Welcome to The Northern Canine Co.

I have owned at least one dog since I was 8, my very first being a Border Collie x Staffy named Banjo :) I couldn't have a horse at the time so I taught him to jump through hoops and over rails, and have had the dog training & behaviour bug ever since. Since then I extensively volunteered with dogs both in shelters and fostering in my own home, and have gone on to rehabilitate many dogs from anxious rural rescues to retired greyhounds with traumatic pasts, including my own greyhound and best friend, Arley.

I have experience in working through trauma and reactivity with dogs of all sizes and backgrounds, have raised many puppies and have worked with training Assistance Dogs in line with the Australian DDA regulations which is an area I am extremely passionate about.

I studied a Cert III in Companion Animal Services in 2013 and I am invested in constantly continuing to further my knowledge and experience, currently refreshing with a Cert IV in Animal Behaviour & Training.

Currently I service Preston, Reservoir, Thornbury, Northcote and surrounding areas. If you’re unsure whether you’re in the service area, please feel free to get in touch and ask.

My approach focuses on understanding behaviour, clear communication, and building trust and confidence between dogs and their humans. Training is positive-focused and tailored to each individual dog and household.

Yes! Puppy sessions focus on foundations such as socialisation, confidence, handling, calm behaviour, and preventing common issues before they start.

Yes, I offer guidance for owner-trained assistance dogs, including training foundations, public access skills, and understanding the legal framework around assistance dogs.

Every dog and situation is different. Some people see big improvements in a few sessions, while more complex behaviour work can take longer. The goal is always to give you practical skills you can continue using with your dog.

We will have an initial consult session to have a good chat over everything relating to your dog, their behaviour and routine. It can help to have your dog’s regular treats ready and a lead or harness you normally use. I’ll guide you through anything else that could be helpful once your booking is confirmed.

That’s very common, and our goal is to build neutrality together. Sessions can be structured to reduce stress for your dog and build confidence gradually.

Whether for walking, training or boarding bookings, the first session will always be about getting to know you, your dog and your expectations. We’ll go over your dog’s history, personality, routines, and any specific needs or challenges they have. This helps me understand how best to support them, whether the booking is for walking, training, or boarding.

I’ll also spend some time observing your dog and how they interact with their environment. The goal is to build a clear picture of who your dog is so I can tailor my approach to suit them and make sure they feel comfortable and supported.