Transforming Shelter Dogs' Lives with Empowered Teams
Tailored Group Consultations for Rescue Teams, Shelters, and Vets – because better understanding means better outcomes for the dogs in your care.
Is Your Team Struggling to Manage Overwhelmed Dogs?
⏰ Limited time, staff, and resources mean behaviour training often takes a backseat.
😫 Dogs in rescue environments are overwhelmed, stressed, and unable to learn.
🤦🏻♀️ Inconsistency in handling and training hinders progress and make rehoming harder.
LET'S CHANGE THAT
A Full-Day Training Experience Tailored to Your Team and Dogs
Morning Session: Theory (Building the Foundation)
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Deep dive into why dogs behave the way they do.
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What’s happening mentally, physically, and emotionally when they exhibit challenging behaviors.
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How to recognize stress signs (it’s not always what you think!).
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Why management is crucial and how to keep dogs (and yourself) calm.
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Practical tools to incorporate games into training – simple yet effective solutions.
Afternoon Session: Practical (Hands-On Learning)
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Real-world practice with dogs in care.
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Staff/volunteers work directly with individual dogs under guidance.
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Demonstrations of calming, confidence-building games.
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Feedback and troubleshooting tailored to your dogs and environment.
Plus Additional Resources to Support Your Team
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30 Days of Free Access to our exclusive Facebook support group for everyone that attends
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Downloadable resources, ongoing Q&A sessions, and community support.
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Printable resources to guide your team after the consult.
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Easy-to-follow, game-based training plans for dogs in care.
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Replay access to relevant training videos and materials.
Why work with me?
🐾 Rescue Experience That Counts: Having run a herding breed rescue and personally cared for over 100 dogs, I understand the challenges faced by shelters, rescues, and pounds. My hands-on experience informs every solution I provide, ensuring they’re practical and effective for your unique environment.
🧠 Evidence-Based Methods: My training approach is rooted in the latest behavioural research. From recognising stress to calming overwhelmed dogs, every method I use is designed to help dogs learn and thrive in high-stress environments.
🎯 Tailored to Your Team: Whether your team consists of seasoned handlers or first-time volunteers, I specialise in breaking down concepts into actionable, easy-to-implement steps. Everyone will walk away feeling confident and equipped to make a difference.
🎮 Game-Based, Practical Solutions: Training should be effective and engaging. I’ll show you how to incorporate simple, goal-oriented games to build dogs’ confidence and skills, helping them progress toward adoption-readiness.
💚 Support Beyond the Session: Every participant gets 30 days of free access to our private Facebook group, packed with downloadable resources, game cards, Q&A sessions, and masterclasses to reinforce and expand on the training.
Testimonials
"The way Deb presented and spoke about the topics was fantastic. She kept the session engaging, and we were genuinely interested the whole time. She should definitely do more group sessions!"
— Rescue Volunteer
"The ‘stress bucket’ analogy was incredibly helpful. Understanding that all emotions—positive or negative—can fill a dog’s bucket and that they need time to empty it really changed how we see stress in dogs."
— Rescue Volunteer
"Learning that calmness and management come before teaching dogs skills was such a simple yet powerful concept. It seems so obvious now, but we wouldn’t have thought of it in such detail without your session."
— Rescue Staff Member
"Games as a way to build everyday confidence for dogs? That was a game-changer for us—literally! It opened up a whole new way of thinking about training."
— Rescue Volunteer
"The box game demonstration with Buddy was eye-opening. We were shocked to see his cautiousness and anxiousness at first, and it really showed us how to approach training with more empathy."
— Shelter Team Member
"You’ve already got our volunteers thinking creatively about mealtimes! Giving dogs their meals in different ways instead of just in a bowl was such a simple but impactful idea."
— Shelter Volunteer
The first step to transforming a rescue dog is ensuring that everyone working with them understands their behaviour, shares a common approach, and follows a clear plan to help them thrive in their new home.
Dog Training Qualifications:
NDTF Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training
Pro Dog Trainer L1 Certificate
Pro Dog Trainer L2 Certificate
Canine First Aid Workshop
Dog Nutrition/Well-Being Qualifications:
Raw Dog Food Nutrition Specialist, Dogs Naturally
Canine Allergy Course, Dogs First
Animal Well-Being Qualifications
Aromatherapy for Pets, Australian College of Aromatherapy
5 Element Theory for Animal Well-Being
The Role of Stress in Animal Well-Being
Teaching Qualifications
Master of Teaching Degree, University of Sydney
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What’s the difference between in-home and online sessions?In-Home Consultations: These take place in your home (within 30 minutes of The Oaks, NSW) and allow me to work with your dog in their natural environment. This is ideal for personalised guidance and setting your dog up for success from the start. Online Consultations: These sessions are conducted via Zoom and are just as effective, especially for owners needing flexibility. We’ll cover the same topics, and your dog remains comfortable in their own environment. Learn more about online consultations here.
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Are you a certified dog trainer with experience?Yes! I hold multiple certifications in dog behaviour, training, and well-being, including the NDTF Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training—the only government-accredited course for canine trainers in Australia. My unique approach combines professional expertise with practical, games-based training to create real-world results for dogs and their owners. Why choose me? I also have advanced knowledge in dog nutrition, stress management, and natural therapies, giving me a holistic perspective to help dogs thrive.
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What happens during a dog training consultation?The most stressful place to be is not knowing what to do. My goal is to give you a clear, actionable plan tailored to your lifestyle, focusing on what will make the biggest difference for you and your dog. Together, we’ll troubleshoot and create a roadmap for success. Here’s what you’ll get during a 2–3 hour consultation: In-Depth Behaviour Assessment: A comprehensive analysis of your dog’s unique needs and challenges. Calmness and Management Plan: Practical steps to help your dog feel secure and balanced. Understanding Dog Behaviour: Learn how your dog’s brain works and how to interpret their subtle communication signals. Personalised Game-Based Training Plan: Fun and effective training activities tailored for you, your family, and your dog. Wellness and Nutrition Guidance: Insights into how gut health and diet impact behaviour, with practical dietary recommendations. Ongoing Support: Includes a follow-up phone call if needed, plus email support for any bumps along the way. This consultation is designed to set you and your dog up for success, whether online or in person. Let’s create a harmonious life for you and your dog!
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How is the Phone Chat different from the Training Consultation?The Phone Chat is a quick chat where we’ll get to know you and your dog, discuss any problem behaviours, and explore how our training can help you achieve your goals. It’s a great starting point if you’re unsure where to begin. The Training Consultation is a full session where we dive straight into personalised training for your dog, providing tailored advice and a structured plan to tackle behaviour issues right away.
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How much does a dog training session cost?The cost of a training session is $297 for an in-home consultation and $197 for a remote/Zoom consultation. These sessions provide high-quality, comprehensive training tailored to your dog's specific needs. The skills and knowledge you gain during these consultations are lifelong and can be applied to any dog you own now or in the future. Our goal is to ensure you and your dog live in harmony, equipped with the tools to manage behavior effectively.
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Do you provide dog training in my area?The cost of a training session is: $297 for an in-home consultation (within 30 minutes of The Oaks) $197 for a remote/Zoom consultation $357 for an in-home consultation with travel costs (for locations outside my service area up to 1 hour from The Oaks – contact me to arrange a private booking link) These comprehensive sessions are tailored to address your dog’s unique needs with practical, personalised strategies. The knowledge and skills you gain will serve you and your dog for a lifetime. Let’s work together to create harmony in your home and equip you with the tools to confidently manage your dog’s behaviour. If you’re located outside my regular service area, please reach out to discuss your needs before booking. I’ll provide a private booking link if your location is within an hour of The Oaks. Bookings made without prior contact may need to be converted to an online session or adjusted to include travel fees. Any additional fees will need to be paid in full before the consultation can proceed. For a full list of areas I service, areas, please visit our Service Areas Page.
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Is virtual dog training as effective as in-home training?Absolutely! Virtual dog training can be just as effective as in-home training and even offers some unique benefits: 👨👨👦👦 Family Involvement: Record the session to share with family members who can’t attend or review it later for reinforcement and consistency. 😃 Owner-Focused Training: My approach empowers you to understand and support your dog better. In many cases, direct dog interaction isn’t necessary, making virtual sessions equally impactful. 🏠 Personalised Home Assessment: Even virtually, I can assess your home setup and provide tailored suggestions to support your dog’s behaviour. 🐶 Comfortable Environment: Your dog stays in their familiar space, reducing stress and distractions—especially helpful for anxious or fearful dogs. Virtual consultations are designed to work seamlessly with your lifestyle while still providing the same personalised, actionable guidance as in-home training. Let’s work together to create calm and connection, no matter where you are!
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Can dogs of all ages benefit from training?Absolutely! Dogs of all ages can benefit from training, whether they’re young puppies, energetic adolescents, or wise seniors. My personalised approach ensures that the training is tailored to your dog’s stage of life, personality, and unique needs. Puppies: Start your puppy off on the right paw with foundational skills and confidence-building games that prevent problem behaviours from developing. Adolescents: Channel that youthful energy into positive behaviours, setting boundaries and building their focus during this critical development stage. Seniors: Even older dogs can learn new tricks! Training helps keep their minds active, improves their quality of life, and strengthens the bond between you and your dog. This training is also perfect for multi-dog households at no extra charge—even when welcoming a new puppy into the pack. No matter the age or situation, there’s always something we can do to help your dog thrive.
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Is your training good for anxious dogs, anxious owners, or rescue dogs?Absolutely! At Busy Pawz, we specialise in supporting both anxious dogs and their owners to create harmony at home. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, fear, or adjusting to life with a new rescue, our personalised, one-on-one training is tailored to your needs—without the stress of group classes. As someone with six rescue dogs and experience fostering and re-homing over 100 dogs, I’m passionate about helping rescue dogs and their families thrive, no matter their background or challenges.
Empower Your Team & Grow Confident Dogs – Get Your Free Shelter Training Guide!
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