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Our
Story
Alana — CPDT-KA
Qualifications & Professional Development
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Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services
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Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training
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Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
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Committee Member - Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia
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Former Assistant Instructor - Sydney All Breeds Dog Training Club (Concord)
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Intro to Nosework & Intro to Odour (Birch) - Goin’ Muttz
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Dangerous Dog Assessing & Handling Workshop - Steve Austin
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Glasgow Dog Trainer Workshop (2-Day Intensive)
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Currently completing Aggression in Dogs Master Course - Michael Shikashio
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Ongoing courses and webinars through Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
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Regular attendance at conferences and professional development events
The Dog Who Changed Everything
Like many trainers, my journey began with a dog who challenged everything I thought I knew.
My rescue Jana (Great Dane x Bull Arab) came to me with an incredibly high prey drive, intense excitement around other dogs, and a strong independent streak. What quickly became clear was that Jana’s motivation in the world was unique - food and toys simply weren’t the most meaningful things to her. The environment, her independence, and her social needs were far more reinforcing.
Learning how to work with what mattered to her, rather than trying to force her into a training system that didn’t fit, completely changed the way I approached training.
When I began focusing on understanding her emotional experience, helping her develop regulation skills, and strengthening our relationship, everything shifted. Training became something we did together, not something I tried to do to her.
While Jana passed away on 02/08/2026, she still continues to help and shape the way I approach training today.
My Approach
At the core of my work is kindness, compassion, and curiosity.
Behaviour is communication. When we take the time to understand why a dog is behaving the way they are, meaningful change becomes possible.
Much of my work involves supporting dogs who are struggling with the modern world - whether that looks like reactivity, frustration around other dogs, over-arousal, or difficulty regulating their emotions.
Rather than focusing purely on obedience, my work centres around helping dogs develop the underlying skills that allow behaviour to change: emotional regulation, confidence, resilience, and the ability to make thoughtful choices all while maintain their autonomy.
Just as importantly, I focus on helping owners understand their dogs better and develop the skills to guide them through everyday challenges.
When those foundations improve, the behaviours people are struggling with often begin to shift naturally.
Working Together
The people who tend to connect most with my approach are those who see their dogs as an important part of their lives and want to build a genuine partnership with them.
Many are looking for a more thoughtful and compassionate way to train - one that supports both the dog and the human learning together. Whether we’re working through behavioural challenges or building new skills, the goal is always the same: helping dogs and their people live together more harmoniously.