Sidney Aarons Professional Dog Training

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🐶 Your Dog’s Behavior Isn’t as Bad as You Think! 🐾Feeling overwhelmed by your excitable pup? With endless online advice ...
21/08/2025

🐶 Your Dog’s Behavior Isn’t as Bad as You Think! 🐾
Feeling overwhelmed by your excitable pup? With endless online advice from self-proclaimed “experts” and conflicting tips, it’s easy to feel lost. But here’s the good news: your dog’s behavior can improve quickly with the right approach!

Forget trendy “pure positive” or “force-free” methods that sometimes leave dogs with zero impulse control or ignoring basic commands. Clear boundaries and consistent guidance aren’t cruel—they’re key to helping your dog thrive.

In just a few one-hour lessons, I can teach you how to teach your dog reliable behaviors like walking calmly on a leash, staying composed around distractions, or reliably come when called and any other issues. With incremental training, minimal distractions at first, and daily practice at home, your dog will build confidence and focus.
Ready to transform your dog’s behavior and strengthen your bond? Let’s make training simple, effective, and fun! 💪 DM me to get started!

When your dog can't seem to live without you.I had this issue with a dog before I became a trainer because I had no idea...
20/08/2025

When your dog can't seem to live without you.

I had this issue with a dog before I became a trainer because I had no idea to what I was doing. I was so concerned about my puppy upsetting the neighbours with its crying and barking at the backdoor that I inadvertently created a monster. I took him everywhere I could, but this came with a price. I discovered this when, not long after, I moved into a friend’s place, I was around 25yrs of age at the time. This dog would bark all night and all day. He would pull my housemates laundry off the clothes line and destroy it. He would dig holes all through the garden and generally made life living there hell. I remember one day I left him in the car for a short time and came back to all of seat belts being destroyed. The list could go on and on to demonstrate the mayhem and destruction this dog caused. All this mayhem because I had no idea to what I was doing and how to prevent it. On the upside of things, it was this dog that lead me to the dog trainers’ course, that completely changed my life forever and for the better.

Way too many dogs are dumped in shelters or even euthanised because so many symptoms of separation become so severe. Chronic escaping, self-mutilation (flank sucking), destruction(chewing), urinating and defecting in the house, excessive salivation, intense pacing, excessive howling and barking, coprophagy, depression, anxiety all due to a pup not learning to be ok with his own company. In a lot of instances dogs can and do injure themselves in the process of these behaviours especially when trying to escape. I have seen the results of a dog going through glass windows or destroying their teeth on steel fencing. The list goes on and on because the state of mind a dog with separation issues is so severely frenzied when the owner is either absent or the dog physically cannot reach the owner.

The reality is a lot of dog owners are held hostage by their dogs with separation issues. The symptoms become so severe that the owners world must revolve around their animal. In a lot of instances drastic measures are made such as surrendering the dog or placing the dog on mind altering pharmaceuticals. I have treated dogs that are in such a frenzied state that it is really sad to see. The owners obviously love these dogs yet because of constant maintenance the dog demands it can become unbearable. However, unfortunately, at the end of the day it is the owner creation, just as it was mine with the dog I mentioned in the beginning of this blog.

In my own research and experience there are breeds or breed types that are much more likely to become completely dependent on the constant company of its owner. Yet as in all good dog training it is about being pro-active rather than being reactive. Any dog can learn to enjoy its own company.

Step and measures than need to put in place to prevent any separation issues.

There are, in fact, numerous ways to stop your dog needing this constant companionship and to be happy with its own company for periods of time. As always starting with the dog as a puppy is always the place condition the dog to enjoy its own company. When I bring home a new puppy, for the first few nights he will sleep by my bed in his bed. This is a new world he is now experiencing, it can be very overwhelming. As with every part of my training with I will introduce everything incrementally. Remember less is always more. Expecting a puppy to be ok with being left in the laundry room on its first night and not to scream the house down is expecting way too much. For the first few nights the pup will sleep beside my bed and if the pup becomes upset I can reach down and sooth him. He will very quickly be comforted and reassured then go back to sleep. By doing this, if I hear him get up I will know more than likely he needs to go to the toilet. This is the perfect opportunity to begin toilet training. While I understand that the first few nights sleep is going to be interrupted, yet this is a small price to pay to ensure this whole process goes a lot easier.

In my opinion isolating a puppy on its few nights is the right way to go if you want to create a separation issue, however, no one wants this.

During the day sometimes, he will go out with me and sometimes he won’t. This gives me the perfect opportunity to start the separation process. When I arrive home, I do not go immediately to the pup but will rather ignore him until I can hear he is more settled. I will then let him out of his puppy pen, not making a huge fuss as he will be seeking my attention. At this point, again, I will wait until he calms down and then reach down and give him a quick scratch, pat and with a calm voice I will praise him. I will never give him attention when he is obviously trying to seek my attention as inadvertently or by accident I will be rewarding these behaviours. Over the next few days and weeks this desperate behaviour will begin weakening and overtime disappear, I am left with a much calmer, confident puppy. Other exercises I will also do while my pup is in his puppy pen or by the back door. I will go over to him while he is quiet and give him a very quick pat and or praise and walk away. This will ensure I am not creating a separation issue. He may carry on when I walk away but never will I turn back or say anything to him. He will earn over a very short period of time that is calm and sensible behaviour that will get my attention. Hence, I am rewarding, shaping behaviour that will lead to a dog that will be ok with his own company. As an adult dog he will not be stressed when I am absent or get so excited that I cannot control him when I am present. In dog training consistency is key to developing a balanced and structured relationship.

Prevention is always better than the cure but what needs to be done to help a dog that is suffering from a separation issue?

I have pointed out that dogs can and do suffer quite intensely from separation. It goes far beyond what we use to call “anxiety” as it was recognised a long time ago. When a dog is displaying these behaviours, he is well past a state of anxiety as he is now in a full blown state of overwhelming stress and absolute desperation. While I have seen vets prescribe all sorts of drugs to help counter the symptoms it has little to no effect on the long-term outcome. In a lot of instances these drugs are detrimental to the dogs physical and therefore mental health if used for a lengthy period of time.

The dogs mind or brain is neuroplastic just as ours is. This means it can be reorganized. Therefore, with time and relearning, we can change how the dog responds or does not respond to most circumstances or environments.

I have endeavoured over the years to find the most effective and long-lasting results in counter-conditioning the separation response. These methods have come under criticism yet before I go into the rehabilitation process I ask you to ask yourself this? What is worse euthanasia, dumping your dog at the shelter for someone else to do the dirty work for you, a life time of drugs to treat the symptoms or a short stressor rehabilitation process that will allow you to have a quality relationship with your best friend? I have in fact seen dogs that have been so medicated they spend most of the time sleeping or cannot walk in a straight line. This is the absolute truth.

As I have already stated the brain is neuroplastic hence we can and do change behaviour with every training session program we plan and execute. My goal is to raise the threshold for separation so when the dog returns to its home the dog can live in this environment very easily. As in much of my dog training I will make the training harder to make life easier for the dog in the real world. My mindset is always for the long-term, not the short-term.

So, the issue for the dog is isolation or at least that what it perceives as isolation, as I have already stated it is my goal to raise the threshold for separation.

When a client contacts me and begin to describe the issues and it is obviously a separation issue my recommendations are always that the dog go into board and train program with myself. My program is extremely structured and for the most part the dog is completely isolated. The dog will be trained, walked and fed every day. All contact with the dog is extremely consistent and structured. Take my word for it the dog doesn’t like being isolated at all but remember we are thinking long-term. As we can see improvement throughout the program the time I spend with the dog is extended and additional play time with other dogs is also included. Dogs that suffer from separation issues from their owner usually have no real interest or nor see any value in time spent with other dogs. I will choose dogs of my own that are extremely playful. In my opinion it is very advantageous for a dog to enjoy time with its own species. It helps with coping and adjusting as all mammals are capable of to one degree or another.

I have been 100% successful with this program and some dogs take longer than others but it is what it is. When I have told potential clients of this program some have balked and walked away. The ones who have committed to this have seen and live with the positive results. It may seem mean or cruel yet leaving this problem unresolved is far worse as I am comparing a few weeks to years of a dog being forced to live like this.

In a lot of instances making life harder to make the rest of it easier is the only way to go.

Pros and Cons of Reactive Dog Classes.Reactive dog classes are specialized training programs designed to help dogs that ...
18/08/2025

Pros and Cons of Reactive Dog Classes.

Reactive dog classes are specialized training programs designed to help dogs that overreact to stimuli, such as other dogs, people, or environmental triggers, often displaying behaviors like barking, lunging, or growling. These classes aim to teach impulse control and desensitize dogs to their triggers. If you’re considering enrolling your dog, here are the pros and cons to help you decide.

Pros of Reactive Dog Classes
Controlled Environment: Classes provide a safe, structured setting where dogs can encounter triggers (e.g., other dogs) at a distance, allowing gradual exposure under the guidance of a professional trainer.

Expert Guidance: Qualified trainers who understand dog behavior, especially offensive and defensive aggression, can assess your dog’s reactions and tailor training to their needs.
Socialization Opportunities: These classes help dogs learn to cope with stimuli in a controlled way, building confidence and reducing fear-based reactions, which is critical for dogs with poor socialization.

Owner Education: Owners learn to read their dog’s body language, manage triggers, and reinforce calm behavior, addressing issues like misdiagnosis of excitement as aggression.

Community Support: Classes connect you with other owners facing similar challenges, fostering a supportive network and reducing the isolation of managing a reactive dog.

Cons of Reactive Dog Classes
Stress for Dogs: Even in a controlled setting, exposure to triggers can be overwhelming for highly reactive dogs, potentially reinforcing fear or aggression if not managed carefully.

Variable Trainer Quality: Not all trainers are equipped to handle severe aggression. You need a trainer with qualifications and experience in promoting and assessing aggression, not just basic training skills.

Time and Cost: Classes require a significant time commitment and can be expensive, especially if multiple sessions or private follow-ups are needed to see progress.

Limited Individual Attention: Group classes may not provide enough one-on-one focus for dogs with complex issues, such as those with trauma or genetic aggression, which require personalized plans.

Inconsistent Results: Success depends on the dog’s temperament, the owner’s consistency outside class, and the class structure. Some dogs may not generalize learned behaviors to real-world situations like dog parks.

Overcoming Hesitations About Group Classes
Joining a reactive dog class can feel daunting for many owners. It’s common to feel embarrassed, nervous, or even scared about bringing a reactive dog to a group setting, especially if your dog barks, lunges, or seems unpredictable. You might worry about judgment from other owners or fear that your dog’s behavior could disrupt the class. These feelings are completely valid—managing a reactive dog is challenging, and group settings can feel exposing.

For many owners and dogs, starting with private lessons is a much better option before transitioning to group classes. Private sessions offer a low-pressure environment where a qualified trainer can focus solely on your dog’s specific triggers and behaviors. This one-on-one attention allows for a tailored approach, addressing issues like fear-based reactivity or offensive aggression without the added stress of other dogs or owners. Private lessons also give you, the owner, a chance to build confidence in handling your dog and learn techniques in a safe space. Once your dog shows progress in impulse control and you feel more comfortable, transitioning to a group class can be a smoother, more successful experience.

Is It Right for Your Dog?
Reactive dog classes can be a game-changer for many dogs, helping them develop impulse control and cope with triggers. However, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. If group settings feel overwhelming, consider starting with private lessons to build a strong foundation. Ensure the trainer is qualified, with a deep understanding of dog behavior, and consider your dog’s specific needs—whether it’s fear-based reactivity, offensive aggression, or a mix. Combining training (private or group) with consistent at-home practice and socialization will maximize results. Weigh the pros and cons, and consult a professional to determine the best path for your pup.

I have met so many people over the years that have told me they do not see the value in training their dog yet in the ne...
17/08/2025

I have met so many people over the years that have told me they do not see the value in training their dog yet in the next breath they will complain about their dogs’ behaviour. As with all dog trainers and enthusiasts, it leaves us shaking our heads and feeling extremely frustrated.

I will often put it like this to clients and people I meet. Imagine having a child that is around 10yrs old that you have not taught to speak, read or comprehend the world that it lives in. Can you imagine how difficult it would be to live with this child? It would be a full-time job in caring and managing this kid that you pretty much completely ignored? This child would be very emotionally unstable and would be a nightmare to be around.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, this is exactly what people do when they do not train and socialize their dog. A very large majority of behavioural problems stems from this very reason.

There was a study done a number of years ago here in Australia that indicated that less than 1% of dogs ever got to any type of dog obedience school or professional dog trainer. I know this to be true as when I’m out about with my dogs as it’s usually me managing other peoples dogs to ensure mine are safe. In other words not training a dog is keeping it stupid. And stupid is, as stupid does. (Forrest Gump)

And that’s the point right there without training our dogs they become a liability as I know all too well. Not to mention how many dog fights have I broken up and how many times have I seen people chasing their dogs so that they can go home, continue their walk or training session.

As I always explain to my clients we must first teach the ABC’s and 123’s to the dog so we can set up a pathway of communication that we build upon and therefore make the dog reliable and not a liability.

By creating that ability to communicate with our dogs gives and us the chance to stop the dog from behaviours that are not conducive to dog’s life and it also empowers us to really enjoy the relationship with them.

People regularly comment on how wonderful my dogs are and this is true, yet if hadn’t taken the time out to create learning for my dog they wouldn’t be what they are today. They wouldn’t be able to help me rehabilitate other dogs and demonstrate what is possible.

Yes being a dog trainer makes it a lot easier for myself and my dogs yet the fact remains, I took the time and applied self-discipline to learn for them and the added bonus of creating a wonderful relationship with them.

Think your dog only stays for treats?Science says otherwise.Brain explorations have shown that when dogs smell or see th...
13/08/2025

Think your dog only stays for treats?
Science says otherwise.
Brain explorations have shown that when dogs smell or see their owner, their brain's reward center is activated more than food... or even by other dogs.
That means your dog's bond with you is not just about survival, but also emotional. You are not just their caretaker. You're her favorite thing in the world.
So next time your pup follows you from room to room, wag its tail like crazy when you get home or snuggles up next to you, remember this: it's love, pure and simple.
Did you know your dog's brain is literally programmed to worship you?

Are you considering rescuing your new best friend from a shelter or looking for a rescue dog organization?I have persona...
06/08/2025

Are you considering rescuing your new best friend from a shelter or looking for a rescue dog organization?

I have personally purchased dogs from shelters and rescues and rehabilitated these dogs for a pet or even working dog rescue. I think it’s a wonderful thing to do and very rewarding. Yet there are serious considerations you must think about when contemplating a rescue. I have covered what I believe to be the most important in my blog today.

1: Why is the dog surrendered to the rescue or acquired by the rescue in the first place?
There are a number of reasons the dog ends up in a shelter or in a rescuing dog organization. The most common reason is the people simply give up on the dog. They have not put in the real time and energy to obedience training and socializing the dog. The dog then becomes problematic i.e.: dog to dog aggression, dog to human aggression, escaping due to mind bending boredom, obsessive behaviour, medical conditions or severe separation anxiety with destructive behaviour. Often the breed of dog is picked for the wrong reasons, they are purchased without proper education on the breed. This happens most often with working dog rescue. They love the breed on paper, but it is far too much for them to handle in real life. The dog may also have been picked up on the street as a stray. The dog has no microchip and the owner is unable to find them.

2: How much is this going to cost me financially and with my time?
Getting dogs a rescue initially seems like a much better financial decision than going to a professional, qualified breeder. The dog has been sterilized, vaccinated and treated for worms. What it is imperative to consider is that many of these dogs may have moderate to severe behavioural challenges. Most behavioural challenges can be resolved with appropriate functional obedience training. Most require assistance with this and that requires a qualified trainer. The price of trainers will vary from trainer to trainer. Minor challenges can be resolved or curbed by joining a local dog club who usually have “volunteer” trainers.

Although these trainers are well meaning and motivated in many cases they lack formal education in canine behaviour. Unfortunately, this can result in “training” based on propaganda and extremely limited experience. This is the reason for the $5 classes. My recommendation is always to obtain the assistance of a professional dog trainer. They have received a formal education in canine behaviour and communication and have passed the requirements required to gain certification. These professional trainers cost more initially but clear and efficient initial communication and training with the dog will, in the long run, provide you with a balanced, happy and well trained best companion. The trainer will also be able to identify traits in the dog and guide you towards mental and physical exercise in one of the many dog activities now available. There is a huge amount of activities you can do with your canine companion these days. Herding, noes dog rescue work competitions, dog dancing, fly ball, dock diving, lure coursing, obedience trials, agility and so many more.

One more concern I need to point out, especially with shelter dogs is the lack of adequate temperament evaluation. Many shelters have no test other than if the dog acts “aggressive” in their kennel. Others have a “temperament test” consisting of a fake hand, to test for food aggression and stuffed animals to evaluate aggression to other animals. The rubber hand on a stick is ridiculous as the dog is in unfamiliar environment, and usually pretty hungry so they choose “that moment” to assess for food aggression. How stupid do they believe dogs are if they think a canine can’t tell the difference between polyester fur and filling and a real dog. In conclusion to this section, if in doubt of a dog you are considering hire a professional trainer for advice or an independent evaluation.

3: Could this dog have ongoing medical concerns.
The reality for many dogs is the reason it was surrendered is that it has a medical concern that the owner has been gutless to do the right thing, if severe enough, or simply cannot afford the ongoing medical care the dog now requires. Another delightful instance, that makes my blood boil, is that the owner can afford the ongoing care for the dog but finds it inconvenient or is simply tired of spending the money. Now, please be clear on this point, I am not suggesting you don’t adopt a dog based on medical needs. What I am saying is investing in pet health insurance is a must when dealing with an uncertain medical future for your new buddy.

Be sure you read the fine print on all new insurance policies. Just as I am encouraging you to educate yourself about your rescue and decide based on logic as well as your heart strings, I encourage you to read any policy you purchase. Keep in mind through all this medical discussion that in many cases medical issues such as itchy skin, stinky skin, ye**ty ears, explosive poops with your new rescued friend, can often be resolved through appropriate diet changes. Rescued dog and shelters operate on a budget. In many cases the food the dogs are getting is filling but cheap and poor nutritionally. Within 4-6 weeks of changing pups diet many issues are gone never to be seen again.

In no way is this an attempt to talk badly of shelters or rescue of dogs organisations yet the point that needs to made is if everyone did their job and did what was in the best interest of the animal.

When we lose our dog My first experience of this was when I was 12 years old. I had a German Short Haired Pointer (GSP) ...
05/08/2025

When we lose our dog

My first experience of this was when I was 12 years old. I had a German Short Haired Pointer (GSP) and her name was Bronlea or Bronnie. I had known her from a couple of weeks of age as a family friend had bred her.
My first experience of this was when I was 12 years old. I had a German Short Haired Pointer (GSP) and her name was Bronlea or Bronnie. I had known her from a couple of weeks of age as a family friend had bred her. I took her to the local obedience school every Sunday morning, she slept in my bed, and she ate the food I didn’t want at dinner as she would hide under the table. This all ended when my parents got wise to what I was doing. I just loved being with her and took her everywhere I could. She had a stunning and very gentle nature, and I loved her immensely. When she was around 5 years old, she started to fall to the ground spontaneously and have very brief, mild seizures. Being only 12yrs old I found this very upsetting for myself and extremely confusing. I told my parents this had happened a couple of times so my mother took her to the vet. Sadly the diagnosis was she had Leukaemia. The vet wasn’t hopeful she would be able to recover yet they started treatment, she began to show signs of improvement, but it was short-lived. I will never forget the day my parents told me they took her to the vet and she had passed away. I was devastated, I remember falling to the ground sobbing uncontrollably. I had never experienced the loss of a loved one before this day. Even sitting here typing this story brings tears to my eyes. Every time I see a GSP it still makes me smile, and I think of my beautiful girl as that was the start of my fascination with dogs and hence my lifelong career working with them.

Being a dog trainer doesn’t mean my love for dogs is any different to those who are not any kind of dog expert. I have seen so many times the loss and pain that friends and clients have experienced because of the loss of their best friend. I have known those dogs well, so I share in their grief and loss.

For myself, losing a dog is no different from losing a family member or a friend. The emotions are exactly the same, as we collect memories along the way with them as we share our lives. They enrich the way we live in so many ways I cannot even begin to explain. Being a dog trainer, I do spend a huge amount of time with my dogs for various reasons, however, and still, my favourite thing to do with any dog is to just to hang out and play with them.

I’ve had a tough life at times and there have been some real low points where I almost gave up. I’ve never given up though because of my dogs and my concern about what would happen to them if I was no longer around. This concern for them has also pushed me on to deal with those issues to ensure I could continue to care for them, and to give them the best life that I can.

Having dogs my entire life has enriched it in so many ways. They kept me strong when I had to be strong, and through of my profession, I have met many wonderful people and their beautiful dogs.

Now, at 48 years of age if I lost my bestie it would be just as devastating as it was when I lost Bronnie at 12yrs of age. Time does heal all wounds, yet I remember all of them every day. I do my best to talk of them as often as I can, to keep their memories alive and purposeful. Hence I am celebrating their lives, what they meant and will always mean to me.

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9 Beltana Road
Pialligo, ACT

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Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 5pm

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