Animal Talent

04/09/2024

🐾 Join us for our Tricks for Beginners workshop on Tuesday, 17 September, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Animal Talent!

This 2-hour session is perfect for dogs of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're looking to strengthen your bond with your furry friend or just have some fun, our experienced trainers will guide you through the basics and help your pup learn exciting new skills.

Spaces are limited, so book your spot now! 📅
https://www.animaltalent.com.au/workshops/tricks-for-beginners-2/

02/09/2024

🌼 Spring is here, and we're gearing up for some action-packed events, training, workshops, and FUN on the Central Coast! 🌼

To celebrate the start of a new season, we've put together a highlight reel of some of the amazing things our clients have been up to over the past year! From mastering new tricks, training for competition, to participating in our exciting workshops or learning some important manners, our furry friends (and their humans) have had a blast. 🎥🐶

Thanks to our amazing trainers and dedicated clients, we love seeing your incredible progress, joy, dedication and being a part of the Animal Talent family.

Whether it's agility, recall training, learning puppy and life skills or just having a good time, there's always something exciting happening here!

Stay tuned for more events and opportunities to join in on the fun this spring! 🌟

31/08/2024

🐾 Join Our "Chaos to Calm" Workshop at Animal Talent! 🐾

🗓 Date: Tuesday, 10 September
🕕 Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
📍 Location: Animal Talent Private Dog Training Park, 172 Woy Woy Rd, Woy Woy

In this 2-hour workshop, we'll teach you practical techniques to help your dog stay calm and focused in high-energy situations. Our experienced trainer will guide you through strategies to reduce excitement, increase focus, and promote calm behaviour.

Spaces are limited so sign up today and take the first step towards a calmer, more relaxed dog! 🐕✨

https://www.animaltalent.com.au/workshops/chaos-to-calm-workshop/

27/08/2024

🐕💨 Our 2-hour Introduction to Agility workshop is the perfect opportunity to get started!

Our upcoming date is:

📅 Tuesday, 3 September 2024
🕕 Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
📍 Location: Animal Talent's fully enclosed grassed training facility in Woy Woy, 172 Woy Woy Rd

Whether you're looking to bond with your furry friend or introduce them to the world of agility, this workshop is designed for beginners and dogs of all ages. Learn the basics, have fun, and discover a new way to keep your dog active and engaged! 🎉

Spaces are limited, so don’t wait! Sign up today to secure your spot.

👉 https://www.animaltalent.com.au/workshops/dog-agility-workshop/

24/08/2024

🎬 Have You Ever Wondered What Type of Projects Your Dog Could Star In? 🎬

From charming commercials to captivating TV shows and stunning print ads, our animal actors have done it all! 🐾✨ Here are just a few of the the amazing projects and brands our talented animal actors have been a part of. Now, it's your pet's turn to shine!

Come along to our audition day to gain insider tips on training and handling animal actors and have your chance to have your dog represented by Animal Talent for future projects.

At the audition, showcase your pet’s talent, receive valuable feedback, and have some glamour shots taken of your star in the making (available for purchase at a small fee).

Spaces for our FREE audition day are limited, so don’t miss this chance! Secure your spot by simply checking out and answering our mandatory safety questions.

📅 Audition Day: Saturday, 14th September from 9am - 2pm (your allocated audition time will be scheduled upon enrollment, with groups to be staggered throughout the day)

📍 Location: Animal Talent Dog Training Park, 172 Woy Woy Rd, Woy Woy

🔗 Register now: https://www.animaltalent.com.au/product/animal-talent-audition-day-saturday-14th-september/

‼️We are looking for dog’s who have a reliable stay, great recall, and the ability to walk on lead for a friendly stranger. Unique looks or a clever trick are a bonus but not essential.

*Animal Talent services the Sydney metropolitan area, Central Coast and Newcastle metropolitan areas of NSW and adheres to NSW Government Code of Practice for Animals in Films and Theatrical Performances

21/08/2024

It’s been a busy week so far meeting new people and helping some fabulous dogs. This character is certainly one of a kind.

Let’s play another game of guess the breed. Put your guess in the comments. 👍

The breeds are pug and poodle - apparently this mix is referred to as a pug a poo.

19/08/2024

Did you know, we provide animal actors for film, TV and print projects? 🎬We are looking for new talented animal actors to represent!

Is your furry friend a natural performer? Do they love the limelight, are they a clever canine or perhaps a marvelous model? This is your chance to shine with our Talent Audition Day on Saturday, 14th September!

📅 When & Where:
- Date: Saturday, 14th September, from 9am - 2pm (your allocated audition time will be scheduled upon enrolment, with groups to be staggered throughout the day)
- Location: Animal Talent Training Park, 172 Woy Woy Road, Woy Woy, NSW

🌟 Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now!

It's FREE! Simply checkout & answer our mandatory safety questions to secure your spot.

Registration essential at:

https://www.animaltalent.com.au/product/animal-talent-audition-day-saturday-14th-september/

👩‍🎓 Why Attend?

- Insider Tips: Gain insights from industry experts on training and handling animal actors.

- Future Opportunities: Stand a chance to be represented by Animal Talent for exciting projects in advertising, TV, and film.

🐾 What to Expect:

- Discover the Star in Your Pet: Learn what it takes to turn your pet into the next big sensation in advertising, television, film, or photography.

- Live Auditions: Show off how your animal follows cues and handles the spotlight. Our team will guide you through the process and give valuable feedback.

- Photo Opportunities: A professional photographer will capture your pet in action. Their photos might even feature in Animal Talent’s promotional material!

- Capture the Moment: Take home stunning photos of your pet taken by our talented freelance photographer, available for purchase at a small fee.

Come and show us your best trick, or your well trained mate.

‼️We are looking for dog’s who have a reliable stay, great recall, and the ability to walk on lead for a friendly stranger. Unique looks or a clever trick are a bonus but not essential.

*Animal Talent services the Sydney metropolitan area, Central Coast and Newcastle metropolitan areas of NSW and adheres to NSW Government Code of Practice for Animals in Films and Theatrical Performances.

16/08/2024

Choosing the right dog for you …

Surprisingly 2 of the biggest factors most first time dog owners have on their list of concerns are -
1. How much hair will my dog leave around the house? And
2. Do they bark a lot ?

So let’s have a quiz in the photo are my 3 fabulous Koolies can you guess which one

1. Sheds the most hair and
2. Is the most vocal at home?

Answer in the comments with their name - from left to right
Pippi, Dash, Snazzy

I’ll give you the answers in a day or two

12/08/2024

Interactions with other dogs need to be calm and relaxed - without dogs being tense.

Situations become heightened between dogs when both dogs are staring at each other, so encourage your dog to be calm when approaching another dog.

Use your dog’s name. The criteria for when you use your dog's name is that he should look at you which will encourage him to look away from the other dog and now at you.

When that happens, it means the other dog facing him also has an opportunity to glance away which helps to diffuse the energy between both dogs.

If for extenuating circumstances that can't happen, then you can create space between the dogs by moving away.

It takes practice, and enough distance between the dogs that you have the time and space to observe the subtle body language between both dogs.

02/08/2024

Kids and Dogs … so important for children to have animals in their lives … they learn so much from each other …
Ashleigh and Venom competing in agility and doing a great job. Probably 15 years ago … ❤️

30/07/2024

Thanks to Tuggerah Library for hosting my Author talk it was lovely to meet so many new people - thanks to the Team for all their help. We had a great morning with lots of great questions and feedback.

27/07/2024

🐶 Next Steps Dog Training Classes 🐶

Take your dog's skills to the next level with Animal Talent's 6-week all-ages Next Steps class! Perfect for pups who have completed Puppy Success, Life Skills, or equivalent training. 🐾

🌟 What You'll Learn:

- Reinforcement techniques
- Building duration & distance
- Confidence-boosting exercises
- Training for outdoor adventures

📅 Class Times:

Wednesday, 7 August: 7:30pm - 8:30pm, or

Saturday, 10 August: 11:00am - 12:00pm

📍 Location:

Our fully enclosed, recently upgraded, grassed dog training facility in Woy Woy.

Enhance your dog's abilities and confidence with expert guidance. Spaces are limited, so book your spot today! 🐕✨
https://www.animaltalent.com.au/all-ages-next-steps-class/

🤔 Not sure if this class is right for you? We are always happy to discuss your options and help you and your pup find the perfect fit for training that’s just right for them. Reach out at any time!

26/07/2024

Looking to get more active and have a blast with your furry friend? 🐕‍🦺 Join our 6-Week Beginners Foundation Agility Course starting Friday, 9 August from 6:00 - 7:00pm!

🏃‍♂️ Perfect for all fitness levels, this course is designed to help you and your dog learn the basics of agility while having a ton of fun together. Whether you're new to agility or just looking to bond with your pup in a new way, this course is for you!

📅 Start Date: Friday, 9 August 🕕 Time: 6:00 - 7:00pm

📌 Location: 172 Woy Woy Rd, Woy Woy - in our fully enclosed, recently upgraded, grassed dog training facility.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to get moving, build a stronger bond with your dog, and meet other passionate dog owners! 🐾

Sign up now and let's get started on this exciting journey together! 🐶✨
https://www.animaltalent.com.au/beginners-foundation-agility/

❗Note: There are some prerequisites required to begin this class! Successful completion of Next Steps course or equivalent private lessons is required - reach out to us to see if this class is right for you.

24/07/2024

How many times will I need to repeat something before my dog understands??

This is a common question. Most dogs will take somewhere between 2-4 repetitions to understand a new command or behavior. That means patience is very important for both humans and dogs when they are learning.

Once a dog understands the new command - you will then need to take the show on the road - don't be surprised if the first time you take your new behaviour somewhere different they have no idea and its seems like you have never taught it. So, simplify the steps and you'll find that after a few repetitions your dog works out that its exactly the same thing you asked them to do in the comfort of their home.

Remember to work at a pace that is appropriate for both you and your dog. Use appropriate rewards and keep sessions short and fun.

24/07/2024

Hip Hip Hooray Happy Birthday for today.
Happy 15th Dash lots of love from all the family and your friends ❤️

23/07/2024

Whether you're looking to teach new tricks, master loose-lead walking, get a taste of agility, or ensure reliable recalls, we have the workshop for you!

1️⃣Tricks for Beginners
🗓️ Saturday, August 3, 2024 – 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, or
🗓️ Tuesday, August 20, 2024 – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Learn fun and impressive tricks that will entertain and engage your dog while strengthening your relationship.

2️⃣Loose-Lead Walking
🗓️ Tuesday, August 6, 2024 – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, or
🗓️ Saturday, August 17, 2024 – 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Discover techniques to make walking your dog a pleasant and enjoyable experience for both of you.

3️⃣ Intro to Agility
🗓️ Saturday, August 10, 2024 – 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, or
🗓️ Tuesday, September 3, 2024 – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Experience the excitement of agility training and introduce your dog to the basics of this thrilling sport.

4️⃣ Reliable Recalls
🗓️ Tuesday, August 13, 2024 – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, or
🗓️ Saturday, August 24, 2024 – 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Ensure your dog comes back to you every time with effective recall techniques.

📍 Location: Animal Talent, 172 Woy Woy rd, in our fully enclosed, grassed dog training park!

🎟️ Reserve your spot now! Spaces are limited, so sign up early to secure your place in these fantastic workshops

https://www.animaltalent.com.au/workshops/

For more information visit our website or contact us directly.

22/07/2024

What do the eyes tell you?

We can learn a great deal from a dogs body language, especially their non verbal communication. And, sometimes the eyes tell all. These eyes are the same dog just expressing different emotions.

Rule of thumb:
Relaxed and happy - the eyes are more of an almond shape, and it may appear that your dog is squinting.

Stressed, worried or aroused - pupils will be wide and you may be able to see the whites of his eyes.

Sometimes we just need to take a minute and observe - its all it takes for us to be aware of how our dog is feeling and what might happen next.

21/07/2024

🐾🚗 Get ready to start your dog training adventure!

Join Animal Talent's Life Skills 6-week classes starting Tuesday, 6 August from 6:00-7:00pm or Wednesday, 7 August from 9:30-10:30am! 🐶✨

For all dogs 6 months and over, this course is designed to help your furry friend learn essential skills and behaviours. Watch your pup transform into the best-behaved dog on the block with a little teamwork and lots of rewards-based encouragement!

📚 And as a bonus gift, all new clients receive "Nose to Tail Book – A Holistic Guide to Training Your Dream Dog" by Louise Harding, for invaluable insights and troubleshooting along the way!

Spaces are limited, so sign up now and let the training adventures begin! 🚀🐕

https://www.animaltalent.com.au/life-skills-class/

📌Location: 172 Woy Woy Road, Woy Woy, in our fully enclosed, grassed dog training facility!

🤔 Not sure if this class is right for you? We are always happy to discuss your options and help you and your pup find the perfect fit for training that’s just right for them. Reach out at any time!

21/07/2024

Congratulations to our obedience Dogsport Team. We have had some great performances this week.

Some of our teams also had some training breakthroughs with their ring work - narrowly missing out on a ribbon. Super proud of those achievements.

Often outings can provide unexpected environmental distractions - this weekend we had gale force winds which meant there were rally signs blowing and flinging off, people chasing the signs - families flying kites and a heap of other distractions.

I’m really proud of our Team and their sportsmanship. I lost count of the number of positive comments I received about your handling and the performances of your dogs.

Congratulations - and special thanks to our supporters who came to have a look and helped us all out.

See you all at training tomorrow💕🐶

19/07/2024

🌟🐾 Give Your Puppy the Best Start this Spring! 🐾🌟

Join our 6-week dog training course, Puppy Success, for puppies aged 3-6 months and help your furry friend grow into a well-behaved and happy companion! 🌸🐶

Topics Covered:
🐶 Building a strong bond with your puppy
🚽 Toilet Training
🦷 Understanding and managing puppy biting and nipping
🐾 Teaching good manners and reducing jumping up
🛁 Handling your puppy for grooming and vet visits
🏋️‍♂️ Conditioning exercises for a healthy puppy
🐕 Socializing with other friendly dogs
📚 The six-pack of core behaviours:🪑 Sit 🛑 Stay ⬇️ Down 🏃‍♂️ Come 🤫 Quiet 🦮 Loose-lead walking (walk the dog)
🎾 The importance of play and boredom busters
🥕 Nutrition tips
👋 Appropriate greetings with friendly human strangers

📚 Bonus Gift: "Nose to Tail Book – A Holistic Guide to Training Your Dream Dog" by Louise Harding

Start Dates:
📅 Tuesday, 6 August: 9:30 - 10:30am
📅 Wednesday, 7 August: 6:00 - 7:00pm
📅 Saturday, 10 August: 9:30 - 10:30am

📍 Location: 172 Woy Woy Road, in our fully enclosed, grassed dog training facility!

Sign up today and give your puppy the best start coming into spring! 🌷🐕✨
https://www.animaltalent.com.au/puppy-success-class/

17/07/2024

🐾 Join a Reliable Recalls Workshop! 🐾

Does your dog come running when called? If not, don't miss our Reliable Recalls Workshops at Animal Talent!

📅 Date & Time Options:
- Saturday, July 27 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Tuesday, July 30 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

In this 2-hour session, our experienced trainers will teach you effective techniques to ensure your dog reliably returns to you, even in distracting environments. Perfect for enhancing safety and building a stronger bond with your furry friend!

📍 Location: Our fully enclosed, training facility in Woy Woy.

Spaces are limited! Secure your spot today and turn your dog's recall into a reliable response.
https://www.animaltalent.com.au/workshops/reliable-recalls/

Let's make recall training fun and effective! 🐶✨

15/07/2024

Join Our 2-Hour Loose-Lead Walking Workshop! 🐾

Are you tired of being pulled in every direction on your walks? Struggling to keep your dog focused and by your side? Animal Talent has the solution!

🗓 Date: Tuesday, 23 July
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Animal Talent's Training Facility, Woy Woy*

Our specialised 2-hour Loose-Lead Walking Workshop is designed to teach you and your dog the skills needed for enjoyable, stress-free walks. Led by our experienced trainers, you'll learn practical techniques to:
- Improve your dog's focus and responsiveness
- Teach your dog to walk calmly on a loose lead
- Strengthen your bond and communication with your dog
- Address common walking issues

This workshop is perfect for dogs of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to refine your dog's walking behaviour, you'll leave with the confidence and tools to make every walk a pleasure.

Spaces are limited to ensure personalised attention, so don't miss out! Secure your spot today by visiting our website:
https://www.animaltalent.com.au/workshops/loose-lead-walking/

Let’s turn your walks into a joyful experience for both you and your furry friend! 🐕🚶‍♂️

See you there!

12/07/2024

📢 Animal Talent July Workshops Announcement! 🐾

We are excited to announce our 2-hour workshops this July! Join us at Animal Talent to strengthen your bond with your furry friends and improve their skills with our expert training sessions.

🐕 Loose-lead Walking

🗓 Date: July 23, 2024 🕒 Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

🐶 Reliable Recalls

🗓 Dates:

- July 27, 2024 🕒 Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
- July 30, 2024 🕒 Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Don't miss out on these fantastic opportunities to enhance your dog's abilities and enjoy more relaxed walks and dependable recalls. Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot today!

📍 Location: Our fully enclosed, grassed dog training facility in Woy Woy*

To register, visit our website: https://www.animaltalent.com.au/workshops/

We can't wait to see you and your pups there! 🐾

11/07/2024

I am really excited to be heading to the Tuggerah library for an Author talk at the end of the month. These are always so much fun. There has already been a lot of interest so the library have moved us to a larger venue. I hope to see some of our Facebook family there.

Here is the link to book. This is a free event.

Welcome to Central Coast Council.

07/07/2024

🐾🎉 5 DIY Enrichment Toys for Dogs to Make with Your Kids These School Holidays! 🎉🐾

Looking for a fun way to keep your dog mentally stimulated and keep the kids entertained? Try these easy DIY food puzzle enrichment toys that your kids will love making and your dog will love playing with!

1. Hide and Seek Muffin Tin: 🧁 Hide treats in some of the muffin holes in a muffin tin and place balls over the top. Watch your dog work out what he loves more—the yummy treats or the balls as he nudges them out of the way!

2. Sniff-n-Roll: 🧻 Scatter treats on a soft flat mat, then roll it up carefully and show it to your dog. Watch him work out how to get the treats out, with the potential for hilarious results.

3. Recycling Day: ♻️ Get a deep tub and some clean empty plastic bottles with no lids. Fill some bottles with treats and scatter some in the bottom of the tub. This slow trust exercise will have your dog lowering his head into a dark place with new sounds for some fantastic stimulation!

4. Pass the Parcel: 📦 Perfect for shredders! Use cereal and snack boxes. Put some treats in the box, close it using some wide tape if necessary, and up the ante by putting boxes inside boxes with treats between each layer.

5. PVC Puzzle: 🔧 Get an adult to drill 4 to 5 holes safely in a straight PVC pipe, with end caps on each end. The holes should be just large enough to stuff treats in and spread out around the pipe to allow your dog to have some fun rolling it around as they try to get the treats out.

Safety First! 🐶🚨 No toy is indestructible. Always supervise your dog when giving him a new toy, checking to ensure no pieces come loose, which could pose a choking hazard or cause injury. Regularly inspect all toys for signs of damage. If in doubt, throw it out.

Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy the bonding time with your kids and your furry friend! 🐕❤️

www.animaltalent.com.au

05/07/2024

😋What are your dog’s favourite food rewards for training?

At Animal Talent, we believe that having a variety of treats can make training sessions even more effective and fun! It’s super handy to have five different types and then rank them in order of value. Here’s why:

1. Motivation Variety: Different treats keep your dog excited and motivated.
2. Training Progression: High-value treats can be used for challenging tasks, while lower-value treats work for easier commands.
3. Diet Balance: A mix ensures your pup gets a balanced diet while training.

🐶 Our Top Picks:
🍗High-Value: Rotisserie chicken, homemade jerky, peanut butter (in very small amounts)
🍪Mid-Value: chicken and beef bites, liver treats, training treats
🥕Low-Value: Kibble, blueberries, carrots

*Remember to consult your vet for their input if your pet has specialist dietary requirements!

Share your dog’s favourite training treats in the comments below! Let’s help each other find the best rewards for our furry friends. 🐕❤️

📆 Don't forget to check out our upcoming training classes starting in August! Visit https://www.animaltalent.com.au/ for more info. 🐾

29/06/2024

Farewell Horse ❤️ 15 years of feline fun.
It’s with a heavy heart that we had to let you leave us, but a great deal of gratitude that we spent so many years together. So many antics that bought a great deal of happiness to so many.

Filmwork, dog training, therapy cat but most of all a big part of the family.

Thanks for being one in a million. ❤️

Thanks Courtney, Ashleigh & Joseph for being there to help him on his journey, means a lot 💕

29/06/2024

The Animal Talent team farewelled one of our golden oldies this week. He is a well known personality with our long time clients and initially came as a problematic chap who had a long history of being cranky with humans and other male dogs. He was overly familiar with female dogs and flirted and pursued them. Most were not impressed by his amorous advances.
Leah and Koko developed a bond and became a team. They taught each other so much, I’m sure some of our sessions were more human therapy and learning about dog behaviour than actual training methodology.

I’m so grateful that Koko brought Leah to meet me - we have been friends now for at least 9 years. I’m even more pleased that they managed to teach each other so many life lessons and shared the good bits and the sad together.

Run fast and free with your ears flapping.
❤️

17/06/2024

🐾 Teach Your Dog Loose-Lead Walking! 🐾

Struggling with a pulling pup? Follow these easy steps for a calm, enjoyable walk:

📍 Phase One: Position

1️⃣Tie and Calm: Attach the lead to a post, giving a 1-metre radius. Stand by the post. When your dog stays calm for 10 seconds, reward with a calming pat. Repeat until consistent.

2️⃣Untie and Hold: Hold the lead and stand still. Ensure your dog remains calm beside you, learning their “home” position.

🚶 Phase Two: Start Walking

1️⃣Treats Ready: Put treats in your left back pocket to keep your dog in position.

2️⃣Get Set: Stand with your dog on your left, with his shoulder next to your leg and hold the lead in your right hand (so it looks like you’re holding bicycle handles), and reward for standing still.

3️⃣Take Steps: Slowly walk. When your dog maintains position, say "yes" and reward from your left hand. Gradually increase steps before rewarding.

👀 Phase Three: Check-In

1️⃣Turn Left: With your dog on your left, turn left. Reward with your left hand when they’re in position. Repeat.

2️⃣Turn Right: Repeat, turning right this time.

3️⃣ Rinse and repeat several times.

Practice phases two and three in separate sessions to avoid confusing your dog.

This method ensures a positive and effective way to make walks enjoyable for both you and your furry friend. Happy training! 🐾

This post includes edited excerpts from ‘Nose to Tail: A holistic guide to training your dream dog’ by Louise Harding, available as a free gift at your first training class with Animal Talent, or available for purchase here: https://www.animaltalent.com.au/shop/

🐕‍🦺Need Help?

Comment below or join our training sessions available at Animal Talent! 🐶❤️

Got a success story or a challenge? Share your experiences and let's help each other out!

11/06/2024

Is your furry friend ready to shine in agility? 🌟 Join our 6-Week Beginners Foundation Agility Course starting Friday, 21 June, from 6-7 PM! 🐶✨

This course is perfect for those who've completed our Next Steps course or equivalent private lessons and are ready to advance their skills.

It's a fantastic opportunity to build confidence, enhance coordination, and deepen the bond with your dog while introducing this fun and exciting dog sport. 🐕💪

🔹 Date: Starts Friday, 21 June
🔹 Time: 6 - 7 PM
🔹 Duration: 6 weeks

Secure your spot now – spaces are limited and filling up fast! 🏃‍♂️💨
https://www.animaltalent.com.au/beginners-foundation-agility/

🤔 Not sure if this class is right for you? We are always happy to discuss your options and help you and your pup find the perfect fit. Reach out at any time!