German Shepherds

17/10/2024

Our beautiful Ash 🖤🤍

17/10/2024

Congratulations to this brilliant group for completing their Level 1 Scent Detection course last night in Mt Clear 👏🏻

They all passed with flying colours! 🥳

Looking forward to seeing how they progress in our Level 2 course starting next Weds 23 Oct at 5.30pm.

There are still 1-2 spots if anyone who’s completed Level 1 wants to join in. Come back for more sniffy fun! 🤩

17/10/2024

Couldn’t agree more! 🐾

Your dog’s emotional state is the key to everything 🔑 and yours too! ❤️

ABILITY TO COPE MORE IMPORTANT THAN OBEDIENCE.

🟡In today’s fast-paced world, there’s often too much emphasis on ensuring dogs are obedient, while their ability to cope with an increasingly chaotic environment is overlooked. While being well trained is important, it should be secondary to helping our dogs develop resilience and emotional stability. The modern world presents dogs with constant noise, busy streets, and frequent changes to their environment, which can lead to anxiety or stress if they aren’t prepared to cope with these challenges.

🔴Research supports the idea that emotionally balanced dogs are more adaptable and capable of learning. A 2019 study from the University of Helsinki found that training that focuses on a dog’s emotional state, rather than just their behaviour, leads to a stronger overall ability to handle stress and unfamiliar situations. Dogs that are trained solely for obedience without addressing their mental resilience can often struggle in unpredictable environments, which increases the risk of behavioural issues.

🟢When dogs are allowed to learn to cope first, their ability to navigate a busy world with confidence vastly improves. And more confident dogs respond better to training cues, not out of fear or command alone, but because they trust us and understand how to manage their environment. Building that foundation makes all other training a natural extension, rather than the primary focus.

🟣If we want our dogs to be truly well-adjusted, we must prioritise their emotional well-being and coping abilities. By shifting the focus, we are ensuring that dogs not only follow commands but also feel calm and capable in an ever-busier world.

15/10/2024

Our Level 2 Life Skills participants practicing their defensive dog handling skills in preparation for the all-too common event of an off-lead rushing up to them on a walk.

We love Michael Shikashio’s work and he has great resources on his website, including this one:

https://aggressivedog.com/2022/08/23/swimming-with-the-sharks-five-tips-for-off-leash-dogs/

Come learn these and other essential life skills in our next level course after our adolescent course 🐾

14/10/2024

😂 👏🏻

🖤🎯🖤