ABOUT ME

Paula Smith, owner of Dandy Dog Training provides positive reinforcement training for you and your dog. Paula is also a therapy dog assessor and trainer for Nepean Therapy Dogs, being their Head Trainer.

Paula also works with local psychologists building trusting relationships with individuals with development setbacks or disabilities. Since early child hood Paula has been passionate about community acceptance and inclusion of individuals with disabilities. This passion started early in her life experiencing her younger brother being misunderstood and limited inclusion in the community.

Paula enjoys specialising in teaching people how to train their dogs to become a part of the family home whilst allowing their pet to enjoy all the wonders of being a dog.

Paula’s goal is to raise the standards in dog-training for the toy breed and seeks to utilise the latest in scientific understanding of dog behaviour whilst ensuring this balances with the well-being of the dog. Connecting with the client and dog to tailor training just for them – the one size fits all approach just doesn’t work – we are all unique individuals with personalities and varying energy levels. Allowing choices, space and respect give us quicker results and super happy dogs!

Certificate in Pet Obedience Training
Currently studying Cert IV Companion Animal Services, Delta Institute
Dr. Robert B Bailey PhD, Operant Conditioning workshop
Canine Behaviour Assessment Workshop
Member of Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Australia
Dr Kat Gregory, Husbandry, target, station and free shaping skills workshop.
Dr LE Hammer BVSC, Rearing puppies for Behavioural Brilliance.
Dr Ciarin Galvin MVB (UCD Ireland), Factors Affecting Fertility in the Male Dog.
Building Capacity: Anxiety & Depression Workshop, Centre for Disability Studies, The University of Sydney.
Kelly Gill: The Wonderdogs, Shaping for Trick Training Workshop.
Cultivating Calm in Canines, Cassandra Roland, Fur Get Me Not.
Understanding Livestock Guardian Dogs is critical to their success as Companion Dogs, Erin Williams
First Aid Certificate, Australian Red Cross, Current
Working With Children Clearance Check, Current