The Dogfather Dog Training | Dog trainer

The Dogfather Dog Training

Phone: +61 413 521 523

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24.01.2022 Happy 1 year Anniversary! Louise, Dr Michael, Louie and Harley recently celebrated 1 year since they first commenced training with Mike, and what a journey... boy, has it been an amazing one. If we rewind the clock back to their initial enquiry there was a lot going on. Here's an idea of the where we started on day #1:... Harley and Louie had been involved in a number of serious dog fights causing injuries that required significant veterinary treatment. Food was the primary trigger (but not the only one) that was causing the dogs to fight. Harley had been suspended from Doggy Daycare for displaying aggression; additionally, her behaviour upon arrival and departure was a concern in the waiting room. Harley was leash reactive towards dogs, kids and fast moving objects (skateboards, scooters, bikes etc). Both dogs lacked the ability to heel on a loose leash, both lacked basic obedience and lifeskills, and the home environment was lacking the daily routines, management and leadership required for 2 high energy and high drive working dogs. And now here we are. To those who train alongside the happiest dogs in class, and the most genuine and supportive people, you would never know what their journey has been like. To say Mike is extremely proud of these guys is an understatement, especially given that at one point in time he bluntly said "if they fight again and continue to cause that level of injury... one of them has to go. It's dangerous and it has stop!" I have a feeling those words ignited a that night, and the determination shown ever since has been second to none. To many people a year of training may seem like a long time, but considering the average client continues training at weekly classes and attending workshops for 3 to 4 years on average, these guys have many more wonderful years ahead to look forward to. Thankyou so much for your grit, and your loyalty to achieving something very special. Keep being awesome team! @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining #dogtrainer #dogtraining #behaviourmodification #reactivedog #dogaggression #resultsbasedtraining

24.01.2022 Here's a very special shout-out to one of our awesome TDF team members... Loki the GSD was desperately brought to Mike 4 months ago by Junko and her family. They welcomed this dog into their life and home not quite knowing what they'd signed up for. Loki, in his first home, wasn't provided appropriate social exposure, basic training or any guidance. The result of this neglect meant this family's new addition was a total train wreck! ..... During the initial consultat...ion/assessment Loki displayed extremely high levels of anxiety, dog reactivity, zero foundations in obedience and it's no lie when Mike now says on day 1. "that dog was completely bats#!t cRaZy". At the other end of the leash stood Junko, who initially took on the role as primary trainer for Loki. When dogs like Loki come to Mike, many people, from the outside looking in, focus all their attention on the dog. Well imagine this: Junkohad never trained a dog before, let alone a dog with serious behaviour issues. Physically, Loki is much stronger than Junko; he knew this by constantly using his strength and power to control various situations. Our proudest moments are the ones that see us grind through, face the battle and keep on keeping on. And these guys sure did that! In the early days of working with Loki there were moments where Mike would come home thinking this might not work out. But slowly, with all the effort Junko and her family invested, Loki started to improve. Nowadays they stand out for all the right reasons; their fellow team members who train with them would never know what it looked like on day 1. These guys are so good now. Junko has become a brilliant trainer and dog handler. And Loki, well these pictures say it all... he is a new dog! Awesome work team Loki! We are super proud of our quiet achievers!!! @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining

24.01.2022 Check out Ru the Cocker Spaniel's super dooper "Fus" , aka Return to Heel! Teaching your dog to LOVE learning is the greatest gift you can give them. A dog who is highly motivated to learn always looks flashy, fast and makes the basics look FUN. If your dog isn't loving learning new things then start looking at your teaching, because 100% dogs are a reflection of how it's being trained. Dogs that are walking around with their heads down, 2 steps behind their handle...r, basically looking like a potato sack aren't what we strive to achieve... that's NOT good dog training! We want THIS, rep after rep banging out behaviours in training with their heart and soul invested in what they are learning. Go team Ru - Awesome work! @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining

23.01.2022 We can't think of a better way to start the week than by saying a very BIG congratulations to Lynda and her awesome little boy BUDDY!!! After 13 months (plus a few days! ) of training, this team have finally achieved their goal and graduated to our Lifestyle Obedience Classes. Click on the link below to see how bad Buddy's behaviour was when they first started training with Mike. This little guy was extremely dog reactive, very difficult to walk, and he lacked many ot...her valuable lifeskills. Lynda's determination was evident from day one; despite seeking professional help prior to working with Mike, Buddy was no better, in fact he was getting worse but she didn't give up on trying to help her best mate. Video Link https://www.facebook.com/DogTrainerTownsville/videos/2094144420687281/ We often get asked if we train little dogs, and the answer is YES. However, they must have humans who are prepared to treat them, and train them like a dog, and not some "Fur-Baby" nonsense that is often why so many little dogs behave poorly. Look at this awesome team at their very first Lifestyle class... such an amazing journey to be a part of. Brilliant work Lynda and Buddy! @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining #dogtrainer #dogtraining #graduationday #lifeskills4lifestyle #hardworkpays #littledoglife #reactivedog

23.01.2022 What should an Assistance Dog do when faced with a potential hazard or major distraction? LK at Colton doing exactly what a trained Assistance Dog should do: STOP ... Remain Calm and Composed Check in with the handler Wait for the moment to safely move on Was this behaviour during a chance encounter with a monitor (that was feeding on carrion) a fluke? NOPE... Colton and Harry have been in training with Mike for over 12 months now, and these are the type of things we have been preparing for. Colton was recently passed to attend school with Harry and it is this type of response that is allowing Harry to have much more freedom and quality of life! #proudtrainermoment 100%!!! When Harry's mum sent this picture to us Mike was over the moon. Way to go team Colton @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining #dogtrainer #dogtraining #assistancedog #labrador #perfection #resultsbasedtraining

21.01.2022 #PuppySpam Tonight is the final group class for our Superpups Puppy Development Program puppies. These little pups have been learning so many valuable lifeskills, of which their social development has been a BIG part. If you believe that letting puppies "rumble" and play rough is socialisation then, sadly, we might see your dog later in life once the damage is done, and help is needed. THIS is what we believe it should look like, and our team of dogs are a valuabl...e asset to our puppy program. We want to build confident, calm and polite puppies and here's a little look at what we do to develop these desirable qualities in a young dog... Awesome work team! @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining #dogtrainer #dogtraining #Superpups #puppydevelopment #socialisation

21.01.2022 LK at Daisy the German Shepherd rocking her "Place" training down by the river... We are really looking forward to sharing a "Before and After" video of this team, they have come a very long way. Our systematic approach to training reactive and aggressive dogs is one Mike feels best prepares them, and owners, to confidently step back out in public with a dog that is reliably trained. We prepare these behaviours in a controlled environment at our indoor training centre, ...around our stable team of dogs, and we don't step out into the real world until we know that these teams are ready. There are no flukes in dog training and behaviour modification. Whilst it doesn't always go to plan, and there are always going to be variables (to say any dog can be "fixed" would be a lie!). We do know that a very high percentage of success comes down to having a system in place. What's your system, and how good are you at following it? @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining #dogtrainer #dogtraining #reactivedogs #dogaggressionrehab #followthesystem #resultsbasedtraining

20.01.2022 I am going to drop this little #truthbomb In the past 2 weeks we have received a significant increase of enquiries that are for young dogs who were purchased during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. "We couldn't start training because there were no puppy preschools running"... "We missed out on socialising our puppy because we had to stay at home" Firstly, I tell all our Superpups puppy clients this: no puppy will leave this program "trained". Training a puppy takes time... And another thing, having a trained dog is a lifestyle not a 4, 5 or 6 week course. If you got a puppy at the start of the Covid-19 period and it's not trained... it's not because you missed puppy preschool... Secondly, socialisation is not a group of puppies jumping all over each other in the waiting area of a Vet clinic or at the puppy preschool run in a local pet shop. Socialising your puppy is giving them exposure to new environments and situations. Even if you were placed in lock-down, there have been opportunities and small windows for you to do something as opposed to doing nothing. In my current team of 4 dogs NONE of them went to puppy preschool. Are they untrained, or do they display antisocial behaviour? NOPE! I don't believe the current wave of young dogs that are now proving to be problematic are the result of Covid-19. Get to work, and get training... @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining

16.01.2022 Hey everyone... Just a quick heads up that Mike will be away riding and chasing KOMs on Strava for the next week. NOTE: Due to poor phone reception he's likely to be unable to reply to messages, voicemail and emails until he returns on Tuesday the 6th of October. If you require urgent correspondence please email Kath. ... Let's hope Mike doesn't repeat his Easter weekend efforts of broken bones and a bruised ego! @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining #yeticycles #crankdcycles #mtblife

16.01.2022 Loving vs Spoiling... there's a difference! Check out the amazing progress Noah (aka Mr Potato ) is making, thanks to the dedication Tamara is investing in his training. In just week 4 of their training program Mike sprung a surprise on them, and off to the Strand they went, for the very first time. Previously, as seen in the images, Noah was the "reactive dog"; his behaviour had spiraled out of control to a point where he wasn't taken on social outings. Well, lo...ok at him now, he's not that dog anymore. In fact, he walked politely at heel past other dogs, which were displaying the exact behaviour he used to, without a care in the world. Yep as cool as a cucumber The old team weren't able to do this because too much of their time was spent investing in excessive amounts freedom, affection and a lack of rules and boundaries. Sure "cuddles on the couch" are nice, but it can't be all you do with your dog. The new "Team Noah 2.0" are now reaping the rewards of implementing a more balanced lifestyle, and as a result they can truly enjoy the time they spend together, any where any time! @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining #dogtrainer #dogtraining #reactivedog #resultsbasedtraining #lifeskills4lifestyle

15.01.2022 BIG Dog in the house! Duke the Great Dane and his new owner have been working with Mike over the past 3 weeks. If a picture can say a thousand words then scroll through these... WOW, what a difference! Unfortunately, Duke is the product of his first home failing to appropriately train and socialise him during his critical phase of development. As a young dog he didn't receive exposure to new environments, situations and social exposure to other dogs. He grew so fast that... things just spiralled out of control. In an attempt to place Duke around other dogs, he attended Doggie Daycare but was kicked out - not for aggression, but for simply having no impulse-control. An untrained dog this BIG is dangerous! Fortunately for Duke he has found himself in a home that is dedicated to providing him with the lifeskills required to enjoy a great quality of life. We've been teaching Duke to regulate his emotions, and display neutral behaviour around other dogs. Duke has also achieved lovely leash walking at heel, foundation obedience and good manners. Mike has affectionately named him "Gumby", but make no mistake, the results this team are achieving are anything but a laugh. Nadine has been smashing their weekly training homework; he's come so far since the initial assessment. Awesome work BIG boy, we luv ya! @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining #dogtrainer #dogtraining #greatdane #bigdog #gumby #lifeskills4lifestyle #resultsbasedtraining

15.01.2022 If nobody tells you the truth how can you possibly do anything differently? "To be better, we must know better" Probably the hardest thing to in my line of work is being honest - really honest. I get it; people sometimes don't know what they are doing is wrong, but in hearing the truth sometimes people get upset, angry and quit.... Tamara's relationship with her boy Noah, without sharing all the details, had literally hit #rockbottom Just a couple of weeks ago Noah was completely disengaged, lunging at my dogs and not able to follow basic obedience commands. During my initial correspondence and consultation with Tamara I was brutally honest. If this dog, and you, don't change... he'll end up being euthanised. I'm not kidding; Noah's aggression towards a family member was the fork in the road: it was a catalyst for serious behaviour changes - both human and dog. Well here we are just 1 serious conversation later, and after just 2 weeks of effective leadership and training... WHAT A DIFFERENCE, what a team!!! Thankyou Tamara, thankyou Noah! This is beyond my expectations. Proud trainer moments like this are what we hope and live for. @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining

15.01.2022 There's no secret that Mike is extremely passionate about the preservation of our pedigree dog breeds, ethical breeding practices and German working dogs. Look at Mia, a stunning example of the German Shorthaired Pointer... WOW! At 7 months of age she is working with Mike to consolidate her foundation obedience and lifeskills. Moving forward, the potential of this dog means we have so many options to maximise Mia's incredible genetics. ... - Whistle Recall - Scent Detection (for Truffles!) - Rally-O - Hunting and Field Work Owning a dog like this should become your hobby, an investment in learning how to fulfil the breed, and having lots and lots of fun whilst doing it. It's fair to say Mike's love of GSPs just got a little stronger following today's training session! @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining #dogtrainer #dogtraining #GSP #germanworkingdogs #gundogs #lifeskills4lifestyle

14.01.2022 "PRESSURE" in Training... Ever wondered why we are seeing sooo many reactive dogs nowadays, EVEN after attending puppy school, or general Pet Dog Training? Do you think it might have something to do with an abundance of training styles, methods and ideologies that are void of any use of pressure?... If you NEVER learn to deal or cope with something even mildly unpleasant or stressful, how does that set you up for success in life? IT DOESN'T "Pressure in life is a constant, it's inevitable!" AND at some point in time you and your dog will be placed under pressure, your resilience questioned and your training tested... What's the best way to cope with these moments? Proper PREPARATION!!! @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining #dogtrainer #dogtraining #reactivedogs #dogaggressionrehab #learntocope #buildresilience #resultsbasedtraining

13.01.2022 There's nothing like having a bit fun, a laugh, and at the same time smashing out some really nice heeling... Oh yeah, whilst holding a spoon, with a huge chunk of dog roll on it, and the leash in same hand whilst heeling in and out of witches hats, plus it's a time trial! "READY...... GO!!!" ... The primary goal of our Lifestyle Obedience Program is to educate pet owners that dog training as exactly that: a "Lifestyle" . The regular clients who drop in every week or two get the opportunity to challenge themselves and their dogs, and it gives each week a sense of purpose in maintaining their dog's skills. Most of these guys spent 12 months moving through the 1-on-1 program, then into Group Therapy Classes before graduating to the next level - LS classes. We love the atmosphere and energy these guys and their dogs bring to the centre. Keep being awesome team! @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining

12.01.2022 HELP.... My dog needs training! This is a very common introduction to a large percentage of enquiries we receive from people seeking help to stop their dog's problematic behaviour.... "Training" is just 1 tiny piece of the puzzle, folks. What these dogs require are other pieces of the puzzle: - Leadership - Rules and Boundaries - Management (especially when the owners aren't home) - Control and confinement - Routine and regular structured activities - Exercise on a daily basis - Consistency for more than 1 or 2 weeks, try every day for ever... - Some basic obedience and lifeskills There are no "commands" for the majority of things in the above mentioned list (excluding the obedience). It's a lifestyle thing that you share with your dog; for those who understand this principle the bad behaviours will simply go away. Knowledge is power... @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining

12.01.2022 A message from your dog trainer @ #Memoirsofadogtrainer In my professional experience as a dog trainer I have been exposed to the highs and lows, good days and bad days, hard working clients and some lazy ones too. I am hired to help people and their dogs achieve goals; goals that together we agree are achievable.... But what does that require at our end of the deal? It requires HONESTY. I often have to tell people what they don't want to hear, and ever harder... to change what they don't want to change. Here's some of what I'm talking about: Your dog can no longer sleep in the bed... why? Because the dog has developed anxiety when you are separated; sleeping together is attaching so many hours in a day and it is feeding your dog's attachment issues. You need to implement crate training... why? Your child is causing your dog stress during their toddler meltdowns. Providing your dog with a safe zone will help reduce your dog's stress and prevent a potential dog bite. Don't let that dog off the leash... why? Now that I have assessed your dog on Day 1, it is evident that you have no recall. In fact, your dog's ability to behave and self-regulate it's emotions on leash are poor, so this is what we need to work on first. I will tell you when I feel you are ready to work off-leash. No more dog parks!... why? Because 8 out of 10 dogs I train for reactivity and aggression were attacked at the dog park. These environments are game of "Russian Roulette"; eventually, it will happen, based upon my knowledge and experience. Plus dog parks are the primary way to kill your dog's engagement and focus on you. Your dog will learn to love other dogs more than you - these dogs are impossible to train and motivate. So there's a few examples of how I show you I care, but first you as client must care about your goals. Sadly, some people aren't prepared to change, and that's when it doesn't work. @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining #becausewecare

11.01.2022 Just a little #girlpower A super BIG shout-out to these chickies and their awesomeness! Both Lizzy and Ellie (left), and Mathilda and Sadie (right) have graduated up to our Lifestyle Obedience Classes...... + = Not only do they have this in common but they have also worked their dogs through very similar training journeys in dealing with reactivity, leash pulling, a lack of impulse-control and foundation obedience. What's really cool is that outside of classes they are also training partners who practice and help each other and their dogs. We love seeing a culture develop where training is embraced, where it becomes what you do because you love seeing your dog shine. Thankyou so much girls for all your hard work and team work. Having a trained dog isn't a 6 week course, it's not just going to puppy preschool... IT'S A LIFESTYLE! @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining #dogtrainer #dogtraining #graduationday #lifeskills4lifestyle #teamwork

10.01.2022 Hey Tahi, bro you look like Mike's favourite mug... This little Frenchie is such a character, and typical of his breed has a very BIG personality. Tahi has been learning lots of new lifeskills, he's smashing his training after just 1 week of learning. Way to go little man! ... @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining

10.01.2022 What's the greatest gift you can give to your puppy? CONFIDENCE!!! Training puppies is something Mike takes very seriously; it's the highest level of responsibility in all of pet dog training. Your puppy comes to us as a blank canvas, a precious soul who is ready to be moulded, guided and start the journey of becoming the dog you desire.... In Week 1 our little Superpups were naturally a little bit shy and a little bit unsure. Well look at them now! THIS is what we want to see: confidence and trust are some very important attributes for a young dog. Way to go team! You guys have done a brilliant job. @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining #dogtrainer #dogtraining #Superpups #giftofconfidence #puppydevelopment

07.01.2022 "Mirror mirror on the wall who's the prettiest dog of them all?" 100% Zee the white Husky is, AND she's also an absolute pleasure to train and hang out with. Zee popped in this morning for her very first training session and she blitzed it. She's probably the politest dog Mike's worked with in years. Not just good looks, Zee has a beautiful temperament to match her appearance.... We look forward to seeing more of your pretty face around here sweetheart xx @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining #articfox #whitehusky #sopretty #politeness #dogtraining #dogtrainer

07.01.2022 Want to a see a little dog rocking some awesome heeling... check out Molly! Using your dog's breed as an excuse for poor behaviour and obedience is simply a cop-out, AND if I am going to be perfectly honest, in my town, the majority of mini Daschunds I see out in public on-leash could certainly learn a thing or two from this chicky-boom. Lunging, leash pulling, barking and displaying reactivity is not breed specific;... IT'S OWNER SPECIFIC And too often people let their little dog get away with it, causing other dog owners to move out of the way. We love having Molly at class showing the big guys how it's done, keep up the great work team mini Dashie! @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining #dogtrainer #dogtraining #heelinghomework #dashiedelight #resultsbasedtraining #lifeskills4lifestyle

07.01.2022 This next shout-out is a really special one, and definitely a #proudtrainermoment Today Scotch graduated up to Lifestyle Obedience Classes, and he absolutely smashed it! Allison, Mel and Mike have shared the highs and lows, lows and lows, 1 step forward - 2 steps back and now a real moment for celebration... ... If there's a word to describe this team it's "GRIT" - boy do these guys know what it takes to work your dog through the challenges associated with having a reactive dog. Every setback has been met with more determination, more consistency and an ever present "we can do this" attitude. What more could a trainer ask for from his clients? Today Scotch worked off-leash around his new team mates, he participated in agility activities, lifestyle obedience and just all-round had a blast learning lots of new stuff. We are incredibly proud of you all. Mike loves sharing these wonderful journeys and memories. Way to go team Scotch! @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining #dogtrainer #dogtraining #graduationday #lifeskills4lifestyle #wedidit

02.01.2022 How many times have I been presented with dogs like this... LOTS! Here's a #rant that will hopefully reach out to people who are blissfully unaware how important a good temperament is.... This isn't about Pedigree dog vs Pound dog, Backyard bred vs Rescue dog. What THIS is about is educating people that nervous, timid and fearful puppies make for very difficult dogs to live with, and sometimes even dangerous dogs in the wrong homes. Selecting a puppy can be a minefield, especially when puppies are now being sold by breeders unseen online, via a sad story through a rescue group or by a backyard breeder who is in it for a quick buck. PLEASE do your homework. It's ok to feel sorry for the timid puppy, but owning one can pose long-term challenges many pet owners aren't equipped to deal with. Sometimes training isn't enough, no matter how much you love you have to give, or money you are willing to invest. That's because genetics and temperament play such an important role in behaviour. Watch this video: it was sent to me a few days ago and it made me really mad - it's not the dogs fault! I blame the breeder. This is not a dog I would want to own, have around my young daughter and family. This puppy is NOT how a domestic family pet or German Shepherd Dog should behave. Please do your homework, ask lots of questions, request videos of the parents and the puppies responses to loud noises etc. and if you aren't 100% sure it's right perhaps keep looking for a puppy or dog that is a better fit... PLEASE! @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNJHe4XRthc

02.01.2022 Happy Superpups Puppy Graduation! Last night finished off a fantastic 7 weeks working with our most recent Superpups Puppy Development Program team. These guys have really smashed it, especially over the past 3 weeks since we've started to tighten the training screws. Awesome work team (from L to R) :... - Bec and Kobe (GSP) - Angela and Sadie (Golden Retriever) - Liz and Murphy (Gansta X Doodle ) - Ximeena and Daisy (Cattle Dog) - Matt and Maisie (Labrador) - Jane and Odin (Border Collie) It has been amazing watching you all grow and develop a special bond with your puppies. It's time to prepare for your one-on-one Private Coaching, and then it's off to big school classes for continued learning. Please know applications are now open for our next Superpups Group Puppy Program commencing in January 2021. This program has been a HUGE success and great addition to The Dogfather Dog Training. @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining #dogtrainer #dogtraining #Superpups #puppydevelopment #graduationday #puppytime

01.01.2022 What a difference 1 week, some lifestyle changes, routine, structure, leadership and effective dog training can make... Look at Ghost go! Ghost the white GSD is in week 2, session 2 working with Mike. This super cool dog has been carrying some baggage following being attacked at a dog park. His awesome owner Alyah is travelling all the way from Ingham to seek help for her boy and today their progress after just 1 week shows that we are definitely on the right path. ... Much of Ghost's reactivity stems from anxiety and fear. It's so interesting to see how dogs like Ghost perceive little things such as the same dog on or then off-leash. Mike's main man Kasar was instrumental in showing Ghost that not all dogs off-leash are going to attack you. This is a BIG milestone moment! This funny dog provides so much enthusiasm, laughter and "gooberness" during our sessions. We love ya buddy! @ #TheDogfatherDogTraining #dogtrainer #dogtraining #whiteGSD #reactivedog #dogattack #ghost #resultsbasedtraining