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Dog Trainer with dog

Dog Trainer Cairns

Hi, my name's Mark and I'm a qualified Dog Trainer and Canine Behaviorist based in Cairns, FNQ and over the last 30 years I've trained, owned, rescued and rehabilitated dogs of all breeds and sizes. In addition to being a Qualified dog handler and trainer, I'm also Certified in Canine Psychology & Behaviour and firmly believe that understanding our dogs and learning how to communicate with them humanely and with empathy is the key to building a bond which results in good behaviour.

I offer a Personal Dog Training service and specialise in problem solving, such as lead pulling, reactivity to other dogs, barking, recall and anti-social behaviour, to help you and your dog live a happier life. It's important to teach your dog that you're their trusted leader in order to diffuse reactivity and prevent anxiety. With my help, you'll be able to break the cycle of over-excitement and calm your dog so it can focus on YOU. This will increase your confidence and creates ongoing positive change. Group training and socialisation is critical during the puppy phase, and agility training is great for certain dogs, but it can't offer the individual focus that's required to correct a problem, plus some dogs don't do well in a group situation with lots of other dogs around. That's why I come to you and work totally focussed, one-on-one in the dog's everyday environment.

My method is to take a holistic view of your dog, including their health, their environment, the dog's personality and your level of experience, to develop a focussed training strategy which is tailored to best fit your dog's temperament and your family dynamic.

 

When it comes to dog training, one size does NOT fit all, and I offer three package options to suit your needs and budget
 

- DOCTOR DOG -

A well trained dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog makes a happy owner!

Cairns Dog Training Services

Canine Behaviourist

Your Cairns Dog Training Expert

Doctor Dog provides a personal Dog Training service in Cairns and the Northern Beaches. Specialising in helping people rehabilitate rescue dogs and dogs which have developed a range of behavioural problems.

 

I offer three package options starting at $167.00 and you can choose the one you feel most appropriate for your dog and your needs.

 

If you have a dog which is generally obedient and (mostly!) well behaved but has a single issue which isn't dangerous or extreme but is challenging, such as pulling on the lead, no recall, jumping up on visitors etc. I provide Personal Training Sessions which take about an hour or so and generally provide the guidance, techniques and tools you'll need to fix the problem. I can either come to your home or meet you at your usual dog exercise park and you'll receive follow-up training notes.

If dog ownership is new to you, or you've taken on a rescue dog and need general guidance, or if you're unsure of what training direction to go, I offer an Introductory Assessment Service, a process whereby I can identify potential issues with the dog, help you to settle them in, review their living arrangements, discuss diet and general health, and start you off on the right foot to reduce stress and begin a gentle reprogramming schedule.

Alternatively, if your dog has behavioural issues which you think are either caused by, or are causing, stress, anxiety or overexcitement, are especially challenging and you're struggling to have physical control, then I provide a Full Consultation Package option which is much more in-depth and involves creating a comprehensive psychological profile of your dog.

No matter which option you choose, as a Doctor Dog client, you get unlimited lifetime free telephone and online support, access to discounted one-on-one training packages and special prices on my range of dog training equipment

For pricing and more information on any option, please click Contact Doctor Dog and I'll email you ASAP.

Mavis 3_edited.jpg

Full Consultation Package

The Full Consultation Package has been specially developed to address a range of behavioural issues, particularly for dogs which may be suffering from anxiety, stress, or trauma. This comprehensive service includes an in-depth session at your home, where I will create a psychological profile of your dog, discuss their behaviour, and develop a personalised strategy which you can start immediately. You’ll also receive a written psychological report of your dog and a step-by-step training program. You can contact me at any time with questions, free of charge, and in a week or two, I'll return for another full session so we can do some fine tuning or look at any additional issues.

The Full Consultation Package has been collated and developed over many years and is the best solution if you wish to deeply understand your dog and reprogram their behaviour in a way that will make the bond between you even stronger. 

Your Cairns Dog Training Expert

Why work with Doctor Dog...

I’m certified in Dog Psychology, Behaviour, and Training, and a Level 3 Dog Obedience Instructor (off-lead). I've studied with The International School of Canine Psychology (UK) and certification by the Australian RSPCA as a Pet Care Professional. I also hold a TAE40110 in Training and Assessment and am registered with Therapy Dogs Australia. Currently, I’m studying for a Diploma in Canine Acupressure, which will soon allow me to offer treatments for dogs dealing with physical stress and anxiety.

I hold a NDIS Yellow Card, a Working with Children Blue Card, and have a current Police Check Clearance. Additionally, I’m certified in First Aid, CPR, and Pet First Aid, and I carry $5M Public Liability Insurance [QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited, Policy 118U009780BPK].

Doctor Dog is a registered business, my ABN is 84409959503 should you require invoices, and no GST is charged.

I follow Fear Free, Australian RSPCA Approved positive motivation training methodologies and I won't use harsh training tools like choke chains, prong collars, pinch leads or shock collars - NOT EVER! 😢

Being patient with your dog and understanding how to effectively communicate with them, rather than punishing them and making them afraid, creates a much stronger bond and results in a better behaved, happier dog and a less stressed, happier owner 😊

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- DOCTOR DOG -

A well trained dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog makes a happy owner!

Essential Dog Training Equipment

As a responsible, caring dog owner, you want to safely teach your dog how to walk politely on the lead, come when called and not pull.

To achieve that you need THREE essential pieces of equipment.

1. a comfortable lead which gives you a firm, easy grip

2. a sturdy collar that won't slip or hurt your dog's neck

3. a well-made long lead for safe recall training

Forget the over-priced gimmicks. These are what I use, and I PROMISE they will work for you too. That's the only reason I supply them and offer a 100% money back guarantee.

Reviews

Just a few of my 5 Star Google Reviews...

I live on the Gold Coast and a friend told me about Doctor Dog, so I Googled him and was impressed by his website. So after talking to Mark over the phone, I decided he was the person I needed to help my Belgian Shepherd with his behaviour in public, which had started to get out of hand. I arranged for Mark to come here, and we underwent three days of intensive training. I was impressed by his depth of knowledge and the things he taught me about dog psychology were fascinating and really helpful. Highly recommend Doctor Dog.

Paul Towers

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Frightened Puppy Being Trained

Meet Mavis

The Great Dane puppy with a fear of meeting

new people

She was extremely anxious when we first met, as you can see from her body language, but by using a range of methods, including cognitive behaviour therapy, she became totally relaxed and happy to be with me. A great success story and Mavis is improving all the time.

{Photography by Tara, 2023}

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