Animal Aid Dog Training 

Training and socialisation are crucial for all dogs. A dog with good manners enriches your life and fosters a relationship built on mutual respect and understanding. Our approach not only enhances your bond with your dog but also sets the foundation for a fulfilling and joyful life together.

Embrace the pillars of responsible pet ownership with us and give your pet the best start in life.

Puppy School

From the age of 8-16 weeks your dog is in a critical period, your puppy is absorbing everything and these experiences, both good and bad, stay with them for life. By beginning your dog’s training during this early developmental stage you are setting them up with right tools to navigate their way through meeting new people, meeting other dogs, new surfaces, different noises and more.

Animal Aid Puppy Preschool covers socialisation, basic obedience, curbing behavioural issues early, reward-based training and dog health.

Basic Manners

We aim to provide long-term results in obedience training, socialisation and behavioural problem solving that will benefit you and your dog for years to come. Animal Aid runs a group obedience class, these classes are designed to help you better understand your dog so your dog is willing and happy to work with you long into the future.

Your dog must be fully vaccinated (C5) to attend.

Basic Manners – 8 week course

Classes commence:

• • • Saturday April 20th at 9.30am
    • Thursday May 2nd at 7pm
    • Saturday May 11th at 10.30am

Puppy School – 5 week course

Classes commence:

• • • Thursday May 2nd at 6pm
    • Saturday May 18th at 10.30am

Masterclass – Trick Training

Classes commence:

• • • Dates TBC

Dog Behaviour Consulting: 

• • • • $230 for an initial session
      • $130 for a revisit
      • On-site or in-home options available
      • Includes written training notes and progress plan
      • Free 20 minute check in call 4-6 weeks post consultation
      • Includes travel, no hidden fees!

Cat Behaviour Consulting: 

• • • • $160 for an initial session
      • $130 for a revisit
      • In-home consultation delivery
      • Includes written training notes and progress plan
      • Free 20 minute check in call 4-6 weeks post consultation

      • Includes travel, no hidden fees! 

Shelby – Senior Behavourist

Industry professional Shelby Thorn has been working as an Animal Behaviourist since 2015, and brings a rich background to Animal Aid.

After years of devoted passion to study and practical experience, she has worked on the ground at multiple shelters Victoria wide remodeling behaviour departments. Her goal was to create procedures that offer stress minimising animal management strategies and modification training techniques using a science based approach. Shelby’s capabilities were often utilised with dogs who used aggression and she would favour working in seized departments engaging in successful training plans without actually entering enclosures! She’s also worked in private practice supporting clients and their animals with complex conditions such as anxiety in homes, working alongside Veterinary Behaviourists for behavioural recovery. Shelby provides seminars for other animal care professionals such as groomers, vet nurses, and attendant staff on how they can use a force free approach in their impactful roles, leaving a positive psychological print and teaching them how to assess and interpret behaviour.

Shelby also has qualifications in human health and has worked as a holistic Mental Health Practitioner. The support Shelby organically offers to the human end of the leash is what makes her service so unique! Shelby lives with her tribe of rescue animals and enjoys camping, books, professional development and all things ocean! Shelby also loves to travel which is great considering she will be spending half of 2023 working in animal shelters internationally to enhance behaviour programs overseas!

Elleke – Welfare Behaviourist & Post-Adoption Trainer

Elleke has been a dedicated dog trainer since February 2022 and now serves as Animal Aid’s Welfare Behaviourist & Post Adoption Trainer. She brings a wealth of expertise to the organisation with her innovative approach to animal care and welfare.

After obtaining a Certificate IV in Dog Training and Behaviour, Elleke founded her own business, focusing on promoting positive reinforcement training strategies. As a proactive member of the APDT, she advocates for non-aversive training methods. At Animal Aid, Elleke is instrumental in daily activities with dogs in care, assisting with behaviour modification and rehabilitation through ethical, science-based approaches. She instructs Basic Manners classes and provides tailored one-on-one dog training consultations. Her methods are designed to foster confident, happy dogs and strengthen the bonds between dogs and their owners, addressing a wide range of behavioural issues such as reactivity, anxiety, and poor recall. Elleke’s commitment is to empower dog owners with the skills needed to train their pets effectively while enjoying the process. She is making a significant impact in improving the lives of both dogs and their owners through her dedicated work.

In addition to her training credentials, Elleke has experience with a diverse array of dog breeds, from Bull Arabs to Chihuahuas. Her holistic approach not only enhances dog behaviour but also educates owners, ensuring a harmonious living environment for all. Elleke lives with her own beloved dogs and enjoys hiking, nature, and continuous professional development in the field of animal behaviour. She is passionate about expanding her impact through workshops that teach other animal care professionals how to adopt force-free methods in their practices, thereby improving the psychological well-being of animals in their care.

Julie – Dog Trainer

Julie Thompson has long held a deep passion for dogs, nurtured by a childhood spent on a dairy farm where she not only cared for her own pet dogs but also gained exposure to working canines. Julie is a qualified and experienced Equestrian Coach who has successfully competed in equestrian events, particularly in showjumping. She discovered early on that the principles of training horses and dogs are remarkably similar, with a focus on building a foundation of connection, clarity, and confidence—keys to successful training.

Julie has a particular interest in foundation training for agility and is a strong advocate for games-based training techniques. These methods not only build confidence but also foster mutual understanding and enhance the relationship between pet guardians and their dogs, all while adding an element of fun. Her journey into professional dog training began two years ago when she started working with a seven-month-old Standard Poodle displaying numerous undesirable behaviors. Determined to use force-free methods, Julie’s success with the poodle deepened her fascination with the science of behaviour modification, leading her to attain a Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Dog Training through Delta.

In addition to her training qualifications, Julie holds a Certificate IV in Disability Support and a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance. She is enthusiastic about promoting the benefits of pet ownership within the disability community, supporting individuals in both caring for and training their companion animals. Julie’s comprehensive approach not only addresses the behavioural needs of animals but also the unique needs of their human companions, making her an invaluable asset to Animal Aid’s mission.

Debby – Dog Trainer

Debbie’s journey into dog training began in the early 70s in the USA, when her mother took their Lhasa Apso, Lucy, for training. Debbie fondly recalls her mother teaching Lucy in the backyard and showing her the ropes of basic dog training. This early exposure sparked a lifelong passion for dog training that continued to grow over the years.

After acquiring her own dog from a caring breeder who emphasized the importance of positive training methods, Debbie discovered the joy of reward-based training. Inspired by the positive impact it had on her relationship with her dog, she was motivated to help others achieve the same. To this end, she completed a course with the Gentle Dog Trainers Association and continues to actively participate in courses and workshops to further her education in positive training techniques.

Debbie is deeply passionate about teaching pet guardians effective communication techniques for achieving a harmonious living environment with their animals. She has a particular affinity for working with puppies and young dogs, focusing on developing foundational skills that set them up for a lifetime of success. Currently, Debbie’s interests have led her to the world of ‘cooperative care’, where she enjoys partnering with dogs to work at their own pace, fostering a positive and understanding relationship between dogs and their owners.