Mark - RAAF Police Dog Demonstration

Canberra, Australia 1983

Overview of My Dog Training Services, Qualifications, and How I Can Help Dog Owners

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With over 43 years of professional dog training and behaviour experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with a variety of dogs and owners across Australia and internationally. My background includes 12 years in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as a specialist dog trainer, where I trained police dogs and drug detection dogs. I’ve won numerous awards, including Police Dog of the Year on multiple occasions. Additionally, I have experience assisti ng in the training of Australian Quarantine Detection Dogs.

Today, I offer a wide range of services that cater to all kinds of dogs—from puppies to those with specific behavioural needs. My approach is built on science-backed methods designed to promote emotional stability, obedience, and strong relationships between dogs and their owners.

Services I Offer

I provide a comprehensive suite of training options tailored to the specific needs of both the dog and the owner:

1. In-Home Behaviour Modification: For dogs struggling with behavioural issues such as anxiety, aggression, reactivity, or fear-based responses, I offer customized in-home behaviour modification sessions. These are designed to address the root causes of problem behaviours, ensuring that the solutions we put in place last in the long term.

2. Private Obedience Lessons: These one-on-one lessons cover the basics of obedience—recall, sit, stay, heel, and more—whether you're starting fresh with a young dog or refining the skills of an older dog. I focus on impulse control and reliable obedience, even in distracting environments.

3. Puppy Training: For puppies aged 8 to 16 weeks, my in-home puppy training package focuses on establishing critical early socialization, along with teaching rules, boundaries, and basic commands. The goal is to set a solid foundation that will prevent future behavioural issues and promote emotional stability as your puppy grows.

4. Group Classes: My group classes provide a structured environment where dogs can practice their obedience skills around other dogs, helping them learn to focus and behave in more distracting settings.

5. Specialized Training: I offer specialized training for common yet challenging issues, including (but not limited to) toilet training, lead pulling, on-lead reactivity towards other dogs, dog to human and dog to dog aggression, separation stress, hyper-arousal, obsessive compulsive behaviours, barking, etc. Many dog owners struggle with these behaviours, and my training focuses on helping dogs build better impulse control and self-discipline.

6. Poison Bait & Snake Avoidance Training: In an era where poison bait incidents are on the rise in Hanoi, I also provide training that teaches dogs to avoid harmful substances, and dangerous foods such as cooked chicken bones, poison baits, etc, and also snakes. This is a critical skill that can save your dog’s life.

7. Follow-Up Support: I offer ongoing follow-up support for all my clients through WhatsApp and Zalo, ensuring that dog owners receive continued guidance after the initial consultation or training sessions.

8. Board & Train: In August I will commence offering board and train services in Hanoi, at a brand new 5 star boarding and training establishment.

My Qualifications and Experience

In addition to my 43 years in dog training, my career highlights include 12 years of service in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as a specialist dog trainer. During this time, I trained police dogs and drug detection dogs, and my work was recognized through numerous awards. I’m proud to have won Police Dog of the Year on several occasions, a testament to my dedication to producing highly skilled and effective working dogs.

Furthermore, I’ve had the privilege of assisting in the training of Australian Quarantine Detection dogs, providing support to one of the most vital services in safeguarding Australia’s borders from biosecurity threats.

Beyond my military career, I have been accredited by the Australian government and am internationally respected by my peers in the field. My extensive experience covers not only working dogs but also family pets, and I take pride in tailoring my training to suit the individual dog, no matter the breed, age, or background.

How I Can Help Dog Owners

My mission is to help dog owners build strong, respectful relationships with their dogs based on clear communication, leadership, and mutual trust. I believe that every dog can be trained to become a loyal, well-behaved companion with the right guidance and structure.

I take a balanced approach to training, which includes the use of both positive reinforcement and appropriate consequences for undesirable behaviour. This balanced methodology helps dogs understand boundaries and expectations, fostering emotional stability and calmness. Unlike some popular emotive-based training ideologies, which can reinforce anxiety and hyper-arousal, my approach focuses on helping dogs achieve a peaceful, confident state of mind.

Whether you're dealing with a puppy that needs early guidance, a dog with behavioural challenges, or simply looking to improve your dog’s obedience, I can provide tailored, effective solutions. My extensive background working with police, detection, and family dogs ensures that I have the skills and experience to help you and your dog succeed.

Additionally, I offer consultations via Zalo or WhatsApp, allowing potential clients to discuss their dog’s specific issues and receive professional advice with no obligation.

 

Mark - Royal Australian Air Force -1986. Drug Detection Dogs Demonstration
RAAF Drug Detection Dog 1986