Pet Professional Guild Australia upcoming events

Understanding your Dog (Monday, August 29, 2022)

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 09:00:00 GMT

Understanding Your Dog

Presented by Kerryn Martin

There is so much to learn about our dogs. They are wonderful and intelligent animals that share a huge part of our lives, so understanding how they learn and how they communicate is such an important skill to have. Join us for this FREE webinar to learn more to help you and your dog.

Learning Objectives

How to read their body language - this is how they communicate

How dogs learn and how to train your dog and work on behaviours

How to change some of those behaviours you might like to work on

About The Presenter

Kerryn is a PPGA Professional Dog Trainer Member and is also an active Committee member at PPGA. She is a passionate, positive reinforcement dog behaviour trainer with many years of experience and skills working with both puppies (lots of classes) and one-on-one behaviour consults. She also works alongside several Behaviour Vets to help those dogs that need some extra support.

Kerryn runs k9 manners dog training in Melbourne and Positive Puppies FB Group (for trainers).

"I am a strong advocate of on-going professional development and as such actively continue to learn through very regular participation in a variety of training programs, conferences and webinars".

Low-Stress Dog Grooming in the Salon and Home (Thursday, May 30, 2024)

Thu, 30 May 2024 09:00:00 GMT

Low Stress Dog Grooming in the Salon and Home

Presented by Emma Cook

For all dogs, a level of regular grooming is a requirement for their health and well-being. For some, this may simply be bathing and nail trimming; for others, it may involve clipping, scissoring and extensive brushing. Unfortunately, many dogs find this process difficult to some degree and as a result, may experience high levels of stress or show undesirable behaviours which can be dangerous to both themselves and those who are grooming them.

In this webinar, Emma Cook will explore how we can utilise a low-stress handling approach and environment during grooming to increase the safety and welfare for all involved. She will discuss some common problems that may arise during the grooming session and how to address them, as well as how to get pet guardians on board with the low-stress grooming process. Understanding how to utilise low-stress grooming procedures will make sessions less of a chore and more of a bonding experience between caregiver and dog - something many groomers and guardians have only ever dreamed of.

Learning Objectives

- Creating a low-stress grooming environment

- Low-stress handling techniques for all dogs

- Increasing safety for both dogs and groomers in the salon

- Identifying and addressing grooming-related behavioural issues

About The Presenter

Emma Cook is a fear free certified dog groomer and qualified dog trainer with ten years experience in the grooming industry. Based in Adelaide, she operates The Funky Foxhound, a dog grooming business specialising in services for dogs who struggle with grooming-related behavioural issues. Her grooming and training techniques utilise a holistic approach including positive-reinforcement training, co-operative care, confidence building exercises and collaboration with other pet professionals to ensure the best outcome for each individual dog. Her emphasis is on the autonomy of her canine clients, encouraging them to make their own choices and to have control over their own grooming sessions, therefore building a relationship based on safety and trust between dog and groomer.

Emma is a Fear Free Certified Professional, a volunteer Aspiring Instructor at Canine Behavioural School, has her Certificate IV in Animal Training and Behaviour through Applied Vocational Training, has completed a Canine Enrichment Technician qualification through Dognostics, and is a professional member of Pet Professional Guild Australia.

Marketing your services and being a PPGA member (Thursday, July 04, 2024)

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 09:00:00 GMT

Guy Hedderwick

Shango Enterprises

Learning Objectives

Become a more effective Marketer
How to talk to your customers
How to get the most from your PPGA membership
How to get the best from your association

About The Presenter

Guy Hedderwick has had 25 years of experience in the Sport and Venue Management industry. Having worked in the industry in 4 countries, across 4 sporting codes and in many different venues, Guy understands the commonalities, differences, and challenges of business across multiple landscapes. Guy studied psychology at university and has a particular interest in workplace culture, human behaviour, marketing and leadership.

Guy was CEO of Arena Stadium Management (Venue Management Company), and Adelaide 36ers and Lightning Basketball.

He has delivered over 250 conference and business seminar talks worldwide.

Real-Life Dog Reactivity Transformation Strategies for Your Toolkit (From the Biggest Pet Behaviour Referral Clinic in the UK!) (Thursday, July 25, 2024)

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 09:00:00 GMT

Presented by Dr. Tom Mitchell

Behavet and Help! My Dog

Learning Objectives

In this webinar, I’ll talk through:

- My top 3 games-based and real-life

strategies I use in dog reactivity cases to

other dogs, humans or anything else

- I’ll also discuss what a transformation

actually looks like, how you know you are

on the right path and when to change

direction

- This will be a very practical session (as I

like it to be!) showing practical things to

do with these dogs.

About The Presenter

Dr. Tom Mitchell is a Veterinarian, Dog Trainer

and best-selling author, but he is first and

foremost, a Clinical Animal Behaviourist who is

passionate about equipping dog lovers around

the world with the skills they need to transform

their dog’s behaviour. Founder of ‘Behavet’ (the

world’s largest remote Behaviour practice) and

Help! My Dog, he can’t wait to share the science

behind dog behaviour, to help you to add more

behavioural skills to your toolbox.

Sleep, rest & recovery for anxious, reactive and stressed dogs (Wednesday, August 28, 2024)

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 09:30:00 GMT

Presented by Ian Shivers

For our anxious, reactive or stressed dogs training and behaviour work is essential. But it’s just one piece of the puzzle.

Trying to train dogs that are mentally and emotionally exhausted is often futile and it’s these foundations that need to be set before we start getting stuck into the nitty gritty of training and behaviour change.

Learning Objectives

How to know if your dog needs more sleep, rest and recovery in their life

What’s the problem with not getting enough?

How much is enough?

What you can do to ensure they’re getting enough

About The Presenter

Ian Shivers founded Bondi Behaviourist in April, 2015. Having worked within rescue organisations and doing one on one consultations since 2007 in England and Australia, Ian has a wealth of experience. His passion is to improve the quality of life for both dogs and dog guardians alike.

Ian's underlying principle and belief is that 'A healthy dog is a happy dog and that a happy dog is great to live with'. Underpinning this is the core belief that to make our dogs happy we have to understand and meet their underlying needs and nurture healthy relationships with them. To understand and meet our dogs' needs we need to know their L.E.G.S®.

Ian aims to bring a combination of training, enrichment, communication and setting the whole family up to succeed to everyone that he gets to work with.

Ian has studied Behaviour Analysis under Dr Susan Friedman, completed the L.E.G.S.® Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation® Professional Course with Kim Brophey and has a diploma in dog behaviour through the British College of Canine Studies. Ian believes that we are always learning through formal study, experience and from others and so is constantly expanding on his experience having developed strong working relationships with trainers, veterinary behaviourists and veterinary practices internationally.

Ian is passionate about the welfare of dogs in the urban environment, their physical and mental health, relationships between dogs and their caregivers and believes that educating people on the needs of their dogs is the future of dog training.

Using AI to Wrangle Your Content (Thursday, September 26, 2024)

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 09:30:00 GMT

Presented by Heather Engel

Is creating social media content bogging you down and preventing you from spending more time doing what you love?

AI might be your answer!

In this webinar, Heather Engel will demonstrate how she has embraced AI tools, such as ChatGPT, DALL-E and Canva, to efficiently create social media content. Join her to learn practical skills to wrangle your content and make the most of AI to streamline your workflow.

Learning Objectives

Understand how AI can help you create content and save you time

Learn how to write AI prompts

Gain practical skills in using AI to bulk produce social media content

About The Presenter

Heather Engel is the founder of Little Angels Dog Training, Little Angels Petpreneur Network, and a committee member of the Pet Professional Guild Australia. As a solo petpreneur herself, Heather understands the unique challenges faced by pet professionals in Australia .

While looking for ways to claw back time back from administrative tasks to do more of what she loves, training deaf dogs and their guardians, Heather embraced AI and learned how to write prompts that give sensible and accurate AI output.

In her life before dog training, Heather was a contract business manager who helped businesses scale and grow. She holds qualifications in business administration, psychology and dog training. Heather is also an early adopter of technology,

After receiving several requests from petpreneur colleagues to offer coaching and mentorship services to solo petpreneurs, Heather is launching Little Angels Petpreneur Network in January 2025.

Is My Dog Normal? Or Just Plain Weird? (Thursday, November 28, 2024)

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Is My Dog Normal? Or Just Plain Weird?

Presented by Sarah Rutten

(author of The Canine Perspective: Using Force Free Methods to Unleash Your Dog's Pawtential)

Have you ever wondered if your dog is….well…normal? They do the weirdest things after all. The fact is, dogs do dog things. They are dogs, after all. But sometimes I think we humans forget that the furry 4-legged family member we share our lives with is a completely different species with needs and wants that differ greatly to our own.

In this webinar, we’re going take a look at what behaviours are “normal” based on a dog’s breed and age (and just the mere fact that they’re dogs!), and what isn’t. Get an insight into what’s “normal” for your dog, and for dogs in general.

This webinar builds on the chapter by the same name in my book “The Canine Perspective: Using Force-Free Methods to Unleash Your Dog’s Pawtential”.

If you're a dog owner, you will not want to miss this one!

Learning Objectives

* For participants to identify what is “normal” behaviour for dogs in general?

* For participants to identify what is “normal” behaviour for dogs from different breeds and different age groups (ie puppies, adolescent dogs, adult dogs and geriatric dogs).

* For participants to identify what is “normal” for their own dog in the way of behaviour.

* For participants to identify what is NOT “normal” (i.e. signs of stress)

* For participants to identify what to do if their dog is not acting in a “normal” manner and where to seek help.

About The Presenter

Sarah Rutten Dip CBST KPA CTP CPDT-KA is a #1 Amazon Best Selling author, force free trainer and self-confessed dog behaviour nerd, who runs a highly successful canine behaviour and training business in Australia. Sarah’s passion for dogs and their welfare, combined with her thirst for knowledge has led her to obtaining numerous qualifications, both in Australia and Internationally. She adores helping humans and dogs improve their bond, and loves assisting them in learning how to communicate better “interspecies”.

As well as doing in-person and Zoom consultations, Sarah runs a comprehensive online Puppy Empowerment Program specifically for puppies between the ages of 8 weeks and 6 months. She also is a keynote speaker and educator.

Freedom on a leash: The benefits of long leads for friendly to fearful dogs (Monday, April 28, 2025)

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Presented by Dejana (De) Durdevic

In this webinar, we’ll explore the benefits of walking dogs on long leads, highlighting how this simple adjustment can lead to improved behaviour and stronger bonds between humans and their dogs.

By allowing dogs more space to explore, they have the freedom to make their own choices, which encourages better decision-making skills and enhances lead control. Over time, this helps dogs develop better focus and self-regulation.

Additionally, we’ll discuss how giving dogs more space can empower owners to build trust, as they learn to rely on their dogs to make appropriate choices in different environments. This shift in perspective fosters mutual respect, confidence, and a more enjoyable walking experience for both dogs and their humans.

Learning Objectives

* Ditch the standard lead and explore the benefits of walking dogs on long leads for improved behaviour and stronger bonds

* Allowing dogs more space to explore promotes better decision-making skills and self-regulation

*Beneficial for both fearful and friendly dogs

* Helps dogs develop better focus and stronger lead control over time

* Enables owners to build trust by allowing dogs to make appropriate choices in different environments

* Fosters mutual respect and confidence between dogs and their humans

* Creates a more enjoyable and relaxed walking experience for both dogs and their owners

About The Presenter

Dejana 'De' Durdevic is a seasoned dog trainer and behaviour specialist based in Brisbane, Australia, with over a decade of experience in the animal industry. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Science, complemented by graduate diplomas in Psychology and Animal Biosecurity. Dejana is the founder of Sit Stay Play QLD, a Brisbane-based company offering FUN, FUNCTIONAL AND FORCE FREE dog training, pet sitting, and walking services. She is also a registered assistance dog and cat trainer and assessor, recognised for her expertise in training assistance animals.

The New Continuing Education Policy Explained (Wednesday, May 28, 2025)

Wed, 28 May 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Presented by Louise Colombari and Louise Newman

In this webinar, our Education Subcommittee will explain the new Continuing Education Policy

Louise and Lou will explain what the new policy means for members, including how to apply for and record your continuing education points.

Learning Objectives

* Explain the updated Continuing Education Policy

* Understand your CEP requirements

*Encouraging providers to apply for Continuing Education Points

* Keeping your CEP log

About The Presenters

Louise and Lou make up our Education Subcommittee. Together they assist members with their CEP requirements, review content and help providers apply for points, and facilitate the PPGA annual CEP audit so that our membership remains at such a high calibre.

Building Safe and Loving Bonds Between Dogs and Children (Thursday, May 29, 2025)

Thu, 29 May 2025 09:30:00 GMT

Presented by Mel Ritterman

In this webinar, Mel will help parents learn some tools to help not only keep their dogs and kids safe but to help build and strengthen relationships.

Mel will run through some general tips to helping to keep kids and dogs safe - generally not a lack of love but a lack of understanding. Miscommunication often plays a part in why we have problems. So helping to understanding body language and the need for consent.

Mel will then give some ideas of fun games kids can play to help to strengthen bonds and relationships. using some video demos from her new online programs.

Learning Objectives

* Learn how to build strong relationships between kids and dogs

* Explain how miscommunication can lead to problems

*Understand why kids need knowledge of dog body language and why consent is important

* Discover some fun games that kids can play to strengthen their bond with their dog

About The Presenter

Mel's business, Cooper and Kids, specialises in creating safe, happy and positive relationships between babies, kids and dogs.

Mel is a Family Paws® Parent Educator, a Fear Free Certified Professional, an IAABC Accredited Dog Trainer and a Certified Family Dog Mediator. Plus she is a member of the PPGA.

She is also a busy mum of three gorgeous human babies; Harper, Paxton and Brooklyn plus her two beautiful golden retrievers, Cooper and Scout. Mel absolutely understands the chaos and the juggle that comes with running a busy house. She has a psychology background and has always had a serious love for dogs as well as a love for learning about the science of behaviour.

The aim of Cooper and Kids is to help educate families and dog guardians about the importance of using positive reinforcement training to help build better and safer relationships. Ultimately helping to make families and their dogs happier and safer.

Rescue Radar: How to Detect Red Flags and Green Lights in Shelters and Rescues (Monday, June 23, 2025)

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Presented by Alex Matsoukas and Jess Sandstrom

In this webinar, Alex and Jess aim to help potential adopters navigate the rescue process by identifying ethical practices and potential red flags when considering rescuing or fostering a dog

Alex and Jess entered force-free dog training via the rescue, foster, and sheltering routes. Passionate about rescue and adoption, while learning a lot on the job, this webinar will discuss green flags of responsible rescues, such as foster education programs and ongoing adopter support. They’ll also highlight warning signs, like rescues adopting out dogs without vet care or failing to disclose known behaviour issues. Attendees will gain practical insights to make informed adoption choices and advocate for better rescue standards. If you’re interested in fostering or adopting a dog but don’t know where to start, this webinar is for you!

Learning Objectives

Identify Red Flags:Participants will learn to recognise common warning signs that indicate potential issues within shelters and rescues, such as a lack of policies and contracts, poor animal welfare, or outdated training and behaviour recommendations.

Spot Green Signals:Attendees will understand the characteristics of reputable shelters and rescue organisations, including transparency, best practices regarding animal welfare, and further education for their volunteers and team.

Ask the Right Questions: Participants will be empowered to ask questions and know what to look for when fostering, volunteering or adopting an animal.

About The Presenters

Alex (she/they) is a force-free animal trainer with over a decade of experience in and around the animal industry, from foster care and daycare attendant to behaviour consultant. They entered professional animal training after working and volunteering with foster-based rescue groups. After struggling with their dog, Alex was empowered by her workplace to further educate on force-free training, leading to a career path change. With Dig Dog Training, Alex has an interest in rescue dogs, reactivity, and helping dogs and their humans live their best lives.

Jess (She/Her) - After leaving a job in Security Services, Jess began her career with animals in 2012 when she took up a role as a Kennel Hand at Monika’s Doggie Rescue. She attained her first formal qualification in dog training in 2014 and, being taken under the wing of another Professional Trainer, Bobby McLachlan, hasn’t looked back. Jess specialises in dog–dog reactivity and is extremely passionate about helping clients understand their anxious or fearful dogs.

The Anxious, Distracted or Reactive Dog: Teaching Self-Management! (Thursday, July 24, 2025)

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Presented by Dr Tom Mitchell

In this webinar, Tom will dive into how to teach worried, reactive or overstimulated dogs to navigate the world effectively of their own accord, transforming behaviour struggles without constant management or input from the owner/trainer!

Learning Objectives

* Understand The Three Brain Systems that Make Dogs Feel Better and How to Use Them!

* Be Able to Teach a Dog to Access These of Their Own Accord.

* Utilise The Adventure Framework when Growing a Dog’s World.

About The Presenter

Dr Tom Mitchell is a world-renowned veterinarian and dog behaviourist with over a decade’s worth of experience transforming canine behaviour struggles to help people (and their pets!) achieve their dog-owning dreams.

As part of his mission to “help as many dogs and owners as possible”, Tom revolutionised the practice of veterinary behaviour by establishing the trailblazing online canine behaviour clinic, Behavet, making consultations with certified veterinary behaviour professionals accessible to pet parents worldwide over Zoom.

As the largest online pet behaviour clinic in the world, Tom and his team of 20+ veterinarian behaviourists help over 600 owners monthly to combat even the most challenging, “no hope” cases, achieving unbelievable results where others have failed, using reward-based methods grounded in science.

Dr Tom has recently founded Help! My Dog, an online community for dog owners and professionals alongside its #1 dog podcast, empowering dog parents with the knowledge they need to get to the root of their dogs’ behaviour struggles.

Mantrailing - Get Involved! (Wednesday, February 25, 2026)

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Presented by Ingrid Groeger-Stone

Mantrailing is a fun, dog-led activity where dogs learn to follow the unique scent of a specific person to find them. It’s fantastic for building confidence in new environments and around new people, suitable for dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes—including deaf dogs—while strengthening the bond between dog and handler through choice and teamwork. It is a non competitive sport.

Learning Objectives

* What is Mantrailing?
* Benefits of Mantrailing for dogs and handler teams
* Identify what dogs are suitable for Mantrailing
* The role of the handler and trail layer in Mantrailing
* How to start your Mantrailing journey and opportunities for progression
* Learn how Mantrailing supports choice, wellbeing, and the dog–handler bond

About The Presenter

Dr Ingrid Groeger-Stone (Creature Connections) is a Behaviour Veterinarian and Dog trainer, with a focus on practical, welfare-first support that helps dogs and their people build real-world skills and confidence. She brings a strong mix of clinical behaviour knowledge and hands-on training experience across search & rescue dog training, pet dog training and scent sports.

Her qualifications and accreditations include:

Postgraduate qualifications in Veterinary Behaviour (MANZCVS)
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Professional Dog Trainer (KPA-CTP)
Accredited Mantrailing Global Instructor (Mantrailing Global Head Instructor for Australia)
Certified K9 Nose Work Instructor (CNWI)
Fear Free Certified Veterinarian
Interactive Play Skills Instructor

Ingrid works with clients across South Brisbane, Logan, and the northern Gold Coast, with virtual consults available. Through Creature Connections she offers veterinary behaviour consultations, behaviour modification programs, and training services including mantrailing and nose work instruction, workshops, and one-on-one coaching. Outside of work, Ingrid trains and assesses operational urban search & rescue dogs, and enjoys mantrailing & nosework with her own dogs.

New Year, New Pet - Things to Consider (Thursday, February 26, 2026)

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT

New Year, New Pet - Things to Consider

This panel presentation, with a range of species experts, will present and chat about preparing and getting a new pet. Learning and understanding about the things you can look for and then put into place with a new pet can make all the difference in the world - for both you and your pet.

Learning Objectives

* What does a really 'good life' look like for our pets

* What do our pets need to thrive - different pets, they are all individuals

* What should you know and look for before getting a pet

* What do you need to get to set up for the arrival of your new pet

* What is really responsible pet guardianship

About The Presenters

Andrea Carne is a Feline Professional Member of PPGA and a Certified Cat Behaviour Consultant through IAABC. Based in Tasmania, she helps cat guardians solve feline behavioural issues of all shapes and sizes through her business "Cattitude". Offering in-home and virtual consultations, Andrea works on everything from aggression and house-soiling to cats fearful of human touch .... and even shoe thieves! But, most of all, she loves helping humans ensure their cats are living their best lives.

Margaret A Gray - Diploma Canine Behaviour Science & Technology (CASI); Living & Learning with Animals (Prof S Friedman).

I came from a family of cat lovers but wore them down for a dog when I was 13. Dad’s criteria was that I always attended to her needs first – because she couldn’t open the fridge. 60 years later my dogs still get fed before me. I wanted to learn about dogs so joined Brush Farm Obedience Club (1966) and read the ground breaking behaviour author Konrad Lorenz, amongst others. At Uni we were taught the value of critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making which has formed my approach to all things dog - and parenting. Fast forward a few decades, along the way my husband and I worked in the pet and stock feed industry, giving us big insights into quality nutrition, a passion still. We now breed dogs for a hobby; Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.

My aim is to offer everyone an opportunity for a great (canine) relationship and so I use skills developed in counselling to explore what might be best for each individual situation. We love rearing puppies and having also studied behavioural science, I have been interested to see breeders generally learn more about developing great pups. Most importantly we enjoy supporting owners transition pups to their homes and the advent of online classes has made that even more effective in recent years.

Kate Shaw has over 20 years’ experience using positive reinforcement with horses. She is passionate about fear, aggression, and helping people get started using food safely and effectively in training. She also works with dogs, cats, rats and other species. Kate has several rescue horses with traumatic histories, giving her both personal and professional experience of how effective force-free training, combined with species-appropriate care and management is, for even the most severe behaviour challenges. She holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science, is enrolled in a Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis (alongside a law degree), and serves on the PPGA Committee.

Kerryn Martin is a PPGA Professional Dog Trainer Member and is also an active Committee member at PPGA. She is a passionate, positive reinforcement dog behaviour trainer with many years of experience and skills working with both puppies (lots of classes) and one-on-one behaviour consults. "Working with puppies is my passion and is so important as we can truly help shape their start in life to ensure wonderful pets for life". She also works alongside several Behaviour Vets to help those dogs that need some extra support with more complicated behaviour cases. Kerryn runs k9 manners dog training in Melbourne and Positive Puppies FB Group (for trainers).

Assistance Dog Training - Increase Your Client Base (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Presented by Hilary Paull

Assistance dog training is really just the basics done well. It’s not this mysterious area that turns some trainers off doing it. You are taking on a client as a team, building your relationship with both the human and the dog; in part, you are the client’s support worker as well. As trainers, we need to meet the clients where they are at, so we need a good deal of human skills and patience. It helps to have or gain a good understanding of mental health and physical health. Being non-judgmental is essential, and honing your skills to read nonverbal human body language as well. From a business perspective its good to have a balance of clients including assistance dog teams. This is why I also specialise in therapy dog training as well.

Learning Objectives

* De mystify Assistance dog training

* Preparing a team for public access

* Yes, you can train without a vest

* Motivate trainers to take on assistance dog teams

* Dog factors

* Human factors

About The Presenter

Like many dog trainers, I had a previous career. For me, this was as a nurse, starting in the UK and then continuing here in Australia until I had a family. Unknown to me then, this was to aid my transition from a pet dog trainer to specialising in assistance and therapy dog training. My business is K9 Potential, which commenced in 2009, and I’m situated on the North side of Brisbane, Queensland. Hilary is one of 25 approved non-organisational trainers, able to conduct a PAT under the ACT Government. I have had a variety of dogs, and living on a large property, most of my dogs have been working dog breeds. Currently, due to age, I am downsizing, property and dogs, so I only have one small to medium-sized, old girl called Keira, a kelpie X Terrier. I have a passion to teach both pet owners and fellow trainers.

Pet Enrichment - join our expert Panel to learn more (Thursday, March 26, 2026)

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Presented by Fiona Cowie, Andrea Carne & Donna Marchiori

Pet enrichment is so important and it means giving animals activities, environments, and challenges that stimulate their mind and body. Enrichment improves their overall health, behaviour, and happiness and can include such a wide range of activities - get as creative as you can! It prevents boredom; reduces behavioural problems; supports their mental and emotional health; encourages natural behaviours; improves physical health and strengthens the bond you have with your pet.

Learning Objectives

* What is enrichment

* Enrichment as a daily occurrence

* How to ensure you are meeting your pets daily needs

*How to choose the right enrichment activities

About The Presenters

Fiona Cowie brings extensive experience in animal training behaviour, but her special interest is in helping humans untap their animal's superpower - their incredible noses!

Along with over 14 years’ experience as a detector dog handler and supervisor, she has run her own successful business, The Doggy Lady, for over 10 years. While The Doggy Lady team supports dogs and their humans through a wide range of behaviour and training services, they’re best known for their popular scent detection program—affectionately called “Sniffer Dog School.” She has trained 100's of dogs in scent detection, along with some talented cats, birds and horses!

Fiona also contributes to the future of the industry as part of the IMDT Australia Education Team, and serves as a Trainer and Assessor for Applied Vocational Training, shaping the next generation of dog training professionals.

Donna Marchiori BVetTech, BSci(Hons1), AFHEA, Elite Fear Free Certified Professional, Cert IV Dog Behavioural Training, Cert IV TAE.

That’s me with the alphabet, working on adding some more letters – I am a lifelong learner and a crossover trainer – I’ve done all the dumb things. I’ve trained service dogs and puppy pre-schools, I write the vet tech column for the AVSAB newsletter, and I’ve done time as a moderator/admin on the mega facebook group Canine Enrichment. My real job for the past twelve years has been working as a behaviour tech in the Vet School at the University of Qld with the teaching colony animals, which I also adopt out. I’ve taught foundation companion animal behaviour to vet and vet tech students for at least half that time. I am officially onto my eleventh keeper dog having succumbed to foster failure just this week and she’s yet another project, because I have a problem. Wait. I am the problem? Lots of those dogs were Maremmas but our lives have been either graced or disgraced, depending who you’re talking to in the family, by Border Collies, Greyhound and Lab. Feel free to pick my brain, I need to make some space.