Our Story
My name is Lisa, and Gus my Staffy mix was the catalyst for me creating Don't Dread the Dog.
We started on our own training journey after Gus developed behavioural issues at around 9 months of age. Since then, we have worked with professional dog trainers, in person and virtually to develop a better understanding of what was going on for Gus and why he was acting the way he was. We went from dreading taking Gus out in public to virtually taking Gus everywhere relatively stress-free. Don't get me wrong, we are far from perfect, and we still have a lot of work to do, but we keep improving every day.
What services will we offer?
Obedience, loose leash walking lessons, 'living with your dog' in home manners, outside the home manners, reactivity and socialisation, play, Slat Mill and GRC.
Or, if you have something you'd like to work on specifically get in touch for a chat.
Based in the Blue Mountains in NSW, I service from Penrith through to Lithgow, (travel fee may apply).
If you're outside this area, get in touch.
Customized Training Programmes
We understand that every dog is unique, which is why we offer customized training programmes that are tailored to meet the specific needs of each dog, their owner and their lifestyle. We work closely with you to identify the areas that need improvement and develop a training plan centred around building a mutual communication pathway that is effective and enjoyable for both you and your dog.
GRC
GRC is a dog sport that seeks to celebrate and test not only the dog’s gameness (G), but the relationship (R) with the handler, and controlled obedience (C).
Members work towards passing a “Social Responsibility” test, aimed setting the dogs up to be a stand up member of the community.
To test the dogs Gameness, GRC uses drive sports: Spring Pole, Mill Race, Weight Pull and Wall Climb.
For more info check out www.grcdogsports.com/
or check out our Sydney GRC club at @grcsydney
My own dog Gus has his SR1 Title (Social Responsibility Level 1) and has points towards his Mill Race L1 Title.
My Credentials:
2022/23 - National Dog Trainers Federation (NDTF) Certificate 3 Dog Training and Behaviour
2022 - Pat Stuarts NePoPo deep dive Online Course
2022 - NePoPo seminar with Hans Verbruggen
2023 - GRC SR1 title holder
2023 - 'Play is the Way' workshop with Jay Jack, founder of GRC Dog Sports
2023 - Austins Dangerous Dog handling Course
2023 - Jas Whiting - GRC Dog sports Seminar
2023 - Michael Ellis Experience Sydney
2024 - Pat Stuart - Pros & Cons Seminar Melbourne
2024 - Pat Stuart - Wave tops online course.
Services and costs
Mill sessions
The slat mill, is a self propelling tread mill. The dog has full control of how fast or slow they go.
Intro the Mill session
20
A quick session working on introducing your dog to the mill. These sessions got for 20/30 minutes to see what your dog thinks. NOTE: each dog takes to the mill differently, some dogs are all over it first shot, some need more time. The trick is to be patient and allow the dog to have a good experience, whilst still challenging them.
Single Mill session
30
For those who have done an intro to mill, or has previous experience with a slat mill but don't want to commit to more than one session at a time.
Bulk Mill sessions x5
120
5x mill sessions to be booked at your leisure. The dog must have done an intro to mill session or have proof of previous experience on a slat mill.
Life Skills training sessions
Training sessions catered to your dog. Working on communication and life skills, either in the home or out and about.
2hr Life skills session
160
This is for clients who have had an initial consult and who are keen to continue on their journey.
We work on:
- Developing a mutual language that your dog understands and that you can use to communicate effectively with your dog.
- Motivation. We work on building the motivation of your dog to work with you through play via toys or food (yes, you can use food in play)
- Teaching your dog obedience skills. Such as sit, down, stand, loose leash walking, middle etc.
- Engagement. We help your dog f
1hr Life skills session
80
For existing clients who need a top up session, or who want to work through a specific scenario and skill.
GRC
An intro to GRC
Go through GRC dog sports, SR prep & Drive sports, including Mill Race, Spring Pole & Weight pull.
Got a question, or wish to make a booking?
To make a booking hit this link or scan the QR code
to get in touch hit the button below
