The reason I have a list of preferred trainers is that there are, sadly, still some dog trainers who persist in using techniques that involve the use of inhumane tools and techniques. These trainers will never be recommended by me.
As a qualified Behaviour Veterinarian I have a strong ethical commitment to DO NO HARM. It is irresponsible to advise treatments that involve punishment when it has been clearly shown that punishment can make these animals worse and endanger their caregivers.
The following is a list of trainers who I work closely with and I can vouch for their knowledge, care and commitment. All the trainers below employ positive reinforcement and see the value in working closely with a behaviour veterinarian. Together the best possible outcome can be achieved.
Colleen O’dea – Manners’n More
http://www.mannersnmore.com.au
Here’s what Colleen says…
Sonya Bevan – Dog Charming
Here’s what Sonya says…
“Working with fearful, anxious and aggressive dogs is my passion. These dogs respond really well to behaviour modification. They often need pharmaceutical assistance in order to get the best out of a behaviour modification plan. That’s why forming a working alliance with a vet behaviour consultant who specializes in animal behaviour and pharmaceutical intervention was a total windfall. It’s not only Dr Nicole’s expertise in animal behaviour that makes her a Godsend to animals with behaviour issues, it’s her empathy to animals in need as well as to their care-givers. She is committed to providing a science based, ethical and compassionate service. Yet it doesn’t stop there. She is truly interested in the wellbeing of her clients and encourages clients to remain in contact with regular updates. Working with Dr Nicole has been a collaboration resulting in truly gratifying results for our mutual clients. Her mentorship and willingness to share her expert knowledge with colleagues means I have access to the information I need for difficult cases. As if that wasn’t enough, Dr Nicole continues to strive for excellence with the pursuit of continuing education. As long as there are animals needing help with behaviour, I have no doubt Dr Nicole will be providing the best possible care and advice available.”
Simone Tuten CPDT-KA – Positive Pets
0427 972 856
Here’s what Simone says…
“As someone who has worked with canine behaviour cases professionally since 2008, finally having Veterinary Behaviour Consultants in Western Australia has been a game changer.
In those early days, for dogs with behavioural health issues it was necessary to liaise with the client, Veterinary Behaviour Consultants based in the Eastern States and veterinarians in Perth. It was cumbersome and challenging process at times but it was the best we could do for those dogs.
Now a days we are so fortunate to have such a compassionate, experienced, dedicated and committed Veterinary Behaviour Consultant based in Western Australia.
Working collaboratively with Dr Nicole has resulted in improved behavioural health outcomes and well-being of dogs with medical, genetic or trauma related behavioural health issues.”
Simone Thomas
amicuspettraining@gmail.com
0411 619 712
I’ve been in the habit of working with veterinary behaviourists for many years now to complement my training experiences with clients. There are some behaviour problems that we as trainers simply cannot address without help. As a wise person once said: “if your boat has a hole in the bottom, no amount of teaching someone how to row will stop the boat from sinking, and they’ll simply be spending all their time bailing the water out”.
Dr Nicole’s genuine interest in, and empathy for, each individual animal and person that she sees places her in a unique position to dispense thoughtful and competent advice on ‘fixing the boat’. She has a genuine interest in maintaining current best practice and education, and her background as a GP vet of many years gives her a solid foundation of the difference between behaviour that is expressed normally and behaviour that makes living an ordinary functional life difficult; as well as understanding and addressing the distress that this can cause the human component of the relationship.
amicuspettraining@gmail.com
0411 619 712
Cecile Ashen-Young, CPDT-KA
0435 018 083
“As an appropriately qualified dog trainer, it is important that I can refer clients to a behaviour veterinarian whenever I suspect a medical or non-training behavioural issue. Equally important is that I can develop a true collaborative partnership with a behaviour veterinarian so that the client can be provided with a balance of appropriate medical diagnosis with a well-developed and managed behaviour modification plan.
I have referred several of my clients to Dr. Nicole, and I consider myself very fortunate to have the chance to work with her. Not only is she eminently qualified and very committed to her clients, Dr Nicole is always ready to share her knowledge and expertise with me. She promotes that true collaborative effort between trainer and behaviourist that can give the client and pet the best possible chance for a happy and healthy outcome.”
Emma Norton – Perth Paws Dog Training
mobile: 0403818789
Here’s what Emma says…
“We know animals feel emotions and can suffer in similar ways to humans, and like us they can also be predisposed either through genetics or life experiences, to exhibit problematic behaviours. The best solution to helping our animals through these difficulties is a combination of medical and behavioural approaches.
Animals do not speak the same language as us so an experienced vet behaviourist has invaluable scientific insight to help caregivers and their animals. They understand that an animal’s behaviour and biology are inextricably entwined.
Perth Paws Dog Training is grateful to be able to refer clients whose animals are suffering from complex problems such as anxieties and compulsions, and other mental health issues to Dr Nicole Lobry de Bruyn. Dr Nicole is compassionate, knowledgeable and committed to making positive changes for her clients and their human caregivers. Dr Nicole shares her knowledge in a down to earth, informative and intelligent manner. When caregivers understand their family pets better they are empowered to make the changes needed in the loved animal’s life and I thank Dr Nicole for her assistance in this. Bettering the lives of animals is as important to Dr Nicole Lobry de Bruyn as it is to me as a force free trainer.”
Charlotte Smithson – Perth’s Animal Training Specialists
08 9309 3259
www.perthsanimaltrainingspecialists.com.au
charlotte@pats.net.au
Here’s what Charlotte says…
“Having worked in the pet care industry for many years my role has evolved from Veterinary Nurse to a Behavioural Practitioner and Professional Dog Trainer. With this insight to animals and how they tick it has been a fascinating journey to experience firsthand how some behavioural problems require the assistance of veterinary medicine.
As responsible trainers, it is not only our duty of care but also a privilege to be-able to work in close relations with a Veterinary Behaviourist to ensure that as a team we can provide your pet/s with the best possible chance of becoming a well-adjusted and happy member of society.”
Tracey Lord – Solutions Dog Behaviour and Training
email – solutionstraining@bigpond.com
mobile – 0409088553
Here’s what Tracey says….
“After years working as a professional trainer in animal rescue and assessment of course I ended up adopting many of the more challenging dogs.
Through my journey with these dogs it became clear that to improve their behaviour and achieve the best results possible, I would need more than just great training skills, dedication and love… I would need a complete team, which included a Behaviour Vet as a key player.
As a results of this team effort my dogs were able to reach their full potential, including starring in TV commercials and feature films, competition agility at National level and most importantly they made and continue to make fabulous loving pets!
I have been working as part of a Behaviour Team for many years now and continue to take great delight and pride helping clients achieve their best outcome possible.”
Nikhil Saha – K9 Care Obedience Training
Here’s what Nikhil says…
