Hi, I’m Lisa. Welcome to Starbarks Dog Training
When we bring a new dog into our home we are embarking on a journey of discovery.. for new puppy owners this can be understanding the challenges of managing a fury little pup who is delectable when asleep but a hooligan when awake, an adolescent pooch who is still having “toddler tanties” like any teenager or a rescue dog who has arrived with baggage and needs support and understanding to feel safe and trust in a new environment.
We are all always learning, and I’m so excited to be able to share with you what I’ve learned about how to better understand our dogs so we can communicate and connect with them more effectively at any stage of your journey together.
I’ve been lucky since starting starbarks dog training over 7 years ago to be able to help both owners and their dogs through ethical behavioural support, and training, it is a joy for me to see both owners and dogs understanding each other better and kicking training goals.
So here is a little bit about my journey…
Like many of us, my love affair with our furry companions began in shared childhood adventures with my family dog, a mischievous Norfolk terrier called Toffee.
Since those early days, I have been privileged to share many more adventures with the dogs in my life. I should have known looking into the cheeky face of my first puppy, a Labrador X, aptly named Sassy, that life was about to become interesting.
My first rescue dog, a hansom kelpie X, introduced me to the impact that our often misguided attempts at training and lack of understanding can have on our dogs.
My time spent working with Kobe sparked a need in me to understand more about the relationship between dogs and humans, so I spent nine months volunteering with the RSPCA while living in Queensland. It was an experience that only confirmed my need to learn more.
My most recent rescue dog, is a beautiful bloodhound X, called Bella. This special girl, nicknamed “Bellows” by the local dog walkers, is ruled by her nose and can sniff out anything at 100 paces... She is a challenging girl who has taught me the importance of thinking outside the box when training our dogs, as one size definitely does not fit all.
The dog training world can be a challenging place and DR Google, can mislead and misinform sometimes with disastrous consequences..
It is important to me that I experience a range of training and education styles to support and improve my understanding of training concepts and how to apply them, so I can share this with my clients.
Since completing a Certificate IV in Dog Behaviour and Training with AVT and becoming a qualified IMDT instructor, I have been very lucky to spend time with some amazing trainers.
• Ken Ramirez, world renowned animal trainer to further my understanding of the fundamental science of training and how this impacts our ability to train effectively to support our dogs.
• Craig Olgilvie an international trainer who uses interactive play to support and educate, working with police and military dogs as well as pet dogs
• Attended various workshops from Aggression to Obedience class activities with IMDT trainer and founder Steve Mann, both here and in the UK
However sometimes we get a bit stuck in a training loop, and need to be open and look beyond training to understand the “why” that sits behind the behaviours we are seeing in our dogs. Pure training is not always the solution but part of the puzzle that explains dog behaviour.
Working with my business partner Neri, and as part of the dog whispering family I met the amazing Shaun and Kim Ellis, wolf behaviourists in the UK. Time at the wolf and dog development centre has helped me learn about myself and given me a deeper understanding of our dogs, their communication and their struggles in our urban world.
Spending time understanding and learning the Hemene ( meaning we are one, we are the same) Approach which promotes understanding the unique characters that influence both us and our dogs and is rooted in relationships.
This approach sees beyond the symptoms and unwanted behaviour, to repair and understand the interruptions to your dogs development and how this can influence behaviour. Enabling us to communicate effectively, connect and build relationships beyond training cues, with our dogs that last a lifetime. What dog or dog owner doesn’t want that?
I look forward to sharing what I have learned on my journey both personally with my own dogs and professionally with you and your pooch sometime in the future…
SERVICES AND COSTS
Behavioural Solutions:
This program is for people that want to learn more about their dogs and who want to look beyond symptomatic management of behaviour problems. We focus on understanding why your dog is choosing their current behaviour and how you can support them to make better choices. This includes considering the development stage of your dog, and any trauma that may have contributed to the behaviour concern.
The “naughty” or “nuisance” behaviours that we see and find challenging are often just the symptom of the problem. Any dog can exhibit these behaviours and if you are struggling to support a dog with behavioural concerns, this can be distressing to you, your family/ friends and your dog.
I will help you to identify the root cause, the “how” and the “why” these behaviours have developed and how you can support your dogs and yourselves to build lasting, sustainable behaviours through connection, trust and effective communication.
Cost:
Initial Consultation (2 hours) $385 inc GST
Optional follow Up can be tailored to suit the support required by both owner and dog, dependant on outcomes from initial consultation and training progress, this can include options such as Walk and train, In home follow up, socialisation.
Follow up Consultation (1 hour) $88 inc GST
Click here for the comprehensive Behaviour Solutions program services and costs
Puppy Training
In house Puppy Consultation
In house puppy training includes providing both training and practical demonstrations to help you raise your puppy. Essential areas covered include Calming, trust training, emotional regulation, socialising, toilet training and helping your pup learn right from wrong, using a positive hands on approach. This includes puppy problems such as biting, mouthing, jumping and what to do when they have the zoomies just as you are getting the kids ready for school !!!
Cost: $255 inc GST for 1.5 hour consultation,
In addition an optional follow up is available which is reduced to $75 (inc GST) when booked at time of consultation
Standard follow up consultation fee $80 inc GST
Training fabulous pups for starring roles in Iona college presentation of legally blonde at his Majesty Theatre