VDTA // In Home Training
In Home Dog Training Melbourne
Behavioural problems serious enough to warrant a trainer almost always originate at home, or at the very least have significant contributing factors playing out there on a daily basis.
Home is ground zero — it is where communication is established, where structure either exists or doesn't, and where the foundations of your relationship with your dog are either working for you or against you.
In my experience, lasting results are rarely achieved without addressing these fundamentals first, and you simply cannot identify what needs to change — or help a family implement it — without spending time in that environment more than once.
That is why I offer in-home dog training in Melbourne, and always will.
Once those foundations are solid, we take the work out into public spaces and real-world environments, because that is ultimately where you need your dog to perform — but you can't get there without getting the basics right at home first.
Every issue is different, and every program is built around your specific situation, your dog, and your goals.
Whether you are dealing with a serious behaviour problem or simply want your dog to be the envy of your friends and family, in-home dog training in Melbourne is the most effective way to get there.
There is no problem I haven't seen, and nothing gets put in the "too hard" basket.
Why Choose the Victorian Dog Training Academy?
Over the years, I have worked with many dogs that have come to me after seeing other trainers, or veterinary behaviourists, without the results they were hoping for.
In my experience, this rarely reflects on anyone's ability — more often it comes down to timing, the relationship not quite clicking, or simply that the follow-through at home wasn't there yet.
Sometimes people just need to hear things a different way, or life has to get bad enough that they are truly ready to commit.
Where veterinary behaviourists have been involved, not only is the assessment often inaccurate, but the training advice is frequently unfinished. The hands-on practical coaching and follow-up support simply isn't there, and that is where I tend to fill the gap.
What I can say is that in the vast majority of these cases, once that commitment is there, the results follow.
If you are ready now, that is all that matters.
Socialisation
One of the common drawbacks of in-home dog training is the lack of exposure to other dogs.
That isn't an issue here.
Where needed, I bring my own calm, well-trained dogs along to sessions so your dog can learn to socialise appropriately and work around distractions in a controlled and productive way.
What You Can Expect
- Personalised coaching using proven, modern methods
- Flexible lesson times to suit your lifestyle
- No contracts
- All breeds accepted
- Lessons tailored to your specific needs
- Specialised experience with rescued dogs
- Advanced obedience training — if you want a dog that genuinely impresses, I can make that happen too
I work with your dog's natural drives and instincts — it is the most effective and lasting way to get results, whether you are addressing problem behaviours or working toward a higher level of obedience.
If you are looking for in-home dog training in Melbourne, get in touch today.
Get in touch today.
We Make Bad Dogs Good & Good Dogs Great!
At the Victorian Dog Training Academy we use the most modern professional methods. Our methods replicate your dogs' natural drives and instincts, therefore extinguishing problem behaviours quickly and permanently.
VDTA // About
I'm extremely passionate about dog behaviour, since I was a young boy I have been obsessed with learning about how to get a dog to behave in different ways. I find it fascinating and my passion in this area is unparalleled.
This is what compelled me to complete Certificate III in Dog Psychology, Behaviour and Training with the National Dog Trainers federation. The course is Australasia's only nationally accredited, fully comprehensive dog trainer certification course, and has Government certification through the Victorian Qualifications Authority (VQA) and is now recognised throughout Australia by the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA).
The course is heavily involved and runs over a period of 8 months. Consisting of theory lectures from some of the most prominent industry professionals in the country. Also there are many specialised practical workshops and a requirement to complete 100 hours experience in your own time at dog training centres across Melbourne.
The first real "Dog Job" I had was being a dog walker in the Bayside suburbs of Melbourne, not walking two or three dogs on lead as you would imagine, but in fact picking up seven to nine dogs at a time and take them to an off lead park. Think about your own single dog and how hard it is to control at times, then think about having to control nine at once so they can be taken home again in one piece. I gained invaluable experience reading dog body language and understanding what a dog is about to do before it actually happens, this is an integral part of my skill set.
I trust I have given myself the best possible start to my career by doing the NDTF course and you will notice the passion, enthusiasm and knowledge ready to share during your private lessons.
Further to this is the invaluable practical experience and personal coaching I was lucky enough to receive from Glen Williams, previous owner/operator of the Victorian Dog Training Academy. Glen had been training dogs for over 25 years and the greatest thing I took away from him is that the results you achieve with a client and their dog are hinged on your personability as a trainer. The level of which you get to know the client determines whether you truly understand their needs and in turn gives them the confidence not only to tell you exactly what is going on with the problems they are facing but also to wholeheartedly implement the methods you prescribe to fix the issues.
I am proud to say that this is my greatest strength as a trainer, a personable, non judgmental, ethical, results driven attitude. I work tirelessly to fix issues as quickly as possible and I pride myself on giving honest realistic information regarding the results achievable and the time frame expected.
Another dog passion of mine besides addressing behavioural issues is Scent Detection Training, from 2012 to 2015 I was contracted to train and handle Detection Dogs for the Port of Melbourne during the Cruise Ship Seasons at Station Pier. If your dog is driven enough I can train it to use its nose to find any personal item of yours, it's an amazing party trick!
My journey to become a better dog trainer will never be over and this is precisely why I am so in love with the profession, I love the thought that I have dived into an endless rabbit hole in the pursuit of knowledge. I am constantly on the lookout for seminars, projects and other ways I can continue to up skill and learn from industry leaders and those who have been around longer than myself.
Ready to start in-home dog training in Melbourne?
Get in touch with your local Melbourne dog trainer today and let's make your good dog great.
Call 0409 931 678