Dog Trainers in Canberra
Unfortunately, the dog training industry is unregulated and anyone can call themselves a dog trainer without formal qualifications. Despite the science showing that positive, force-free methods are successful and the least likely to be emotionally damaging, there are still many questionable training methods out there. If your trainer does not explicitly say they are a positive reinforcement trainer, it is likely they are a 'balanced' trainer or rely on the faulty and outdated notion that dogs are wolves and we need to show them we are the boss at all times. Just as our approach to raising children has changed over the past 2 decades, so has our understanding of dog behaviour and training.
Modern, fully qualified dog trainers never recommend asserting dominance, using rice shakers, check/choke chains, prong collars, citronella, vibration or shock collars, or anything that attempts to change behaviour using coercive means. However, a number of trainers locally still recommend these methods without understanding the likely negative consequences. Punishment has been shown to increase the likelihood of aggression, impair learning, and increase stress levels.
The Pet Professional Guild position statement expands on this issue here.
Recommended trainers in Canberra include:
- Tori from Canine Communication
- Lyndal from Puppykins (separation anxiety trainer)
- Jane from Canine Behaviour Academy
- Jess from Zen Dog (formerly ABC Dog)
- Izabela from Wooft
- Shari from All Dogs Behaviour & Training
- Christine from Ain't Misbehavin
- Jess from The Mindful Canine
- Luke from Dog Savvy
- Sian from Snooter Brown (Greyhounds are her speciality)
- Penny from Canine Hoopers
- Jackie - contactable via [email protected]
- Juliet from Kind Red Dogs