Phillip Island Dog Training and Education

11/03/2026

Something to think about especially if you are travelling north. Use both oral preventative and a repellent collar. I use nexgard spectra and a kiltix collar when travelling. They work differently to each other.

Attention all members:
Please see the attached Press Release from Dogs Australia regarding Ehrlichiosis in Australia
https://dogsvictoria.org.au/media/6919/press-release_ehrlichiosis-in-australia-the-advancing-threat.pdf

28/12/2025

Good bye sheepskin. While I got you for free, I am still sad to see you come to such an untimely and undignified end. The main suspect may be pictured.
Rest assured there is no imminent danger to the general public but anything fluffy should remain on alert.

16/12/2025

Wanting a dog but not sure about the commitment? Travelling half the year but would love the company of a dog when you're home? Maybe you have an older dog that would like a sometime friend. Not sure about a particular breed and would love a test run?

Have you thought about fostering?
So many of the rehoming and rescue groups are crying out for reliable foster carers and the demand will inevitably rise after Christmas.

The beauty of fostering is that you can have dogs to suit your time and lifestyle.

My own dog is a 'foster fail'.

Knowing you are saving a dog and preparing it for a new and wonderful life is such a rewarding thing to do.

Check out your favourite breed's rescue group (many are state-wide), or have a look at a local rescue group.

Generally, the group will pay for all medical expenses and help with food, transport etc.

Give it a go and make a wonderful difference in a dog's life.

02/10/2025

24/07/2025

We have so many (bigger) beds, but this one is getting the last ray of sunshine.
Good grief.

21/07/2025

Sorry to do this again but I have been accused directly of bad behaviour.
I WILL NOT BAG OUT ANOTHER TRAINER.
I will however, comment on methods or tools that I believe may be harmful or detrimental to your dog, but only if you bring up the subject with me and I may give non aversive alternative options.
I do not rely on training for any source of income and have no interest in anyone else's business or their business plan.
That is the beauty of my business. The only trainers I have any interest in are those that collaborate with me, share knowledge or those that I can learn from.
For those who make noises of lawsuits when someone suggests an alternative way of training other than their own, yes I feel threatened (especially when I feel myself or my dogs are in danger), but in the end, it's up to the dog owner whether they choose to use my services or not.

Anyhoo, here's a burrito dog to liven up your day and give your dog a hug from me.

05/05/2025

Happy 14th birthday to the sweetest gentleman, Bailey boi. We'll keep plodding along together.

31/12/2024

The Dogs of 2024

https://youtu.be/yKcQScxYdYM?si=L9_Sc1tqYG36wZ09

13/12/2024

A dog is for 10 or 15 years, or more if you're lucky, through the good, the bad and the idiot. Not just for Christmas.

18/10/2024

Hi all. It's been a long time since I've posted, mostly because I'm busy training and living.
I am still training and loving it but I thought I'd address a few important facts about myself.
1. Any product I recommend is because I believe they are an effective, cruelty free tool. I have no stake in any company. If I sell you something from my tiny repertoire of tools, it is at cost and usually under $10. Otherwise I'll try and direct you to a supplier.
2. In my 30 odd years of training, I have constantly altered, adapted and updated my training methods.
3. I will admit to using outdated tools and methods in the past, but with research, study and learnings, I change my approach to stay up to date and relevant.
3. I will strive to use only force free methods and positive reinforcement to train you and your dog.
4. I will never dismiss a particular tool as being effective unless it causes harm to your dog either from it's design, or in the way it is being used.
5. I have a fabulous network of experienced trainers who share knowledge and learnings. We all support each other and share different training methods we find relative for different situations.
6. I will not tell you there is only one way to train a dog to do a certain thing. Each dog and situation is different.
7. I started this particular local business when I moved here, not to make big dollars but to live in a place where the doggos and their people feel safe and happy.
8. While I refuse to play the blame game or discount other trainers, I will speak personally to you, if I believe your dog is trained in a cruel or painful manner.
9. I will find the underlying cause of your dog's issues. Not just address the immediate problem. Most particular bad behaviours have an underlying cause. Address that cause, and more often than not, the obvious problem goes away.

There are probably a million other things I could say, but I do get discouraged, angry and saddened by some attitudes.

Make no mistake, dog training is up to you. I can show you the methods, the tools and the techniques but as the owner, the hard work, practise and reinforcement is all yours.

On a lighter note, here's some pictures of my grubby camp dogs. We made it all the way to the tip of Cape York. Even the old bloke.