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Showing posts with label TRAINING. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TRAINING. Show all posts

Dr Katrina Warren holding hands with her dog Chilli ahead of Take Your Dog to Work Day 2026.

Why ‘Take Your Dog to Work Day’ is Good for Business (and How to Prepare)

With Take Your Dog to Work Day coming up on Friday, 26 June 2026, workplaces across Australia are being encouraged to embrace the initiative as a fun, practical way to boost office morale, connection, and overall wellbeing.

Australia is officially a nation of pet lovers, with 7.7 million households now owning at least one pet—and dogs holding prime position in 49% of our homes. [¹] For many employees, four-legged companions are true members of the family, and introducing them to the office for a day can create a lighter, warmer, and more collaborative work environment.

The Power of the Office Pup

One of Australia’s most recognised veterinarians and pet experts, Dr Katrina Warren, notes that dogs have a profound effect on human emotion and stress levels, especially when introduced into shared spaces thoughtfully.

“Dogs have a wonderful ability to bring people together,” says Dr Katrina. “They help break the ice, encourage people to pause, start conversations, and naturally foster a more relaxed atmosphere. Take Your Dog to Work Day is a lovely opportunity for workplaces to celebrate the unique bond Australians share with their pets.” 

The logic isn't just anecdotal; it's backed by local data. Australian education settings are already demonstrating how dogs support emotional wellbeing. According to Dogs Connect, an organisation implementing therapy dogs in schools nationwide, 92% of students surveyed felt more relaxed during teaching and learning time when a dog was present in the classroom. [²] 

Furthermore, Monash University research into school-based therapy dogs confirmed these programs positively impact emotional, physical, academic, and social wellbeing. [³]

Prioritising the 'Pawsitive' Prep

While the benefits are clear, Dr Katrina warns that the key to a successful dog-friendly day lies entirely in the preparation.

“A successful dog-friendly day starts well before the dogs actually arrive,” she notes. “Business owners need to set simple, transparent guidelines, ensure all staff are comfortable, designate specific dog-free zones, and provide clear expectations so everyone can enjoy the day.”

Part of that workplace planning involves opening up a dialogue with participating staff to discuss breeds, temperaments, energy levels, and general behaviour.

“Not every dog will thrive in a busy office environment. For some pets, the unfamiliar sounds, constant movement, and new faces can feel overwhelming or stressful. In those cases, the kindest choice an owner can make is to let them stay relaxed at home.” 

Workplaces should also map out the practical details beforehand—ensuring adequate access to water bowls, outdoor toilet break areas, and quiet spaces. Key communal areas like kitchens or client-facing meeting rooms should ideally remain completely dog-free.

Training and Essential Checklist

It’s not just business owners who need to prep; pet owners should ensure their dogs are ready for office etiquette. Practising basic training beforehand—like teaching your dog to calmly lie on a mat or bed on cue—will make a world of difference.

“The office is full of exciting new stimuli, so it helps immensely if visiting dogs are already comfortable being out and about in public,” says Dr Katrina. “Pack a 'go-bag' with familiar items like a favourite blanket, treats, a water bowl, and plenty of waste bags. The goal is a feel-good day for staff, businesses, and their four-legged visitors alike.”

Ultimately, participation should always be voluntary. Businesses must remain mindful of staff who may have allergies or feel nervous around dogs. Establishing clear boundaries ensures that everyone can choose their own level of interaction on the day.

Dr Katrina Warren’s Top Tips for a Smooth Office Day:


  • Set expectations early: Inform all staff of the plan ahead of time, outlining where dogs are allowed and what owners need to bring.
  • Make it a team effort: Encourage participating owners to chat beforehand about their dogs' personalities and specific needs.
  • Establish dog-free zones: Create clear boundaries so staff who prefer not to interact with dogs have plenty of space.
  • Match the dog to the day: Honestly assess whether your dog will enjoy the hustle and bustle, or if they’d prefer a quiet day at home.
  • Pack the essentials: Don't forget a lead, a comfortable mat, treats, food, a water bowl, and waste bags.
  • Plan regular mini-breaks: Schedule short outdoor walks throughout the day so dogs can stretch, go to the toilet, and reset.
  • Keep introductions calm: Let dogs approach people and other pets at their own pace, avoiding overwhelming them with too much sudden attention.
  • Keep it fun: Consider leaning into the theme with an office photo board, a dog-friendly morning tea, a 'best-dressed bandana' competition, or a small fundraising activity for animal welfare.
Supported by RSPCA Pet Insurance. Read our recent coverage on the brand's new 2026 product launch and underwriting changes here.

References:

  1. Animal Medicines Australia, Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and people 2025, published September 2025.
  2. Dogs Connect, Therapy Dogs for Schools | Wellbeing Dogs, accessed June 2026.
  3. Baird, R., Berger, E., Grové, C. & Chua, Z., Therapy dogs and school wellbeing: A qualitative study, Monash University research repository, 2023.

🐾 Expand Your Knowledge: Dogs at Work Hub

Planning a pet-friendly office space or looking for more expert training strategies? Dive into our comprehensive guides to set your workplace up for success:

👉 Workplace Etiquette: Hands-On Trainer Tips for the Office

From incorporating dog mat training in 3 simple steps into your schedule to handling interactions when multiple dogs arrive at the desk, explore Melbourne trainer Adriana Milne's essential breakdown for setting up your dog's office siesta space safely.

👉 The Big Picture: Designing the Ideal Pet-Friendly Future Office

Discover Mars Petcare and RMIT University's ground-breaking concepts for commercial floor plans, including architectural solutions like dedicated "no-pet carpet" technology and under-desk lighting systems.



More Dogs Are Being Given Anti-Anxiety Meds, But Are We Addressing The Real Problem

The increasing number of dogs being prescribed anti-anxiety medication has raised alarm amongst the dog-loving community, and while these medications can be life-changing in the right context, leading dog behaviourist and bestselling author Sarah Rutten said the trend highlights a deeper problem dog owners need to face.

“This growing trend is saddening, but unfortunately, not surprising,” Sarah said. “We as dog guardians need to not only ask how to treat anxiety or behavioural issues, but also ask why our dogs are anxious in the first place.”

“Anxiety is a symptom, not the root cause of troubling behaviour in dogs. Whether it’s unmet needs, past trauma, poor socialisation or even undiagnosed health issues, we have to get curious about our dogs and take anxiety as a signal that something isn’t right in their world.”

Unpacking the Root Causes of Canine Anxiety: What’s Really Going On?

As founder of The Canine Perspective, a practice grounded in force-free, evidence-based dog training, Sarah has seen first-hand the dramatic rise in anxiety in dogs, particularly since the protracted lockdowns, and the subsequent surge in medicinal interventions.

“During the lockdowns, Aussies were spending far more time at home, and we also saw a rise in dog adoptions during this time,” Sarah said. “Understandably, people wanted to add a furry friend to the family during what was an incredibly tough and isolating time.”

“But due to the circumstances of that period, many of these dogs missed out on critical early socialisation with other dogs and people. Even five years later, I’m still seeing the fallout of this, manifesting as a double whammy of reactivity and separation anxiety.”

“Sadly, these dogs simply weren’t prepared for the world we now expect them to navigate.”

Sarah also points to the link between diet and gut health to canine behaviour.

“Much like in humans, the gut-brain connection plays a significant role in dogs,” she explains. “Imbalances in the gut microbiome, as well as undetected food sensitivities or allergies, can contribute to behavioural issues like anxiety and hyperactivity.”

“When a dog’s diet is better tailored to their individual needs, whether through improved nutrition, elimination of allergens or increased support for gut health, we often see a shift in behaviour as well.”

Adding to the challenge is the reality of time-poor owners, many of whom are juggling full-time work and various other commitments. This often translates to dogs being under-stimulated, under-exercised, and isolated for long periods.




“Dogs are social, intelligent beings. When their needs for connection, movement, and mental enrichment aren’t met, anxiety is often the result,” Sarah said.

Beyond training, diet, or exercise, Rutten highlights a more sobering reality: dogs often mirror our own emotional states. With anxiety and burnout affecting more and more Aussies, our dogs, attuned to our energy and behaviour, can internalise that stress.

“The household ecosystem matters. If stress is high and connection is low, dogs pick up on that,” Sarah said.

“Sometimes, the first step to helping your dog manage their anxiety and stress is checking in with yourself and your home environment.”

Anti-Anxiety Medication: Tool, Not Cure




As the use of anti-anxiety medication in dogs is becoming more common, Sarah emphasises that these medications should be viewed as a support tool, and not a standalone solution.

“When used thoughtfully and with the advice of a vet, anti-anxiety medication can be incredibly helpful for certain dogs,” Sarah said. 
“But it should never be used as a quick fix or band-aid.”
“The goal is to help the dog reach a ‘sub-threshold state’ where their brain is calm enough to think, process and learn.

“In dogs with acute anxiety, the amygdala – the emotion-processing centre of the brain – is in overdrive. Medication can help quieten the amygdala, so that the thinking part of the brain, the frontal lobe, and come back online.”

“Once the frontal lobe has kicked in, the dog can then have the capacity to learn and engage with behaviour modification and force-free training techniques, which will help them to manage anxiety long-term.”

Sarah said once the dog begins to respond to training, the long-term aim is often to gradually reduce or even discontinue the medication under veterinary supervision.
“Anti-anxiety medications must be part of a holistic plan, and never the whole plan,” Sarah said. 
“The hope is always that with the right support and training, we can eventually wean dogs off medication and help them feel safe and confident without it.”

The Role of Natural Support

Sarah also suggests that natural, vet-approved alternatives to pharmacological medicines could be an option for some dogs with mild to moderate anxiety.

“I worked with a dog experiencing moderate separation anxiety who was unable to be left alone whatsoever,” Sarah said.

“Her owners introduced a natural supplement designed to support the nervous system, while we followed a structured counter-conditioning plan through a series of consults.”

“Over a few months, the dog could be left alone for up to four hours comfortably, which was life-changing for her owners.”

Sarah says that while natural remedies aren't suitable for all cases, they can be effective when paired with behaviour modification and appropriate lifestyle changes.

“Whether it’s pharmaceutical or natural, the aim is the same: support the nervous system so the dog can feel safer in their world,” Sarah said.

Medication with Meaning: Maple’s Journey




Sarah worked with a young rescue dog, Maple, who had a history of trauma, anxiety and extreme reactivity. Adopted by her family at just 16 weeks of age, Maple had already experienced abuse and had bitten multiple people.

Despite having already tried several training approaches, Maple’s behaviour continued to deteriorate, prompting her new family to seek Sarah’s help.

With veterinary oversight, Maple was placed on anti-anxiety medication and Sarah then introduced a tailored desensitisation and counter-conditioning program to address her reactivity triggers.
“The medication helped quiet Maple’s nervous system enough that she could begin to learn,” Sarah said. 
“Eventually, she started bonding with her family, exploring new environments, and showing curiosity rather than panic.”

After consistent training, Maple’s medication was gradually reduced and eventually ceased, while her training and management routines continue. Maple’s guardians, once overwhelmed, are now able to take her on holidays.

“She became a calmer dog who felt more at ease with her surroundings, which was the ultimate goal,” Sarah said. “Not suppression, but growth.”

The Dog In Overdrive

Rutten also shared the story of a Staffordshire Terrier she worked with who was constantly in a state of nervous arousal.

“He was on high alert all the time and couldn’t settle or switch off,” Sarah said. “His nervous system was stuck in overdrive, and his behaviour was starting to impact the family.”

Through a combination of vet-guided medication and behaviour-modifying routines, Sarah said the Staffy began to show progress.

“After starting the medication, his brain was able to settle enough that we could teach him calming behaviours,” Sarah said. “Eventually, he was able to interact more gently with his loved ones and became part of the family again.”

So What Can We Do?

Sarah encourages dog guardians to take a holistic, compassionate approach towards supporting and managing canine anxiety:

✔️ Meet your dog’s needs: Physical exercise, mental enrichment, safe social opportunities, good sleep, and quality nutrition.

✔️ Check in with yourself: Your energy, stress, and routine affect your dog more than you think.

✔️ Work with professionals: A force-free trainer and vet can guide you toward the right plan.

✔️ Be patient: Behavioural change takes time. Celebrate the small wins.

✔️Explore support tools: When used appropriately and under the guidance of an experienced vet, and complemented by a holistic training and behaviour modification plan, the right medication could be life-changing for anxiety-ridden dogs.

Want to learn more about Sarah and her work? Head over to her website or get a copy of her book, The Canine Perspective: Using Force-Free Methods To Unleash Your Dog’s Pawtential.

About the author:

The Canine Perspective founder Sarah Rutten is not just another dog trainer – she's a thought leader pushing for real change in how humans and dogs understand. 

With a no-nonsense, science-backed approach, she's on a mission to educate dog owners, challenge outdated training myths, and advocate for ethical, force-free methods that strengthen the human-dog bond.

Follow Sarah Rutten and the Canine Perspective at: 

Facebook: @thecanineperspective
Instagram: @thecanineperspective


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The Do’s and Don’ts of Force-Free Puppy Training

Across Australia, thousands of families brought home a new puppy over the summer holidays - fast forward to March, and many are now struggling with chewed-up furniture, endless accidents, and late-night howling. 
“Why is my puppy biting everything (including me)? Why won’t they listen? Why do they pee on the rug right after being outside?”
According to Sarah Rutten, force-free dog training expert and founder of The Canine Perspective, these early weeks are critical for setting puppies up for a lifetime of good behaviour, without outdated punishments, confusion, or frustration.
“The first two weeks can make or break your relationship with your pup,” Sarah says. 
“Start off right, and you’ll prevent a whole heap of headaches down the track.”

Sarah, a straight-talking advocate for force-free training, shares her top do’s and don’ts for the first 14 days with a new puppy, so overwhelmed pet guardians can breathe easy and build a strong foundation from day one.

The Do’s: Setting Your Pup Up for Success

1. Establish a routine – Your pup doesn’t need a rigid schedule, but predictability helps! Take them out for toilet breaks after naps and meals to make toilet training click faster.

2. Reinforce the good stuff – If your puppy is calmly lying down, reward it! Too often, we ignore the good and only focus on ‘fixing’ problem behaviours. Show your pup what you do want!

3. Introduce new experiences (safely!) – Socialisation is crucial, but make sure it’s positive. Worried about vaccines? Carry your pup and expose them to sights and sounds safely.

4. Let them rest – Puppies need a lot of sleep! Ensure they have quiet time and discourage kids from constantly handling them.

5. Be patient and consistent – Puppies are learning a whole new world. Keep cues consistent and avoid overloading them with rules all at once.

6. Give them time to adjust – Leaving their littermates is a huge change. Stay with them as much as possible for the first two weeks before slowly introducing alone time.

7. Keep their diet stable – Changing food too soon can cause tummy troubles. If you want to switch their diet, do it gradually.

8. Provide appropriate chew toys – Puppies bite: it’s how they learn about the world! 




Redirect them to appropriate chew toys rather than punishing them for mouthing.

9. Enrol in a force-free puppy class – Training isn’t about ‘fixing’ your dog—it’s about teaching you both how to communicate. 
Check out The Canine Perspective's puppy school classes here

10. Consider pet insurance early – Vet bills can pile up fast! Getting insurance early prevents exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

11. Introduce other pets slowly – Existing dogs and cats might not love the new addition immediately. Give them escape routes and safe spaces.

12. Have fun and get to know your pup – Every dog has their own personality, history, and instincts. Learn what makes your pup tick!

The Don’ts: Avoiding Common Mistakes

1. Don’t punish ‘bad’ behaviour – Punishment creates fear, not learning. Puppies aren’t ‘misbehaving’—they just don’t know the rules yet!

2. Don’t overwhelm them – New experiences should be introduced gradually. Rushing can cause anxiety and stress.

3. Don’t force handling – Get your puppy comfortable with being touched slowly—don’t just grab their paws or ears and expect them to love it!

4. Don’t expect too much too soon – Your pup is just a baby. Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) and fun.




5. Don’t ignore stress signals – A stressed pup might yawn, lick their lips, or avoid eye contact. Learn to read their signals and give them space when needed.

6. Don’t leave them alone for hours on end – Arrange for someone to be with them during the first couple of weeks, and ease into alone time gradually.

Sarah Rutten believes that the best dog guardians aren’t the ones who have ‘perfect’ dogs—but the ones who take the time to understand their dog’s needs.
“Training is about building a relationship, not just teaching cues,” she says. 
“If you listen to your dog and guide them with kindness, you’ll get the kind of companion people dream of —without the stress and struggle.”




Experience with all the joys (and challenges!) that come with raising a young dog. 

Sarah will be sharing her journey with her new puppy Floyd via her social media accounts.

Sarah Rutten has also written a book, The Canine Perspective, which includes an entire chapter dedicated to puppy training. 

Sarah's book (Paperback or Kindle) is available for purchase through Amazon Australia or via:

In addition to her book, she offers training courses including 'Online Puppy School' and other expert-led programs to help dog guardians navigate puppyhood with confidence.

About the Author

Sarah Rutten has loved animals ever since she can remember – and dogs in particular. It didn't matter if it was her beloved family pet, the neighbour’s canine companion, or her friend’s furry family member. She was the kid that was always found out the back hanging out with dog.

But it wasn’t just the dogs she loved, she loved their behaviour and understanding why they did what they did. So, after completing high school in Lismore, Northern NSW, Australia and spending a couple of years in the workforce, she decided to make the bold decision to follow her passion into canine behaviour and training.

In 2003 she officially took the plunge and enrolled in Delta Society Australia's Certificate IV in Dog Behavioural Training. It was a transformative experience, and on completion of her qualifications - she co-founded Paw Power Dog Training. In 2009, she embarked on a three-year Diploma in Canine Behaviour Science & Technology at the Companion Animal Sciences Institute in Canada.

In mid-2013, after leaving Paw Power Dog Training behind she opened The Canine Perspective. She completed the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainers Professional Course in 2016. She's a proud Delta Accredited Instructor and hold memberships of the Karen Pryor Academy, the Association of Animal Behaviour Professionals, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (Australia), and the Pet Professional Guild. Furthermore, she is a qualified assessor for Greenhounds, a qualified assessor and trainer for mindDog Australia and serve as a Department of Local Government temperament assessor.

Currently, Sarah resides between East Ballina and the Sunshine Coast, Australia with her partner, Chris, and their Pugs: Doug and new puppy Floyd. Apart from helping people with their canine companions, she indulges in her many hobbies - such as macramé, reading, walking, going to the gym, music, social media scrolling and spending quality time with friends—both human and canine!

You can follow Sarah Rutten and The Canine Perspective on www.thecanineperspective.com.au, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thecanineperspective or @thecanineperspective on Instagram.


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Clear communication for unprecedented training results!

Many of you have heard of clicker training. You may have even purchased one, but you don't know how to use it effectively or at all. 

In this article by Jari Castle (a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner) you will learn:

✔️ How to use the clicker

✔️ Why it is the go-to method for training animals of any species and

✔️ The common mistakes people make that undermines their success

The clicker is used to train new behaviour, so there needs to be a shift in thinking about what is motivating your dog’s behaviour. 

If we think that our dogs are behaving badly on purpose, we are predisposed to think they need to be corrected. Conversely, if we think our dogs are struggling in a situation and don’t have the experience or appropriate skills to behave how we want, we are more inclined to help and support them. 

For example, if a dog jumps all over you when you get home, even though you’d told them off every day for six months, it is easy to think that they know they should not be jumping. 




But, did you ever teach them explicitly how they *should* greet you? Or was it assumed that they would intrinsically know? 

Your dog wants to be in your good books and finds it at least a little stressful each time you scold them. 

Here’s a secret though: you can’t teach a dog not to do something. 

The dog is always doing a behaviour, and we decide if that behaviour is acceptable or not. If the behaviour is not okay, think “what do I want the dog to do instead?” And then train them to do that. Enter: Clicker training!

How clicker training works

A clicker is a small device that makes a unique mechanical click sound when the button is pressed. The device is not the crucial tool though. 

The science and magic of clicker training is the sound, and what it means to the dog. The click sound “marks” the behaviour you want to reinforce, so clicker training is also known as marker training.

Let’s get technical for a second: if a dog does a behaviour and gets something they want, the behaviour has been reinforced. This means that the behaviour is more likely to occur again as it benefited the dog last time. 

Reinforcers (things the dog wants) can be categorised into primary and secondary reinforcers. 



  • Primary reinforcers are biologically what the dog innately likes: food, water, shelter and safety are classic examples of this. We do not need to teach the dog to like these things. Specific breeds will have other primary reinforcers - chasing is innately enjoyable for a Whippet and herding is how a Kelpie would choose to spend their day. 
  • Secondary reinforcers are things the dog likes, but because we have introduced them to the dog in a way that is enjoyable for them. 


Getting the leash out means nothing to a puppy, but through repetition your pup learns that the leash means it is time to explore outside, and so we see the excited response when the leash come out. 

Exploring outside is the primary reinforcer, and the leash has been associated with that so is a secondary reinforcer.

In clicker training the click sound is always followed by a small piece of delicious food. 


Initially the sound means nothing to the dog, but through repetition the dog learns that when they hear the click, a piece of food is coming. [1]

The brain releases dopamine, among other hormones, when dogs eat. If the clicker is consistently followed by food, the dog will get this dopamine release when they hear the click, thereby reinforcing whatever behaviour “caused” the click. 

Behaviour that gets reinforced gets repeated!

Pros & Cons of Using a Clicker and Alternative Markers

The clicker is an ideal tool because the sound it makes is unique, always sounds the same and can be used by multiple people. Some dogs can be scared of the sound though, in which case a quieter clicker may be needed, or holding the clicker in your pocket to muffle the sound. 

You can decide to not use the clicker at all and instead use a verbal marker, which is handy for those times you do not have your clicker with you. 

The word “Yes” is the best option. 

Other words and praise such as “good/good dog” are said too frequently and not consistently paired with the food reward. “Yes” is a word that will be said deliberately and used conscientiously. Most trainers will teach a dog to respond to a clicker and a verbal marker so that both options are available.

Getting started

To get started clicker training, all you need is the clicker, your dog, and a handful of small treats (about the size of your little fingernail is ideal). When your dog is looking at you, click and then give them one treat. [2]




You can feed it to their mouth or drop it on the floor for them to quickly find. As soon as the treat is eaten, repeat with four more treats in quick succession.

Next, ask your dog to sit. As soon as their butt touches the ground, click and treat. You can toss the treat so they get up, ready to sit again on cue. After doing sit three times, move to another behaviour they know well such as lay down or shake.

Pro-tip: keep the treats in a treat bag or on the bench near you rather than in your hand. This will reduce the time your dog spends obsessing over the treats and your hands. 

It is very important to click and then reach for the treat.

What can you teach with a clicker?

Clicker training can be used to train your dog any new skill. 

Jari-Ann Castle with her Whippet
Credit: Pawesome Photography

This can range from tricks to safety skills, cooperative care for smoother vet and grooming visits, or addressing behaviour issues such as reactivity and aggression. 

Remember how we need to fundamentally change how we think about behaviour problems? The key to training your dog is to stop thinking about stopping their bad behaviour and start considering what behaviour would be the best alternative. 

We can then train that new skill!

 There are two ways to do this: capturing and shaping. 

✔️ Capturing is when we mark the dog for doing the behaviour we want, even if it is only for a second. 

✔️ Shaping is when we mark the dog for doing something that can be built upon to the better behaviour we want. 

For example, if we are teaching a dog to go to their bed, we could capture the behaviour by clicking when the dog walking onto their bed of their own accord. We could shape the behaviour by clicking when the dog took a step towards the bed, then another, until the dog is on the bed. 

Shaping also works well when dogs are highly aroused, for example when visitors arrive. Maybe they are too excited to sit when you tell them to, but you can click when they have four paws on the ground, and then cue the sit when they are able to stand calmly.

For a dog who is aggressive to other dogs on walks, the perfect time to click is when your dog perceives the other dog, as in that moment they are standing still and looking - a perfectly acceptable behaviour that you can reinforce so the behaviour is more likely to happen again. This is another example of capturing. 

The other great benefit of clicker training is that the dog is forming positive associations with the sights and sounds in the area at the same time as well as learning better behaviour.

Improving your skills

Any training strategy is only effective and efficient if it is done well. Clicker training is a new skill for you as well, so practice before you subject your dog to it! 

To practice your clicker mechanics, put on a soccer video and click whenever a player kicks the ball. There are specific videos for practicing your clicker mechanics as well, such as this one. 


It’s also fun to connect with other owners and trainers who also want to improve their skills as you can practice with each other. 

Games such as flipping cards and clicking for your designated suit or colour, or clicking for odd and even dice rolls are quick and simple games to improve your observation skills and quick clicker timing.

For the clicker nerds out there, you can also attend workshops such as the Clicker Games Tournament being held at the Pet Professional Guild Australia Conference (14-16 June 2024). 

You will compete and have fun with other clicker trainers to win prizes and hone your clicker skills. It’s a great chance to practice in a fun environment and meet other animal trainers. I hope to see you there!

Written by Jari Castle, Jari Castle Dog Training, March 2024 for Australian Dog Lover (all rights reserved).

Additional Resources

[1]

Classical (Pavlovian) Conditioning - Credit Lili Chin https://www.doggiedrawings.net/ 

[2]

What is Click Training? Credit Karen Pryor Academy

About our writer

Jari Castle is a Certified Training Partner with the Karen Pryor Academy and has a special interest in helping aggressive and reactive dogs using fear-free strategies such as clicker training. She lives in Melbourne with her young sons, husband and Whippet. 

When not helping her own clients, Jari works at RSPCA Victoria training staff, volunteers and the public about animal behaviour handling and training. 

She will be running the Clicker Games Tournament at the PPGA 2024 Conference as well as presenting on RSPCA’s popular Reactive to Responsive seminars.

For more information, visit www.jaricastle.com.au    

You can follow @jaricastledogtraining on Instagram or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/JariCastleDogTraining

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