About the trainer

and her dogs

My practical applications of learning theory come from a strong scientific foundation, using findings from data I’ve often combed through myself. I believe strongly in the importance of teaching everyone to be able to understand and decipher data. I’ll happily chat to anyone about the science behind the teachings, and often debate new or questionable data whenever the opportunity presents itself. Research should be considerably more accessible than it currently is, and I aim to reference my teachings whenever possible.

I’ve worked as a dog walker for the past 5 years, specialising in reactive and anxious dogs. I have also been volunteering and later working in zoos and other animal facilities since 2017.

I began my interest in behaviour through my work with reptiles, where I quickly took an interest in gentle handling techniques. The ability to interact with animals in ways that did not require fear, stress, or coercion greatly intrigued me. After gaining skill and experience with gentle handing of reptiles, I began to apply what I had learnt to dogs. Today, I’m prioritising communication between person and dog, and creating a relationship built on trust and understanding. Not only does this provide a more ethical and kinder way of training, but it has been proven to be exceedingly effective.

In early 2020, I had the opportunity to audit a scent work class, which lead me to explore the wonderful world of olfaction. After bringing home a rather special dog later that year, scent work proved instrumental in helping him process the frustrating world he found himself in. I began to incorporate scent work as a technique to evaluate and modify behaviours shortly after, and it’s been a favorite of mine ever since.

Comet

Hound mix

Born August 2013

Adopted September 2016

Jaskia (Jasky)

Kelpie mix

Born July 2020

Adopted November 2020

Nationally-recognised Qualifications

HLTAID009, HLTAID010, HLTAID011 Statement of Attainment – Provide First Aid (St Johns Australia) (Expires February 2026 and February 2027)

800-000741A Statement of Attainment – Advanced Canine Behaviour (TAFE NSW)

800-000736A Statement of Attainment – Advanced Feline Behaviour (TAFE NSW)

ACM20117 Cert II – Animal Studies (Taronga Training Institute, AQF level 2)

ACM40321 Cert IV – Animal Behaviour and Training (Current student) (Delta Institute, AQF level 4)

Bachelor of Science (Zoology) (Current student) (Western Sydney University, AQF level 7)

Other Education (not nationally-recognised)

This is far from a complete list, these are just the highlights!

Courses, Workshops and Conferences
  • (Course) Introduction to Snake Training – Reptelligence (2020)
  • (Course) On the Nose – Peta Clarke (2021)
  • (Course) Introduction to Nosework – Stacy Barnett (2023)
  • (Course) Master of Odour (Part 1) – Sarah Owings (2023)
  • (Conference) PPGA Conference Workshop – Dr Robert and Karen Hewings (Scent Work), Jari Castle (Mechanics), Jade Fountain (Mechanics) (2024)
  • (Course) Introduction to Disability Awareness – Disability Awareness Australia (2024)
  • (Multi-day workshop) Chicken Camp with Eva Bertilsson – Canine Education Academy (2024)
  • (Course) Control is an Illusion – Sarah Owings (2025)
  • (Course) Dealing with On-Leash Reactive Behaviours – Léa Hernandez (2025)
  • (Multi-day workshop) The Dog Driven Search with Sue Sternburg and Dana Zinn – Canine Nosework Training (2025)
  • (Workshop) Ultimate Concepts with Jo Bates – Coffs Harbour Dog Training Club (2025)
Other – General Behaviour

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) – Dr Mary Hunter

Animal Welfare – Dr Eduardo Fernandez

Other – Canine-Specific

General Training and Body Language – Tracy Taylor, Scandinavian Working Dog Institute, Niki French, Ann Mcgloon, Danielle Beck

Scent work – Peta Clarke, Stacy Barnett, Sarah Owings, Ann Mcgloon, Julie Symons, Diana Santos, Scandinavian Working Dog Institute, Troy Kechely, Dr Ring Carde, Dr Lucia Jacobs, Jo Bates

Behavioural Modification – Danielle Beck, Ryan Tate, Dr Sharon Vincuilla, Leslie McDevitt, Agnieszka Janarek, Catja Pederson, Simone Mueller

Health and Welfare – Dr Arthur House, Dr Georgie Beaumont, Dr Naomi Boyd

Other – Other Species

Reptiles – Danielle Beck, Lori Torrini, Peter Amelia, Carrie Kish, Dr Robert Johnson, Dr Johnathon Howard

Chickens – Dr Victoria Sandilands

Memberships

DogsNSW – Ordinary membership (Since 2021)

Western Sydney Scent Work – Member (Since 2022)