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2026 Australian Dog Courses Seminars Conferences

2026 Australian Dog Courses & Seminars: Pet Owner Workshops & Professional Industry Conferences

Your ultimate guide to canine education in 2026.

Whether you are a dedicated pet parent looking to bond with your dog through a Scent Work workshop, or a pet professional seeking the latest science-backed insights at a national dog training conference, this is your centralised hub for learning in Australia.

Our 2026 calendar features a curated selection of in-person seminars, hands-on workshops, and professional development courses across the country, as well as accessible online webinars.

📢 Are you hosting an educational event in 2026?

Help us promote responsible dog ownership and professional excellence. If you are running a dog-related course, seminar, or conference anywhere in Australia (or online) in 2026, we want to hear from you!

Submission is FREE. Please send the following to publisher@australiandoglover.com:

  • Event Name & Date(s)

  • Location (or "Online")

  • Target Audience (Owners, Professionals, or Kids)

  • A brief description & high-res promotional image

  • Booking link or contact details

[OWNER] 2026 – K9 Nose Work® & Scent Work Courses, Ashbury (NSW)

An image of a Bernese Mountain Dog pinpointing a target odour during a Scent Work container search session.



Discover the sport that all dogs love! K9 Nose Work®, or Scent Work, taps into your dog’s natural desire to hunt by teaching them to locate specific target odours. These courses are designed for dogs of all ages and breeds—from 3-month-old pups to seniors—and are particularly fantastic for shy or reactive dogs as only one dog works at a time. 

You will learn how to guide your dog through "scent puzzles" across four distinct elements: Containers, Interior, Exterior, and Vehicles. Whether you are starting with food in the foundations course or advancing to target odours like Birch, Anise, and Clove, these classes open a door to your dog's secret sensory world.

  • Course Options: Introduction to K9 Nose Work (Foundations), Introduction to Odour, and Working with Odour & Beyond.

  • 2026 Start Dates: Courses begin February 24/26, May 12/14, July 21/23, and September 29 / October 1.

  • Cost: $260 for a 6-week course.

  • Location: Ashbury Scout Hall, Cheviot St, Ashbury NSW.

  • Enrol Here: Visit www.positivedogs.com.au to complete an enrolment form.

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[OWNER] February 25, 2026 – Mantrailing: Building Confidence Through Choice (Webinar)

A Belgian Malinois named Snickers wearing a 'Do Not Distract' harness and long line focused on following a scent trail during a Mantrailing session with a handler.



Discover the power of Mantrailing, a fun, dog-led activity where your dog learns to follow the unique scent trail of a specific person. This non-competitive sport is fantastic for building confidence in new environments and around new people. 

It is suitable for dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes—including deaf dogs—and focuses on strengthening the bond between dog and handler through choice and teamwork. This session presented by Dr Ingrid Groeger-Stone (Creature Connections)  is the first of two specialised webinars hosted this month by the Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA).

  • Format: Online Live Webinar.
  • Time: 7:00 PM (AEDT).
  • Cost: FREE for paid-up PPGA members; $20.00 for Pet Owner members and the general public.
  • Suitability: Open to all breeds and ages; particularly beneficial for dogs needing environmental confidence.
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[ALL] February & March 2026 – The 5 Hounds Titre Testing Roadshow (National Tour)

Official 2026 roadshow poster for 5 Hounds Titre Testing, featuring Dr. Will Maginness and the #TestDontGuess movement.



Prioritise evidence-based health with the 5 Hounds Titre Testing Roadshow. Dr. Will Maginness and his team are touring Australia throughout February and March 2026 to offer pet parents a data-driven alternative to standard vaccination schedules. A titre test is a simple blood test that measures your dog's existing immunity levels, helping you determine if a booster is actually necessary. This roadshow is a leading opportunity for those seeking a "nature-first" and informed approach to canine preventative care.

📍 2026 Clinic Dates & Locations:

  • Adelaide: Friday, 27th February | Kilburn (9 am to 2 pm).

  • Perth: Sunday, 1st March | Caversham (9 am to 1 pm).

  • Brisbane: Saturday, 14th March | Durack (9 am to 3 pm).

  • Sydney: Sunday, 15th March | Orchard Hills (9 am to 3 pm).

  • Melbourne: Saturday, 21st March | Brunswick (9 am to 4 pm).

The Details:

  • Cost: $150 per dog (15-minute dedicated time slots).

  • Subscriber Discount: Active 5 Hounds subscribers can use the code 5H2026 at checkout for a free test (eligibility T&Cs apply).

  • Booking: Essential. Specific location details are emailed to participants closer to their selected date.

  • Enrol Here: Book your 5 Hounds Titre Test here.

  • Deep Dive: Read our expert interview with Dr. Will Maginness: Titre Testing for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know.

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[PROFESSIONAL] 2026 – ISBT-Canine Bowen Therapy Courses, VIC & QLD

A professional ISBT therapist performing a gentle Bowen therapy treatment on a relaxed dog during an Australian training workshop.



The International School of Bowen Therapy (ISBT), established in 1998, has announced its 2026 course intake for those interested in the gentle, non-invasive manual therapy of Bowen. 

Directed by Suzanne Baker, BSc. DC. MCA Dip Acc.—a former international rider and Olympic equine physical therapist—the program is supported by a team of highly trained specialists. These courses are designed for a wide range of individuals, from dog owners wanting to assist their own pets to professionals seeking full qualification and industry association membership. By targeting the body’s connective tissue network, ISBT-Bowen Therapy can assist in repair, recovery, and general health maintenance for dogs of all ages and performance levels.

  • Melbourne, VIC: Level One – February 28 / March 1, 2026 at East Malvern.

  • Gympie, QLD: Level One – April 11 / 12, 2026.

  • Course Outcomes: Options to learn basic skills for personal use or complete Levels 1–5 to become a certified ISBT Canine Therapist.

  • Information Pack: To receive the full canine course information pack, or for details on 2026 Equine and Human courses, contact ISBT directly.

  • Learn More: Read our featured article, Heal Your Dog with Bowen Therapy, for a deep dive into the benefits of this practice.

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[PROFESSIONAL]  March 4, 2026 – Women in Pet: Past, Present and Future, Melbourne (VIC)

Collage of women working in various pet industry roles for the 2026 Women in Pet event hosted by IndePet in Melbourne.
Celebrate the influential women who have built, shaped, and continue to innovate within the Australian pet industry. Hosted by IndePet, this annual event brings together professionals for an afternoon of networking and insight at the Yarra River Suite. 

The 2026 session features an elite line-up of panellists, including Karen Justice (CEO of Just for Pets), Georgia Watt (Founder of Pryde Pets), Jo Arnesen (Co-Owner of Petcare Byron Bay), and Britney Westaway (National Business Development Manager at IndePet). Attendees will enjoy drinks and canapes while exploring the evolving landscape of the industry alongside partners such as Royal Canin, Virbac, and the PIAA.
  • Time: Join the celebration from 2:00 PM.
  • Venue: The Yarra River Suite @ Batman’s Hill on Collins, 623 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC.
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[PROFESSIONAL] March 6–8, 2026 – AusGroom 2026, Melbourne (VIC)

Official banner for AusGroom 2026 featuring grooming demonstrations and event dates for Melbourne and Sydney.



The countdown is on for Australia’s premier grooming event! 

AusGroom 2026 lands at the Bulla Dog Exhibition Centre, bringing together professionals, educators, and leading brands for three days of connection and competition. 

Friday, March 6, is dedicated to a Professional Development Day, featuring full-day seminars and live demonstrations from international experts Blake Hernandez and Cat Opson. Designed to provide practical skills for immediate salon application, the day includes lunch, refreshments, exclusive goodie bags, and a 4:00 PM Happy Hour Tradeshow. Whether you are attending to compete, network, or discover the latest industry innovations, AusGroom is the ultimate hub for the grooming community.

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[PROFESSIONAL] March 20–22, 2026 – From Start to Finish: Success in Aggression and Separation Anxiety Cases, Sydney (NSW)

Michael Shikashio and Dr. Moira Hechenleitner presenting the 'From Start to Finish' dog behaviour seminar in Sydney, March 2026.
Join world-renowned educators Michael Shikashio (CDBC) and Dr. Moira Hechenleitner (DVM, CSAT) at the Sydney Masonic Centre for an intensive three-day masterclass designed for trainers, shelter staff, and behaviour professionals. This event uses real-life video demonstrations to help you identify the physiological signs and underlying emotions—from persistent stress to complex motivations—that drive aggression and separation-related behaviours. 

You will master an integrative approach to treatment, including the "three pillars" of separation anxiety (suspension of absences, systematic desensitisation, and medical support) and the strategic use of safety equipment like muzzles and barriers. The final day features interactive workshops where you step into the role of a consultant, collaborating with the speakers to untangle mock cases and map out training plans in real-time. This framework also focuses on setting realistic goals and delivering honest assessments to help professionals prevent compassion fatigue and burnout.
  • Cost: $655.00 per person (plus processing fees).
  • Venue: Sydney Masonic Centre, Level 24/66 Goulburn Street, Sydney NSW.
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[ALL] October 31, 2026 – Canine Masters 2026, Melbourne (VIC)

The official blue and white logo for Canine Masters 2026, scheduled for October 31 at The Capitol Theatre in Melbourne.


SAVE THE DATE! One of Australia’s most anticipated events for integrative animal health is returning to Melbourne on Saturday, October 31st, 2026

Canine Masters 2026 is more than just a conference; it is a premier forum dedicated to advancing canine wellbeing through natural, science-backed practices. This event unites passionate dog lovers, veterinary professionals, and animal advocates for an unforgettable showcase of global expertise and nature-first innovation.

At a time when more pet parents are seeking genuine alternatives to symptom-focused care, Canine Masters provides the inspiration and education needed to lead the way in proactive canine health.

📢 Partnership Opportunities Now Available Planning is already well underway, and 50% of stall spaces are already sold. If your brand or business is aligned with proactive health, education, and informed care, now is the time to secure your place.

  • Venue: Live from The Capitol Theatre, Melbourne.

  • Enquiries: Reach out to Phivo Christodoulou at info@augustineapproved.com to learn more about partnering for this epic 2026 event.

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[KIDS/TEENS] January 2027 – Future Vet Kids Camp, Sydney (NSW) & Online

A group of junior campers in surgical scrubs learning pet first aid and CPR at the Future Vet Kids Camp in Brisbane.


Is your child a budding veterinarian or animal lover? The Future Vet Kids Camp is returning for the summer school holidays! This popular 5-day program is designed for kids and teens aged 9–17, offering a unique "behind the scenes" look at the world of veterinary medicine. 

Campers engage in hands-on activities, learn about animal health, and discover what it takes to care for our furry friends. Whether attending in person at the Brisbane hub or joining the global community through the virtual camp, it is an unforgettable educational experience.
  • Face-to-Face Camp / Virtual Online Camp (Accessible anywhere).
  • Registration: Expression of interest is now open! Early bird discounts will be available once dates are finalised.
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Planning your 2026 dog-friendly year? 🐾 From Dog Lover Festivals to community walks, see what's happening near you in our Ultimate 2026 Australian Dog Events Calendar.