Taylored Dog Training

14/06/2025

Good trainers are always learning! I have just spent a week at The Ranch of the Karen Pryor National Training Centre working under the tutelage of inarguably the world's best animal trainer Ken Ramirez. In amongst feeding, cleaning and enriching the animals, we enjoyed lectures on a vast array of topics, and trained goats and miniature donkeys. We also got to work on conditioning the shy Llamas. Let me tell you, nothing sharpens your skills like working two fast, foody goats at the same time! A big thanks to The Ranch team for making me feel so welcome, pushing me out of my comfort zone, and providing such helpful and supportive feedback. I've only just left but I can't wait to come back.
Happy training!

04/06/2025

“The majority of research suggests that dog training methods based on positive reinforcement are less stressful, more effective, more humane, and do not negatively impact welfare or the human-animal bond” So why choose anything else?

Balanced dog training is anything but as negative reinforcement can heavily outweigh any positive reinforcement in a dog's mind.

30/05/2025

I am heading overseas to once again improve my training skills and learn from one of the best (check out Ken Ramirez if you want your animal training socks knocked off!).
I'll also be presenting some of my research in Canada at a conference focused on the human-animal bond.
If you need a qualified, force-free trainer before mid-July please check out the RSPCA's Force Free Trainers List:https://www.rspcasa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ForceFreeTrainersList.Aug2024.pdf
See you in July!

27/05/2025

Making sure your dog gets good quality sleep is important for so many functions!

24/05/2025

You don’t even need to have a cat to complete this survey!

Do you speak cat?

Researchers from the University of Adelaide are exploring how well people understand cat behaviours.

We are seeking participants from Australia who are over 18yo.
No experience required. Regardless of whether you have never touched a cat in your life or you live with many, you are welcome to complete our survey.

The survey will take around 20 minutes to complete and you will go into the draw to win one of five $50 gift cards.

Know someone you think would like to participate? Please feel free to send them this post or the study link.

If you would like to participate, please follow the link to the survey below:
https://adelaideuniwide.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0W1emr5irQL3KUC

20/05/2025

A great article by a wonderful colleague. A must read for people who share their lives with cats 🐈

Dairy is not a natural part of cats’ diet – in fact, it can be harmful to their health.

13/05/2025

The conversation we need to be having about brachycephalic dog breeds.

Flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs have surged in popularity in recent years, winning hearts with their quirky personalities and pronounced features. In fact, it’s common to spot several of these dogs at the local dog park or neighbourhood café. But look closer, and their characteristic exaggerated features take a concerning turn. It’s becoming increasingly understood that many of these features – like squished faces and bulging eyes – are incredibly serious welfare issues.

💔 Many can’t breathe, sleep, play, and exercise normally, or even close their eyes properly.

💔 Corrective surgeries are commonly required — but do not always completely resolve the issues.

💔 Some brachycephalic breeds have trouble giving birth naturally.

📖 Read the full blog to learn more at

🔗 www.rspca.org.au/latest-news/blog/the-conversation-we-need-to-be-having-about-brachycephalic-dog-breeds/

04/05/2025

Another lovely group of Delta students. So engaged, so thoughtful, so willing.

01/05/2025

01/05/2025

There are so many great events for dog guardians in this excellent initiative by the City of Charles Sturt. Check it out!

📢 Are you ready to PAW-ty!?

We're excited to kick off our series tonight with a FREE seminar on Preparing for a New Puppy!

If you're considering adding a furry friend to your family or already have a puppy at home, this seminar is perfect for you! Don't miss out—reserve your spot now!

This month, we are excited to offer FREE events led by qualified trainers and veterinarians. These sessions are perfect for anyone keen to build on their understanding of pet behavior, including:
👶 Preparing your dog for your new baby
💚 Managing pain and arthritis (even young dogs are at risk!)
🐶 Helping a reactive dog cope on walks
🐕 Dealing with barking
🐱 Happy cats for happy homes
🐶 Puppy play groups
🐕 Dog park etiquette sessions
🐶 Community Dog walk (where you can chat with a trainer) and discounted microchipping with ChipBlitz

Spaces are filling quickly - get in quick to secure your place! https://www.eventbrite.com.au/cc/doggy-day-in-may-2025-4046643

28/04/2025

There’s a lot to think about before committing to bringing home a new pet!

📢 There's no such thing as a 'bad' puppy!

Join us this Thursday for our free seminar sharing tips and tricks to set you and your puppy up for success!

We'll cover:
🐶 Safe and appropriate socialisation
🐶 Managing mouthing
🐶 Teaching toilet training
🐶 Helping the transition into a new home
🐶 Priorities for the first few months together
🐶 Setting realistic expectations to reduce the 'Puppy Blues' - the weird cloud of exhaustion, grief and guilt that follows new puppy parents who just want the best for their pup! (link in the comments)

This is a fun information session, run by a qualified trainer - perfect for those thinking about getting a new puppy or those living with puppies now!

We're thrilled that Puppy Partners and Adelaide Veterinary Walk In Clinic will be joining us as stallholders for the evening. This is an excellent opportunity to pick their brains about puppy behaviour and health!

Bookings available 👉 https://www.eventbrite.com.au/cc/doggy-day-in-may-2025-4046643