AWDP & Brisbane Canine Coaching

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Brisbane’s best in dog training, we specialise in personalised training programs to build better bonds and understanding between dogs and their owners, whilst delivering results that last a lifetime.

From Avoidance to Engagement: Unlocking Koa’s DriveThis morning I was working with a client and his young Belgian Malino...
24/07/2025

From Avoidance to Engagement: Unlocking Koa’s Drive

This morning I was working with a client and his young Belgian Malinois, Koa. We were testing his aptitude for protection work.

My process always starts with prey drive. I don’t build in defense or suspicion until the dog is confident and committed. If you start the other way around, you risk doing more harm than good. I am prepared to fight and die on that hill. Anyone who even entertains the idea of doing it the other way, does not have the dog’s best interests at heart. That is the cold, hard truth of the matter.

At first, Koa showed zero prey drive. He even went into avoidance a few times - tail tucked, trying to disengage. It wasn’t looking promising.

So I asked Blake, his owner, “Have you ever seen him show any signs of prey drive?”

He mentioned Koa used to grab at the boxing bag when he kicked it around. That told me everything I needed to know - it wasn’t about the object, it was about Blake being involved. That gave Koa confidence.

So we started kicking a basketball around together. Koa didn’t go for the ball, but he watched Blake with interest. I told Blake to play fight with him a bit. Koa started nipping at his sleeves - finally showing some engagement.

I handed over a jute tug and said, “Let’s see what he does with this.”

He bit. As soon as he did, I took over and applied backward pressure - enough to tap into that instinct of “I don’t want to lose this.”

And that was it. The switch flipped.

Koa lit up. Full grip, tail high, eyes focused. From avoidance to full prey drive in one session.

The takeaway?
• It’s not just about genetics
• It’s about how you unlock what’s in there
• Sometimes all it takes is the right energy, the right moment, and the right pressure

Koa’s not finished, but now we know what’s in the tank - and that’s where we begin.

Today I was incredibly fortunate to meet little Nissa, the 9 week old Mal pup, bred by tyrmalinoisaustraliaNissa is one ...
19/06/2025

Today I was incredibly fortunate to meet little Nissa, the 9 week old Mal pup, bred by tyrmalinoisaustralia

Nissa is one of the nicest Mal pups I’ve seen in a while. I even offered to buy her. She ticks all the right boxes. She’s in great hands with her parents Melita and Cody, and I’m really looking forward to seeing her progress in the next few months.

22/05/2025

Handsome Ghost.

15/05/2025

Ghost, the 13 week old Cane Corso pup, out on an excursion to Bunnings this morning. Today was all about environmental conditioning and socialisation. Part 3 of 3.

15/05/2025

Ghost, the 13 week old Cane Corso pup, out on an excursion to Bunnings this morning. Today was all about environmental conditioning and socialisation. Part 2 of 3.

15/05/2025

Ghost, the 13 week old Cane Corso pup, out on an excursion to Bunnings this morning. Today was all about environmental conditioning and socialisation. Part 1 of 3.

Shadow is a boy who is thicker than a snicker. Not in terms of his intelligence or ability to learn (he’s actually incre...
06/05/2025

Shadow is a boy who is thicker than a snicker. Not in terms of his intelligence or ability to learn (he’s actually incredibly smart), but he’s certainly got some serious chonk about him and he’s not yet 9 weeks old.

It’s a good thing his owner is putting in the work with him at such an early age to ensure that she doesn’t have a 45kg psychotic council bus with teeth calling the shots later on down the track.

“Big Papa” Shadow is doing well though and is an absolute pleasure to have as a student.

Today I assessed a dog named Zena—an American Pitbull Terrier x English Staffy—after she seriously injured another dog.M...
02/05/2025

Today I assessed a dog named Zena—an American Pitbull Terrier x English Staffy—after she seriously injured another dog.

My goal was to determine whether the incident was fear-based reactivity or something deeper, like genetic predisposition toward dog aggression.

Unfortunately, in Zena’s case, it’s the latter.

Many American Pitbull Terriers have been selectively bred for dog-on-dog aggression. It’s not about how much love they get or how “nicely” they’re raised—sometimes it’s hardwired.

Zena’s owners rescued her with the best intentions, but they weren’t told the full story. None of this is their fault. And importantly, it’s not Zena’s either.

With people, she’s a sweetheart. But around other dogs, her behaviour presents serious risk.

What hit me hardest was hearing another trainer had already recommended euthanasia—no plan, no conversation, just a death sentence.

And that’s where the ethical dilemma lies: is it more humane to put a dog through structured training—yes, even involving pressure and stress—if it means giving them a chance at life? Or is euthanasia the kinder option?

I’ve struggled with this question since the day I had to make that call for a dog of my own—a moment that ultimately set me on this path as a trainer.

Since then, I’ve worked with an incredible colleague and close friend to rehabilitate dogs just like Zena. Dogs who were labelled unfixable… now living safe, happy lives.

It’s not easy. It’s rarely enjoyable. But sometimes it’s the only alternative to death.

Zena’s future won’t be simple—but she deserves the chance to try.

Let this be a reminder: not every aggressive dog is a lost cause. Not every struggling dog has had a bad owner. And not every difficult case should end in a final, irreversible decision.

We owe them more than that.

This morning I had the great fortune to be able to spend some time with Yga the Jagd Terrier. Jagd Terriers are also com...
02/05/2025

This morning I had the great fortune to be able to spend some time with Yga the Jagd Terrier. Jagd Terriers are also commonly known as German Hunting Terriers.

Jagd’s hold a very special place in my heart.

They’re one of the most instinctively driven, intense, and purpose-bred dogs I’ve ever worked with. Their desire to hunt, track, and confront game is not something you can “train out” of them—it’s who they are at their core.

Yga’s owner has done an unbelievable job at training her to be responsive and clear in the way she thinks and behaves. In fact, she is easily one of the most well-balanced Jagds I’ve ever seen. That doesn’t mean she’s switched off—it means her energy is channelled, her purpose is respected, and she has been set up to succeed.

When we’re dealing with dogs like Yga, who could disappear into the bush at the drop of a scent, it’s not about obedience for the sake of it—it’s about safety. Safety for the dog, and safety for our native wildlife.

That’s where the e-collar comes in. I only use e-collars when absolutely necessary, and in very limited circumstances. But when used correctly—with proper conditioning, clarity, and fairness—they are one of the most effective communication tools available for high-drive working dogs.

They’re not for shortcuts, quick fixes, or lazy handling. They’re for enhancing communication when all the foundations have already been laid. In skilled hands, they’re an extension of the leash—silent, immediate, and clear. In the wrong hands, they can cause confusion, fear, and conflict.

The nuance matters. The dog matters. And if you’re going to use one, you better know what you’re doing—or find someone who does.

Yga, you’re a little weapon. Thanks for the reminder of what good breeding, good training, and good instincts look like when it’s all done right.

As The Simpsons so appropriately put it, “It was the best of times, it was the blurst of times.” That about sums up the ...
24/04/2025

As The Simpsons so appropriately put it, “It was the best of times, it was the blurst of times.” That about sums up the Army experience for me.

The army is where I fell in love with the idea of working with dogs, and there are a lot of memories tied to my time in a slouch hat and DPCU cams—some really good ones, some not so good ones. That’s the reality of service. And if I’m honest, I haven’t always marked ANZAC Day in the traditional sense. No dawn service, no medals, no photos in uniform. For a while, I found it easier to keep those memories at arm’s length.

But the older I get—and especially now as a dad—I’m realising just how important it is to remember what the day is truly about.

It’s not about glorifying war. It’s not about romanticising the past.
It’s about honouring the sacrifice, the mateship, and the resilience of those who served—and those who never made it home.

I’ve heard people say that younger generations don’t feel that same connection to ANZAC Day anymore. That maybe it’s becoming less relevant.
But I don’t buy that at all.

Because ANZAC Day isn’t just about history—it’s about values that still matter today: courage, selflessness, loyalty, standing shoulder to shoulder when things get hard. And if we don’t pass those values on—if we don’t talk about what this day represents—we risk losing more than just tradition. We risk forgetting the cost of the freedom we take for granted.

So maybe you don’t wear a uniform. Maybe you’ve never served. But if you stop for a moment, reflect, and remember—then you’re doing the very thing that matters most.

Because remembrance isn’t passive. It’s a choice we make, every year, to say: “We haven’t forgotten you. And we never will.”

Lest we forget.

18/04/2025

Training isn’t just about what your dog can do — it’s about where, when, and around who they can do it.
Today, Max worked on something a lot of dogs really struggle with…
Staying focused around dogs he already knows.

It might sound counterintuitive, but sometimes it’s even harder for a dog to concentrate around their mates — especially when the default association is play, excitement, or chaos. That’s why we’re helping Max learn that there’s a time to switch on, and a time to switch off.

We start small — short durations, calm setups, clear expectations. Then we slowly build up the difficulty, while keeping Max successful and confident along the way.

Why does it matter?
Because impulse control isn’t just about ignoring distractions — it’s about knowing how to make the right choice when everything in your dog is saying, “Let’s go nuts!”

Max is doing a ripper job, and we’re stoked with how far he’s come already.

Max’s Board & Train Week BeginsMax is a 5-month-old Belgian Malinois who’s staying with us this week for a Board and Tra...
17/04/2025

Max’s Board & Train Week Begins

Max is a 5-month-old Belgian Malinois who’s staying with us this week for a Board and Train program.

Our focus for Max over the next few days is all about building confidence, creating engagement, and helping him feel safe in the world around him. He’s a slightly sensitive soul — not what you’d typically expect from a young Mal — so we’re adjusting our approach to meet him where he’s at.

We’ll be working on:
• Foundation engagement exercises
• Environmental conditioning
• Building up food and play drive
• Teaching calmness and resilience in new settings
• Helping him feel more comfortable in his own skin

Every dog is different — even within working breeds — and our job is to bring out the best in this dog, not just what we expect the breed to be.

Looking forward to seeing where Max can get to with some thoughtful, consistent work. Let’s go, little fella.

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