29/05/2026
Dog training is never a linear process, so it makes sense that my journey into this industry wasn’t straightforward either.
I spent nearly 40 years as a registered nurse in the operating theatre. I loved it; the work, the pace, the people. But over time, increasing governance and administrative pressures slowly took away the parts of the job I was most passionate about.
So I started paying more attention to my dogs.
They were attending classes at a northern suburbs facility, and I found myself more and more drawn into the world of canine behaviour, communication, the question of why dogs do what they do. Eventually I stopped watching from the sideline and asked for a job.
From there, I got my Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training through the NDTF. A growing fascination with canine rehabilitation, sparked by regularly escorting dogs to their hydrotherapy appointments, led to my Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy through the Canine Health & Wellbeing Academy.
After some difficult life events, I made the decision to build something of my own. And so, The Well-Mannered Mutt was born.
Along the way, I joined forces with EpicDog because our training values aligned so naturally, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to learn so much from Aimee both professionally and personally.
My dogs have shaped me as much as any course or qualification. At just 8 months old, Echo suffered a traumatic hip injury and went through two surgeries. The twelve months of rehabilitation that followed were stressful, emotional, and at times completely overwhelming. But that experience gave me something no classroom could: a real understanding of what it feels like to be on the other side. To love a dog, to be scared for them, and to show up every single day anyway. Thankfully, Echo is now fully healthy and thriving.
I'm currently studying to become a Certified K9 Nose Work® Instructor through the NACSW. Scentwork got its hooks into me and hasn't let go, and my dogs and I have had success in trials over the years. Watching a dog problem-solve with their nose, grow in confidence, and learn to trust themselves is something I never tire of.
My background in nursing taught me a lot about compassion, patience, and meeting people exactly where they are. Those things didn't stay in the operating theatre; they are values that underpin all of my training.
I believe dogs learn best when they feel safe, supported, and empowered to problem-solve, and I think their people do too. My goal is always to create an environment where both dogs and handlers can learn without fear, judgement, or unrealistic expectations.
If that sounds like what you've been looking for, I'd love to meet you. 🐾
