Happy Dogs Walks and Training

20/07/2024

Did I mention puppies never stop being cute, no matter how many you work with 🥰 Currently working with some wonderful pups and owners - focusing on many unique fur parent goals. From developing well-rounded, calm cafe dogs to laying the foundations for complex obedience training; as well as learning how to identify and address small behavioural niggles early, before they can develop into “real” problems. I love my job!

07/06/2024

Just a couple of the gorgeous doggos I’ve worked with lately. I imagine I get a similar rush to human psychologists when unlocking the best training plan for a particular client ❤️

I will never stop revelling in the simultaneous core similarities and vast differences that exist between all dogs, at every level!

Such happy dogs!

23/04/2024

🐾Storm needs a forever home! 🐾

I’ve walked sweet young Storm with various members of my pack for his lovely foster mum many times now; if I didn’t own max dogs myself I’d take him in a heartbeat!

Aside from some destructive chewing if left alone without any doggy or human companion (he’s fine if alone with another dog), he is perfect in every way. The most gently social boy with all dogs and humans, he’d make a wonderful addition to any family. ❤️🐾

Could you be his furever parent?

"Choose Me! Choose Me! Choose Me!" Our adorable Bull Terrier blend, Storm, is eagerly waiting for someone to pick him 🤞🏻

Just two years young, Storm is a bundle of sweetness, a social butterfly, and an all-around superstar! He's a pro at making furry friends and dreams of a forever home with a lady dog pal by his side 🐕.

Storm can handle some alone time with a dog buddy during the workday, but he's a bit of a worrywart when left solo and would love a companion around more often 🥺

We’re on the lookout for a family with older kids, aged 10 and up, for Storm, as he's a bit timid and could use a confidence boost. But with the right crew, he'll shine like a star 🌟.

Storm is great on walks, has his manners down pat, loves water play, and is always up for outdoor escapades - a true camping pro 👌🏽

He's basically the best! Don't let Storm slip through your paws; apply now to welcome him home with open arms 🤗

https://www.savour-life.com.au/adopt-a-dog/search-now/view/73489

📸 Thanks to Photos By Jackie S

07/02/2024

Good boy Ashy! I love behaviour modification in adult dogs, but I might love setting up behaviour and training plans with wonderful, forward thinking owners and their gorgeous puppies (before B-mod interventions are needed) even more! ❤️🐾 Such a pleasure working with this sweet boy and his owners 😊

31/01/2024

DOG WALKING: SOME SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE!

I've bought a first home in Orelia (Kwinana)!

So, I'm taking on new pack members to join our walks in Kwinana, Orelia, Parmelia and surrounds. Send me a message to secure your spot!

WHAT I PROVIDE:

Walks start at $35 each. Each walk is approx 45min, and I, Amy, make a real effort to vary walk locations to keep things interesting. We usually visit quiet bush reserves, sometimes parks; focusing walks on sniffy decompression time, leaving your dog mentally and physically exercised and relaxed - ready to nap away the rest of their day in bliss!

Dogs are secured in the car, and all walks are tailored to the dogs. Water is carried and dispensed on hot days, and locations ensured to be shady with regular breaks when it's warm, as doggos need. I happily send photos of our walkies, and will always report any observations on your canine - as a dog trainer, it comes naturally to closely monitor all dogs in my care, both physically and behaviourally.

WHAT I ASK:

To be a good match, your dog must be appropriately social with all dogs, and not a bite risk to any human or canine. I ask all dogs to be provided with fully secure and intact walking gear, with a harness for attachment in the car. I request strong pullers to be fitted with a chest attachment harness or head collar.

How I access your dog is completely up to you, the owner. I message each week to advise what days I'm available for walkies.
I hope to meet my new pack members soon!

25/12/2023

Wishing everyone and all the doggos a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

06/12/2023

Just going to leave this here.

Couldn’t help adding my own little edit!

02/10/2023

Dog Walking Spots Available:

I've bought a home in Orelia (Kwinana)!

So, I'm looking for new pack members to join our walks in Kwinana, Orelia, Parmelia and surrounds. Walks in this region will commence Monday, Oct 16th. Flick me a message to secure your spot!

WHAT WE PROVIDE:

Walks start at $35 each. Each walk is approx 45min, and I, Amy, make a real effort to vary walk locations to keep things interesting. We usually visit quiet bush reserves, sometimes parks; focusing walks on sniffy decompression time, leaving your dog mentally and physically exercised, and relaxed - ready to nap away the rest of their day in bliss!

Dogs are secured in the car, and all walks are tailored to the dogs. Water is carried and dispensed on hot days, and locations ensured to be shady with regular breaks when it's warm, as doggos need. I happily send photos of our walkies, and will always report any observations on your canine - as a dog trainer, it comes naturally to closely monitor all dogs in my care, both physically and behaviourally.

WHAT WE ASK:

To be a good match, your dog must be appropriately social with all dogs, and not a bite risk to any human or canine. I ask all dogs to be provided with fully secure and intact walking gear, with a harness for attachment in the car. I request strong pullers to be fitted with a chest attachment harness or head collar.

How I access your dog is completely up to you, the owner. I message each week to advise what days I'm available for walkies.

I hope to meet my new pack members soon!

04/05/2023

Wiggle Wiggle Walkies 🐾🐾

24/04/2023

Shoutout to Obi and his owners!

Anxiety and fear responses are some of the hardest cases - they absolutely can’t be rushed, need to be progressed in tiny increments; and small mistakes can lead to big setbacks, recovery from which then takes even more patience.

In just three training appointments, Obi has become a different dog on so many levels! He’s gone from running away and refusing to be caught by his owners, to gleefully coming when called and offering his collar to be held in trade for a favourite treat. Running away at the sight of his harness has turned into running for it and placing his head through voluntarily. My own arrival has gone from triggering endless barking and very nervous excitement - shyly creeping up to sniff, but fleeing at the faintest hint of movement or speech from me (and other visitors) - to joyfully playing, accepting pats and my exuberant praise and body language without the faintest bit of worry! His owners understand his body language, and what their body language mean to him; he has several established cues, a predictable reward system and so much more.

Now, even with the best protocols being enacted, fear cases are not always resolvable this fast. I always talk to owners about the incredible power of genetics and other complicating factors.

But, in this wonderful case Obi is absolutely a testament to his owners! Their willingness to learn, and *unlearn what they thought they knew - carefully following our training plan, and simply doing the work! He truly is a different dog and it’s a joy to see ❤️🐾

21/03/2023

HOT TRAINING TIP
📕 Note this video shows the end result, not the training process! 🐾

20/01/2023

A belated 2023 to you!

Behind each of these gorgeous trainees are dedicated owners with their own unique stories, struggles and epic achievements.

Here’s to another year of Happy Dogs and smashing Training Goals!

24/11/2022

Most training sessions really are pretty light; every case a unique puzzle, where I aim to thoroughly understand the situation and create the best training plan for every owner and dog, to meet desired goals in realistic ways.

But sometimes, us trainers do need to have hard conversations with clients. While I’d never presume to out and out tell an owner to rehome their dog, at times it is my job to bring options like this to the table. It’s difficult, sad and of course very delicate.

Receiving feedback like this in response to such a conversation makes it so worthwhile. I work with some absolutely amazing people. In a small few cases, responsibly rehoming a dog is the biggest show of true love a person can make. This owner has made a deeply difficult, and purely golden hearted decision. I admire her bravery and love for her dog ❤️🐾

09/11/2022

🚩RUN AWAY IF YOUR TRAINER SAYS THIS🚩

I currently have in training a lovely dog and owner, who have had some real bad luck; including some AWFUL advice from a previous trainer.

If you know me, you know I’ll discuss pros and cons of just about anything, with as much objectivity (and reference to scientific literature) as possible. I emphasise to my clients they are always welcome to question why I’m choosing any given training plan or methodology. I will gladly explain why I believe I’m implementing the best strategies for their individual dog and circumstances (and why I believe pain and fear free training is the best way to go 99% of the time, if asked). I also encourage my clients to tell me up front if I suggest anything they might struggle to implement, so we can pivot to something more achievable. I don’t trash talk other training methods.

But there is one line that can’t be crossed.

If your trainer tells you to PUT YOUR DOG DOWN, having NOT MET YOUR DOG or conducted any kind of behavioural assessment - let alone if your dog DOES NOT HAVE A BITE HISTORY… RUN AWAY!

If your trainer SHAMES YOU or makes you feel UNSAFE in ANY WAY… RUN AWAY!

And *if you feel safe to do so, share your experience on their facebook and google pages, in as much accurate detail as possible. At least, I encourage you to report their actions to your local council or RSPCA.

It’s perfectly good and healthy to discuss viable options, with openness and non judgement. But it’s not ok for a trainer (or anyone) to order a pet owner to kill their animal, especially with no information to suggest said animal is a threat.

This dog has shown me no evidence that he is dangerous. He loves play and pats. He does not have a bite history. He has shown sociability with other dogs. Sure, he needs training and confidence building in some areas, which great progress has been made on already. We have discussed the possibility of responsible rehoming with his owner, should she feel his needs can’t be met with her. But that’s not where we’re at now. He’s doing great. His owner is a champion for picking herself up and entrusting another trainer to help, after what she’s been through.

The saddest thing is this is not the first time I’ve had a client share this story. It breaks my heart. I myself can’t be a whistle blower. That would flirt with unethical competitive tactics. That, and the fact that you must have witnessed the situation first-hand to file a report.

*To be clear, this is not an anti-euthanasia post. This is about empowering dog owners, and best care for canines ❤️🐾

*pic is of unrelated doggos on one of my walkies

12/10/2022

Busy times make for terribly few social media posts - apologies!

To kick things off again here’s a snap of adorable Ruby, who recently finished one of my private puppy training packages. What a good girl!

23/08/2022

Big Mac has a new brother! Meet Archie ☺️🐾

I now have two Archie’s in my walking pack!

I conduct private dog training in the Perth region (WA), and walks for dog-social dogs in the Cockburn - Bibra Lake area 🐾🐾

29/07/2022

Have you seen my package deals?

Equally suitable for your new puppy, or adult canine who needs some behaviour modification or extra training!

All methods are pain and fear free, and completely tailored to your individual dog, lifestyle and goals.

Inquire for prices 🐾

27/07/2022

Okay, I admit it, I downloaded ticktock just to use the happy dogs soundtrack… 😂🐾🐕

16/02/2022

Q: Working with so many canines, have you become desensitized to the cuteness of puppies?

A: Not even a little bit 😂🐾❤️

Just a few of my recent adorable puppy enrollments!

Booking a private training package with me means you get so much more than the bare basics; I take pride in providing training plans catered to your individual dog, your goals and your lifestyle. All techniques are demonstrated before handing over to you, all your questions are answered; and every lesson - casual or package deal - includes written homework for you to keep.

Here's to so many more happy dogs in the making!

15/01/2022

Good girl Nina!

Unfortunately with reactive dogs - and all training protocols for that matter - setbacks to otherwise amazing progress do happen. To ensure the quickest and happiest recovery, professional help to get back "in the zone" is absolutely the way to go!

What a happy loving doggo she is, with such wonderful dedicated owners 🐾❤️

29/12/2021

We'll miss you Diesel!

We've been walking for over four years now, with a bit of training thrown in too; but dear Diesel and his family are moving to a bigger better home, far far away ❤️😭

I'm so happy and excited for his new chapter, but will miss him and his pawrents muchly too!

Hoping everyone has had a wonderful Christmas, and are managing to keep fur babies cool, exercised and enriched in this WA heat wave!

14/10/2021

KEEP TRAINING CREATIVELY

One of the best ways to keep our minds fresh and happy (and relaxed!) is to train OURSELVES how to view the environment and its random unpredictabilies (when they're safe/controlled of course) as one big training opportunity for our doggos!

Someone dropped their treat bag in the park today - much to the interest of the doggos!

Part of building a good "leave it" command - once the foundations are in place - is setting up little obstacle courses of temptations to walk past and "leave" (for even better rewards of course!) When this isn't a part of your focused daily training though, it can totally be hard to get around to!

But who needs to worry when the world offers up perfect little situations like this to take advantage of 😁🎉🐾

Follow me for more handy training tips, inspo and cute doggos!

24/09/2021

Just a few of my recent and currently enrolled trainees!

More happy dogs than ever lately. Always so awesome watching doggos and their committed owners keep kicking their behavioral goals and develop their bond further with each training session. I love my job 😁🐾🎉

11/09/2021

So much fun having Link the Swiss Shepherd in for intensive training recently!

As well as refining many of his cues and tweaking daily habits, he and many of my regular walkees (all walk groups are carefully selected for compatibility) had a stack of fun together 😁🐾❤️🐶 He's a special one, and a testament to his owners!

Absolutely ruined my efforts at wildflower photography though 😂😂

03/09/2021

If any of my followers are looking at doggo rescue in the Perth area, I worked with this boy; very very excited by the world with plenty of energy, but has basic training, developed a good home routine with his last rescuers, didn't bark, in fact slept all day when left alone and from all I saw in our session, not a mean bone in his body 😊

Just typical terrier wanting to chase small moving things and play with all the doggos, so needs more impulse control work and gradual introduction to outdoor life (a busy suburban neighbourhood is a bit too much at present).

As far as I know untested with cats or kids.

https://www.petrescue.com.au/listings/852712

Djina is a handsome little rascal looking for his perfect match. He has a nose that wants to get into everything... and uses those puppy dog eyes to try get away with it! Djina will keep you on ...

13/08/2021

Good boy Caboose!

Changed environments and unexpected events can be difficult for dogs. Caboose's wise owners noticed some setbacks in his behaviour lately due a bit of this, and recognised this had to be addressed before things escalated any further!

It was great fun working with you guys. I love what I do 🐶🥰

26/07/2021

Ash the gorgeous Kelpie pup recently went home after nine days of intensive training! When we started, he only knew his name and "sit".

Here's a small sample of what we established by day eight; with an unexpected distraction or two thrown in! I've added some bonus training tips for you too ;)

Such a sweet pup, I'm really going to miss him; I think my own dogs will too!