Eclipse Dog Training

08/11/2024

Happy dogs, happy clients.

It can be a tough choice for dog owners to find the right trainer. Many of my clients have worked with one or two other trainers before finding me. An easy thing to do is to look at legitimate online reviews, such as Google reviews. Not just the overall score, but the content of the reviews.

Has the trainer helped dogs like yours? Have their clients been happy enough with the trainer to take the time to write a thoughtful review?

You and your dog deserve the best.

Contact me at www.eclipsedogtraining.com or DM me for dog training that works.

27/09/2024

What a journey it’s been with Sherbet and her family.

This has been the most challenging, and the most rewarding, case I’ve worked on.

They started puppy classes with me when Sherbie was 9 weeks old, and very quickly they realized they had gotten more than they’d bargained for in this tiny puppy.

At 10 weeks old, she started resource guarding her toys and whatever items she deemed valuable around the house. The kids’ socks, pens, board game pieces…anything she picked up off the floor would spur a crisis as her family tried to prevent her from swallowing or choking on the contraband, while also not getting bitten. This was an almost daily battle. Everyone experienced Sherbie's aggression, including several bites. This was not what they’d envisioned life to be like with their adorable puppy. Feelings of fear and resentment were building.

The family vet recommended medicating Sherbie with sedatives, which her family rightfully rejected. Sherbie’s breeder denied any responsibility and blamed the family for causing her aggression. The breeder referred the family to a veterinary behaviourist, who via phone call shamed and belittled the family, without ever seeing them or Sherbie in person.

Having a limited understanding of how to help back then (this was nearly 9 months ago), I gave some recommendations which temporarily settled the situation through extensive management and safety precautions. Unfortunately, the aggression returned two weeks after Sherbie got desexed (spayed).

That’s when Sherbie’s family sent me a despondent email asking for any further guidance I could provide before they’d have to make a heartbreaking decision.

I was honest about being unsure if I could solve the problem, but I was willing to try my best. As a final effort, they agreed to have Sherbie stay with me for a month-long board and train program.

Three months later, this is part of what they wrote in their Google review: “If we had our time again we would have invested in an Eclipse Board and Train from the get-go to establish an impeccable start to our puppy's behaviour. After several weeks staying with Jess in her home, our puppy returned to us a different dog. Through several sessions, Jess was able to refine what she was teaching and gave each family member the skills and confidence to turn things around - including our three year old! We cannot thank Jess enough! The thought of telling our children we would have to re-home their puppy as she was too aggressive was a heartbreaking possibility but thanks to Jess, no longer a thought.”

Sherbie has a lot of personality, energy, and attitude and is a super fun, playful dog. Her family loves this about her and so do I. She’s finally been able to bond with everyone and is now fully a part of her family.

24/09/2024

🐕 Looking for a small, well-organised, personalised puppy preschool class?

Eclipse Dog Training's next class starts 12th October! Class is taught by myself, the only dog trainer in SE QLD who teaches based on the world-renowned Training Without Conflict system.
🔸Location: Buddina Girl Guides (indoors)
🔸Time: Saturdays 3-4 pm
🔸5 weeks
🔸For puppies 8-16 weeks old

What will you and your puppy learn?
🌟Developing a strong, trusting relationship through play & clear communication
🌟 Basic obedience
🌟 Loose leash walking
🌟 Appropriate interactions with other dogs
🌟 Environmental socialisation
And a lot more!
How do you sign up?
💢 DM me or sign up through our website
💢 We include a private lesson to cater the training to your unique puppy, family, and home. All your questions get answered, prevent problems before class starts, and set the foundations for a happy life with your puppy ✨

07/09/2024

"Leash reactivity" is a common problem. This video is 100% worth watching until the end (and read Michael's comments too), to understand how this problem is often created.

19/08/2024

🐕 Looking for a small, well-organised, personalised puppy preschool class?
Eclipse Dog Training's next class starts 7th September! Class is taught by myself, the only dog trainer in SE QLD who teaches based on the world-renowned Training Without Conflict system.
🔸Location: Buddina Girl Guides (indoors)
🔸Time: Saturdays 3-4 pm
🔸5 weeks
🔸For puppies 8-16 weeks old
What will you and your puppy learn?
🌟Developing a strong, trusting relationship through play & clear communication
🌟 Basic obedience
🌟 Loose leash walking
🌟 Appropriate interactions with other dogs
🌟 Environmental socialisation
And a lot more!
How do you sign up?
💢 DM me or sign up through our website
💢 We include a private lesson to cater the training to your unique puppy, family, and home. All your questions get answered, prevent problems before class starts, and set the foundations for a happy life with your puppy ✨

05/07/2024

Jade and I have earned our first sports achievement - Mantrailing Forest Assessment Level 1 🎉

We've been training with for the past year, learning how to track down a 'missing' person in the bush from their scent. It is super fun watching Jade do what dogs do best and learning how to read her body language and guide her to make the best decisions.

Working breed dogs like Jade need to do stuff like this, and it helps me become a better handler and trainer. Earning sports certifications and titles tests a dog trainer's abilities and shows just how well they can communicate with their dog to achieve objectives. In a world full of social media influencers and 'thought' leaders, it's more important than ever that dog trainers can prove that they get results and have fun with dogs in the process. Earning certifications and titles in sports like mantrailing are one of the many ways we can do that.

Here's the criteria for this certification (see map in second image):
500-600 metres trail length
Minimum 1 change of direction
Aged 30 minutes
Soft surface
Double blind (no one knows where the 'missing' person is located)
15 minute time limit

Here's our results:
530m trail length
2 changes of direction
Aged 36 minutes
Double blind
Completed in 7 min 37 sec

09/06/2024

🐕 Looking for a small, well-organised, personalised puppy preschool class?
Eclipse Dog Training's next class starts 22nd June! Class is taught by myself, the only dog trainer in SE QLD who teaches based on the world-renowned Training Without Conflict system.
🔸Location: Buddina Girl Guides (indoors)
🔸Time: Saturdays 3-4 pm
🔸5 weeks
🔸For puppies 8-16 weeks old
What will you and your puppy learn?
🌟Developing a strong, trusting relationship through play & clear communication
🌟 Basic obedience
🌟 Loose leash walking
🌟 Appropriate interactions with other dogs
🌟 Environmental socialisation
And a lot more!
How do you sign up?
💢 DM me or sign up through our website
💢 We include a private lesson to cater the training to your unique puppy, family, and home. All your questions get answered, prevent problems before class starts, and set the foundations for a happy life with your puppy ✨

Send a message to learn more

30/05/2024

⭐️ Jade appreciation post ⭐️

She's nearly 19 months old and becoming my main helper dog, as Nandi is really slowing down at age 14.

Jade has been an absolute star in nearly every way. However she was clearly uncomfortable around men and it was a problem any time a man got too close to her. She barked aggressively at her vet (a tall man) during her 1 yr checkup. I knew there was work to be done.

Changing her behaviour and feelings around men became a top priority this month. Fortunately, with her stable genetics and my understanding of what she needed, it didn't take much effort and was a lot of fun. The "Do Not Pat" collar patch has been shelved 🙌

On Monday, she injured her paw pad and needed to be checked by the vet. She greeted him with friendly curiosity, accepted treats, and patiently allowed him to inspect and bandage her foot. She does NOT like having her paws touched, either! Vet complimented her improvement and our second visit to change bandages went even more smoothly. She even gave him the Jade friends initiation - kisses!

Working through our challenges has strengthened our relationship and I'm constantly admiring this super cool dog 🤩

29/04/2024

This was a great workshop! Looking forward to applying what I learned.

14/04/2024

Next week I'll be returning to Florida to learn more from this remarkable person! Emails and messages will be checked while I'm away.

If we do things right, we are never "training". We are just two friends playing a game together 🤝

29/01/2024

This is a wonderful series, I highly recommend it. Lots of lessons to be learnt for dog owners here.

Some of my favourite moments...
"She just needs a bit more fun"
"I reckon I'll win him (the dog) over with friendship"
The deaf dog learning to herd 🥹

28/12/2023

The beauty of the Training Without Conflict way

In the last few days I created a play monster out of a dog that would not retrieve a ball more than 3-4 times.
In my style of training this is the biggest and most important break trough. The rest is super easy 💪🏻

04/12/2023

What is board & train, and why might it be a good option for you and your dog? 🐕

With our board & train program, I do all the hard work for you! Your dog stays in my Sunshine Coast home and gets daily training, exercise and socialisation as part of my family.

🎯 This is a game-changer for dogs with issues such as reactivity, fearfulness, and anxiety. I also train basic obedience and love energetic dogs who just don't listen sometimes! It can take many months (or years) of private lessons or classes to achieve a fraction of the results we can get with board & train.

Want to enjoy your dog without having to become a dog trainer yourself? Let me make the learning curve much smoother for you! I train your dog in alignment with your skills, abilities, and personality. Average time is 4-6 weeks (4 weeks minimum).

🏆 Eclipse Dog Training's point of difference: I care about your dog's emotions and take the time to understand them as a unique individual. Learning happens quicker and lasts longer when your dog is feeling understood, happy, and loved.

⚽ We develop friendship, communication, motivation, and cooperation through playing games your dog loves. Then we use these skills to bring out the best in your dog, develop new habits, and melt away old unwanted habits! This training approach is based on the world-renowned Training Without Conflict system. I'm the only person in SE QLD who has studied this unique system in person with its founder in the US.

I will address all the behavioural concerns with your dog. They will also learn off-leash obedience, including recall, sit, down, and heel. Get ready to experience the joy of giving your dog freedom and trusting they will listen to you!

📖 We have catch-up lessons during the program, so you can see your dog's progress and learn what you need in easy-to-digest lessons.

After your dog returns home with you, we have several follow-up lessons to help smooth the transition. I will help you feel 100% confident in maintaining their new good behaviour!

🚀 Ready to fast-track your dog's training with board & train?

DM or call us for more info 📞 At this stage, our board & train program is fully booked until February.

15/11/2023

Here's a few photos of the amazing weekend I had in Florida with Ivan Balabanov and my fellow Training Without Conflict students. I'm excited to share what I've been learning over the past few months with my clients!

The TWC approach is very different from what everyone else is doing, and the proof of its effectiveness shines with the incredible results, happy dogs, and happy dog owners!

07/11/2023

🐕 Looking for a small, well-organised, personalised puppy preschool class?

Eclipse Dog Training's next class starts 18 November! Class is taught by myself, the only dog trainer in SE QLD who teaches based on the world-renowned Training Without Conflict system.

🔸Location: Buddina Girl Guides (indoors)
🔸Time: Saturdays 3-4 pm
🔸5 weeks
🔸For puppies 8-16 weeks old

What will you and your puppy learn?
🌟Developing a strong, trusting relationship through play & clear communication
🌟 Basic obedience
🌟 Loose leash walking
🌟 Appropriate interactions with other dogs
🌟 Environmental socialisation
And a lot more!

How do you sign up?
💢 DM me or sign up through our website
💢 We include a private lesson to cater the training to your unique puppy, family, and home. All your questions get answered, prevent problems before class starts, and set the foundations for a happy life with your puppy ✨

17/10/2023

What is the Training Without Conflict system I'm studing and using?
What makes it so special?
Here's a new video answering those questions.

For quite some time, people and trainers alike have asked me "What is Training Without Conflict"?

The answer to this is now available on my YouTube channel (link in the comments)

In this video I aim to provide you, not only with an answer to that very important question, but also the reasons why it is such a powerful training methodology.

I discuss the reasons finding a mentor is crucially important in the development of a trainer and how to identify the right mentor for you.

I dive deep into my history as a trainer and what makes me different from every single teacher and trainer in the industry.

The aspects that separate and allow Training Without Conflict® to rise above all other training methods is also explored in depth.

I hope that by the time this video ends, the only question that remains is "how do I learn more?"

If you learned something from this video, please like, share, subscribe and tell all of your dog training friends!

17/10/2023

For quite some time, people and trainers alike have asked me "What is Training Without Conflict"?

The answer to this is now available on my YouTube channel (link in the comments)

In this video I aim to provide you, not only with an answer to that very important question, but also the reasons why it is such a powerful training methodology.

I discuss the reasons finding a mentor is crucially important in the development of a trainer and how to identify the right mentor for you.

I dive deep into my history as a trainer and what makes me different from every single teacher and trainer in the industry.

The aspects that separate and allow Training Without Conflict® to rise above all other training methods is also explored in depth.

I hope that by the time this video ends, the only question that remains is "how do I learn more?"

If you learned something from this video, please like, share, subscribe and tell all of your dog training friends!

21/07/2023

This is one of the reasons why when you have an initial consultation with me, I am not jumping in to stop your dog's unsociable behaviour. I am observing and assessing the big picture. Undiagnosed pain is sometimes a part of that picture.

PLEASE CHOOSE YOUR TRAINER CAREFULLY

For the last couple of months, I have been working with a lovely puppy and his owner to identify the cause of his extreme puppy biting, stopping on walks, and barking at other dogs.

Including me, this dog has had 3 trainers in 4 months.

The owner had been told the dog is trying to dominate her, is naughty, stubborn and needs to be put in his place. Using a shock collar to get the dog moving was another suggestion given to the owner. Thankfully that never happened.

Given the severity of the biting and the dogs’ behaviour on a walk, the first thing we did was to get a vet involved and assess the dog for any underlying medical conditions. This involved a blood test, stool & urine samples, and an x-ray.

Unfortunately, a diagnosis of severe hip dysplasia came back which explained everything.

The dog wasn’t being stubborn, he was in pain. He wasn’t being naughty; he was frustrated about being sore. He wasn’t barking at other dogs because he was top dog, he was barking at them to stay away.

Since the diagnosis we have changed many things. Reduced walks, non-slip rugs, steps, raised beds, pain medication, hydrotherapy and removal of some activities that were causing him pain. I’m pleased to say that the puppy is doing much better, and the owner is more relaxed.

We still have work to do but most importantly, we have a reason for the dogs’ behaviour.

Now imagine the dog’s quality of life if his owner had taken the advice from the other trainers. The dog would have been left in pain and punished for that pain. Not only would this be incredibly cruel to the dog, but it would have been a ticking timebomb and his behaviour would have deteriorated as his condition worsened.

When choosing a dog trainer, please check their reviews, qualifications and social media for any advice/training videos they post. Question them about their training methods, what happens if the dog gets it wrong and what affect pain/medical issues can have on your dog’s behaviour?

A reputable and ethical trainer will welcome these questions and your dog will thank you for it.