BY YOUR SIDE Dog Training Coach

22/09/2026

First lesson for our new pups in the vets tonight. Lovely play and exploration of the ball pit and tunnel. Watch them blitz the beginnings of 'Leave It' and sitting with small distractions.

15/09/2026

We've just finished week 5 for four lovely pups and their families.

Tonight we talked about vet visits and visits to the groomers. We want to make it a good experience for your puppy because they have a lifetime ahead of these visits.

We discussed essential tips for a smooth visit now and in the future. Being calm in the waiting room, and being comfortable in an examination. They learnt how to sit, drop and stand and even learnt a skill zookeepers use for examinations. We want your puppy to feel safe and calm at the vets.

Well done Zuko, Muly, Ollie and Belle. Congratulations! We loved having you in class 😊🐾

October Puppy Pre-School is open for registration. Lessons start 12th October. Go to our website or DM me to book your spot.

14/09/2026

A new Puppy class is starting tonight. We talk about the course; we discuss socialisation; what it is and how to do it well. We talk about how to manage your puppy while they learn manners and your house rules. We also begin some exercises: getting your pups focus, a default sit and the beginnings of settling on the mat. The lesson is online so you can concentrate and your puppy is not distracted while they learn these key exercises. It sets you up for a positive experience next week at the lesson in the vets. 😊🐾

03/09/2026

IS YOUR DOG OBEDIENT AT HOME AND NAUGHTY ON LEAD?

Are you frustrated when your dog loses control around distractions? We understand this can be irritating, particularly if you’ve tried everything and their behaviour isn’t improving. It probably doesn't make sense why they become a different dog when you step out for your daily walk.

We hear these complaints all the time. “My dog knows how to sit, drop and stay. They are so good at home, but they are stubborn when we are out walking. They don’t listen to anything I’m saying, and I just want them to be more obedient when I’m out and about.”

Here’s three reasons why this might be happening:

1. Dogs explore the world with their noses. It’s a highly enriching part of their walk. They are enormously curious and their instinct is in control when there is an abundance of distractions to be investigated. Once in the sniffing zone, they become like a teenager on TikTok …. They can’t hear you! To have a fulfilling walk, your dog needs to sniff, we can show you how to stop them pulling outrageously towards all the sniffs?

2. Dogs have a great love of life, especially puppies and adolescent dogs! They make us smile and make us feel good. But let’s face it; for a dog that loves running and jumping and sniffing and playing; obedience training can be quite dry and boring. It requires a lot of impulse control, exhausting concentration and a lot less fun! We can make it fun and engaging for you and your dog.

3. On the other hand, if you have a dog that is a little worried about the world, they may be completely overwhelmed, anxious, fearful or overexcited. This sensitive state affects their sense of safety. Asking a dog in this state to lie down can make them feel very vulnerable, and they will resist, which we interpret as ‘stubborn’. We can help you identify if your dog is over-excited or overwhelmed.

Register now for our 6-week course starting 19th September to tackle these really normal behaviours you are experiencing.
Here are the course details:

From Arousal Overload to Team Focus! (Pattern Games for Life Skills (Lvl 1))

• 9am Saturday mornings, weekly from 19 Sept to 31October (no class on the long weekend of 3 October)
• 6-week course / 1 hour per week at Canine Education Academy, 1783 Tourist Road, Mount Murray (Robertson in the Southern Highlands)
• Each week you submit one short (30-60sec) video to your instructor for mid-week coaching
• Professionally trained and qualified instructors

Jenny Harlow and I have, over 20 years combined experience in pet dog training, and we adopt the latest scientifically proven, kind and effective training methods. We can help you get your training back on track; and have some fun too. We train in a dedicated all weather, canine training space.

If the course sounds like it could help you here’s the link to book:
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfMJABXkip.../viewform...

For further questions, or you want to update me on life with your gorgeous dog, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I love catching up with past puppies!

Oh, and If you know of anyone who might find this course helpful, please don’t hesitate to forward this post to them.

01/09/2026

Have you noticed your dog doesn’t listen to you when you’re at the park or on lead walks? They switch off! They don’t remember you’re on the other end of the lead and they pull like crazy. They want to sniff smells, say hello to people and greet other dogs! They are busy, and they aren’t interested in you. Their recall has been shot to pieces too. You call their name until your blue in the face, and they don’t so much as give you a glance.

Here’s five reasons why the wheels might be falling off your training:

1. First of all, if your dog is between 6 and 24 months, your dog’s hormones are kicking in and their body is getting bigger and stronger, but their brain is still immature.
2. There adolescent brain can’t control their emotions, and excitement; and jumping wins. Hands down!
3. Practise makes perfect, so if they have been pulling on lead walks, they will be getting very good at it.
4. … and don’t forget; dogs naturally walk faster than us. They have four legs, we have two.
5. Mix in environmental distractions which are soooooo rewarding for your dog.

You have a recipe for a frustrating time with your dog, especially on walks.

This course will give you the strategies, support and practice to flip your current training.

1. Your dog will learn to be less excitable and improve their impulse control even when there are distractions.
2. You will discover that your dog listens to you in different environments.
3. You will learn how to give them the best walk, so it’s a win-win for both of you.
4. And they will ‘love’ coming to you when you call.

With a few key games you will transform your adolescent dog’s behaviour from chaotic to calm.

We are offering a 6-week course starting 19th September to tackle these really normal behaviours you are experiencing.

Here are the course details:
From Arousal Overload to Team Focus! (Pattern Games for Life Skills (Lvl 1))
• 9am Saturday mornings, weekly from 19 Sept to 31October (no class on the long weekend of 3 October)
• 6-week course / 1 hour per week at Canine Education Academy, 1783 Tourist Road, Mount Murray (Robertson in the Southern Highlands)
• Each week you submit one short (30-60sec) video to your instructor for mid-week coaching
• Professionally trained and qualified instructors

If the course sounds like it could help see the 🔗in the comments to book your spot:

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to DM me.

Oh, and If you know of anyone who might find this course helpful, please don’t hesitate to forward this email to them.

22/08/2026

Highly recommend Serenity Scent Work 🙂🐾

🐾 Just 2 more sleeps!

This Sunday you'll find Ninja and I at International Dog Day at Retford Park.

If you've been curious about K9 Nose Work® or Mantrailing, this is the perfect chance to come and have a chat. There'll be sniffing activities for dogs of all ages and experience levels, and I'm always happy to answer questions (you might even struggle to get me to stop talking 😂).

Whether you're already part of the Serenity family or we've only ever chatted online, please come and say hello. I'd genuinely love to meet you and your dog. 💜🐾

See you Sunday, 10am - 4pm!

Retford Park - National Trust NSW

21/08/2026

Congratulations to our latest Puppy Pre-Schoolers, Lucy and Fleck. Well done everyone!

27/07/2026

18/06/2026

CONGRATULATIONS to our second group of Puppy Pre-school graduates. Rue, Jaddah and Maple! Well done everyone!

Our next intake is Monday 20th July online, followed by four lessons at Moss Vale Veterinary Centre, Berrima Rd, Moss Vale. All lessons are from 6pm to 7pm.

🔗in the comments to reserve your spot or go to the website for more information (🔗also in the comments)