My name is Lisa, and Gus my Staffy X Bull Arab mix was the catalyst for me creating Don't Dread the Dog.
We started on our training journey after Gus developed behavioural issues at around 9 months of age (all my fault)
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.
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 life is a hell of a lot better.
As a lot of reactive dog owners have done in the past, I developed a passion for dog training. Completing my cert III in Animal Behaviour and training through the NDTF in 2023, as well as attending muliple seminars featuring local and international dog trainers.
In 2022, we started competing in dog sports, GRC Dog Sports and Mondioring.
Gus has his received his SR 1 (social responsibility) title in 2023 and we completed the first leg of our SR 2 (gotta do it twice) in 2025.
In 2025, we are hoping to get our Mondioring Level 1 obedience title.

"I cannot speak highly enough of Lisa and the incredible impact she’s had on both me and both of
my dogs.
From our very first session with my reactive dog, it was clear that Lisa had a deep understanding of dog behaviour, along with a calm, confident approach that immediately put both of us at ease.
Lisa tailored the training to suit the challenges I faced with my dog, and she always explained the "why" behind each technique.
It was because of her knowledge and patience that I was able to utilise Lisa’s skills for my other dog and his sporting requirements. As a completely different dog with unique needs Lisa provided me with the framework for a new set of skills. Without her guidance I would not have been able to progress through the skills required to obtain our first level of GRC SR 1 and consider moving through to the next level.
In my opinion what really sets Lisa apart is her patience, professionalism, and genuine love for animals and her ability to read both the dog and the handler. Whether you are dealing with basic obedience, sporting dogs, specific behavioural challenges, or just want to build a better relationship with your dog, I highly recommend her. I am so grateful we found such a dedicated and knowledgeable trainer."
Sharon and Caspar (Rottweiler - 2025

- Life skills. AKA: Dog learns to live in your house without conflict.
- Obedience. Basic such loose leash walk, sit, down etc or Competition.
- Effective communication with your dog. Dogs speak dog, humans speak human. Let's bridge that gap. (No, you're not going to learn to bark)
- Relationship building games. Such as how to play with your dog to fulfil their instinctual needs.
-Adventure skills, such as off-leash skills, camping etiquette, hiking, breweries/wineries, farm and livestock habituation.
- Trial preparations. Got a trial coming up and you're freaking out... I got you.

Lisa has a remarkable gift for understanding dog behavior and training. Her experience and passion shine with our 3yo border collie, Marty, since a puppy. He is obsessed with her training and care!
Chloe and Marty (Border Coliie) -2025

If you find yourself constantly in conflict with your dog and their behaviour, whether it's lunging, barking, growling at other dogs, running a muck in the house at bedtime, you want to do more than just walk around the block once or twice a day.
Our programs are for you!!!
Depending on your dog and the goals you have, we have 3 - 5 session programs over 3 - 8 weeks, that focus on building you and your dogs relationship and skills.
In that program you will receive, PDF's with step by step How to's, videos with detailed instructions, weekly check ins to make sure you're staying on track and lifetime access to your trainer for ongoing questions or trouble shooting,

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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 SR 1 Title, the first leg of his SR 2 and has points towards his Mill Race L1 Title.

2022/23 - National Dog Trainers Federation (NDTF) Certificate 3 Dog Training and Behaviour
2022 - Pat Stuarts NePoPo deep dive Online Course
2022 - NePoPo seminar - Hans Verbruggen
2023 - GRC SR1 title holder
2023 - 'Play is the Way' workshop with Jay Jack, founder of GRC Dog Sports
2023 - 1:1 Play workshop with Jay Jack
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.
2025 - Refine Your Canine X The Barefoot Dog Trainer - Alex Edwards & Josh Moran - Handling Difficult dogs.
2025 - Jacob Morgan - The Business Blue print - Yorkshire Canine Academy
2024 - Current - Training Director @ GRC Sydney West Branch
2022 - Current - High level competitor GRC Dog sports - GRC Sydney
2025 - Current - Apprentice Judge GRC Dog sports
Today | By Appointment |
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