Cairns Canine Academy

06/07/2025

Gracie has already signed up for my new Foundation course ☺️ We are looking for happy dogs ready to learn new stuff to join Gracie in this 6 week program

06/07/2025

Attention all ‘Walk-with-Me’ handlers! Due to requests I have scheduled 2 dates for refresher walking sessions for all teams who have previously completed this program with me. Dates are: Sundays 27th July and 17th August at 8.30am both days. There are 6 spots each walk and of course bookings are essential. Cost $30 each session. Please email me to book in. See you soon

05/07/2025

NEW 📣 6 Week foundation course, every Wednesday 5.30 - 6.15pm, starting on 23rd July 2025. Start your training journey using game based motivational training methods, where both you and your dog have fun learning together. Build basic skills, learn about training techniques, reward placement, clear communication. All the building blocks for a rewarding relationship with your 4-legged companion. 6 Week course $180. Only 6 dogs in this class. Bookings essential

01/07/2025

Training for competition obedience is different than training simple lifestyle without the requirement of precision and specific mechanics. In Competition dog and handler need to work in unison, cues have to be executed brisket the first time, heel position should be perfect and a dog with a happy motivated attitude will be eye catching. Skills will take longer to develop and particular attention has to be given how the dog executes the move, handlers need to be precise and clear in their communication. Timing of the marker and reward placement can make a big difference to your end result.

30/06/2025

Gracie, a beautiful young Golden Retriever is coming for basic training. When I say 'badic", I mean essential. Food drive the key to teaching many skills we use in daily life. Gracie is learning to chase the reward and therefore engage in activities that go way beyond holding out a treat. We also worked on the beginning of staying in position

28/06/2025

Ninja, playing with the biggest tug toy out there. Ninja is a hard core working dog, and dogs like her meed a job. This is her favourite game 💜💪

27/06/2025

This is Sabi, she is a foster dog that recently completed a 'Walk-with-Me' program. Sabi is looking for a forever home. She really is a couch potato that loves hanging with you, her need for exercise is very limited as she prefers the couch to long walks. She loves cuddles and would be perfect where she is the only dog. Anyone looking for an affectionate low key companion?

25/06/2025

Arnie, my super little miniature bullterrier competed with me last weekend in Scent work, a detection sport. Arnie absolutely loves this activity and we have so much fun together. awe even came away with a 1st place in Advanced Exterior category. Show me what activity you do together with your dog 💙

20/06/2025

Group training sessions – where you work with your dog in an extremely distracting environment. Proof the skills your dog already has learned, improve the skills you already have. This group training class is small and I am able to give every participant the support they need. I can accommodate every team to be working at the level they are currently at and build understanding to improve.

17/06/2025

Anyone interested in having a look at a Tricks competition, The Cairns City Kennel Club is holding a Mock trial tonight from 8:15pm at their training grounds. Tricks are fun for dogs and handlers, and you can observe the many different tricks, the different levels of competition from Advanced to absolute beginners. What happens in a trial, what the judges are doing, how handlers work with their dogs inside the ring... and much more. I may see you there tonight 😀

Mock Trick Trial tonight - Information. Tonight our club is conducting a Mock Trick trial at 8.15pm. Anyone interested in having a look at how it works, what tricks the dogs do, how the handlers work inside the ring - you are welcome to come and watch. Our team members are happy to answer your questions. All competitors please note: Do not arrive before 7:45 pm as our training classes are running and handlers will be exiting the club area. Set up your crate quietly, take your dog inside and make sure to leave space between crated dogs and dogs leaving the club area after class. If your dog is noisy you need to bring a sheet to cover the crate. All dogs must be crated for this event. If it is raining the ring will be in the covered area in front of the agility shed. There will be an official opening for the mock trial and all information for the running of the event will be provided then. Looking forward to seeing you all there tonight.

16/06/2025

'Walk-with-Me' in June has come to an end. I have had the most amazing team of dog handlers work with me in this course. Every single one was so committed, improvements were clearly visible every time we worked together. Congratulations to every team, you blew me away. Here are some photos that tell the story – a story of challenges met, techniques applied, homework done and most importantly, a new level of connection built with your dog that was not there before. Congratulations.

Reactivity in dogs is not rare, we see it often and just as often it is not addressed and dogs are allowed to behave in a way that makes walking in public very difficult. When the issue is not addressed, then the behaviour escalates and when dogs are able to rehearse the behaviour for a long time, then it is very difficult to overcome.
Recognise early signs when your dog is showing fear, insecurity and reactivity toward the environment. Address the problem at the first signs and never let it reach the stage where your dog becomes so difficult that you both are no longer able to enjoy your walks.