Dog and Puppy Training in Balmain
and Sydney's Inner West
What is Positive DogTraining?
Force-free, reward and management based training is the most effective and easiest approach to teaching your dog and ensuring they are eager to play the training game.
Positive, reward-based dog training isn't permissive but rather it's about teaching your dog the behaviour you want to see, in a gentle, force-free way they understand, which is a fun and positive experience for both dog and handler.
Developing a strong, healthy working relationship, built on mutual respect and trust is the foundation of successful training. At Positively Rewarding, the training method I use is based primarily on positive reinforcement; a method which is backed by decades of scientific study. Reward based training is recommended by the Australian Veterinary Association, Veterinary Behaviourists, the RSPCA and the Animal Welfare League.
These techniques strengthen the human-canine bond, asthey make training fun for both parties!
My Services
I offer a variety of private training options and group puppy and adolescent classes in
the Balmain peninsula and Sydney's Inner West.
Can a trainer come to my home?
Yes! Private one-on-one consultations and lessons can be booked for a time that suits you, andconducted in your home. New puppy basics, adolescent and adult dog manners training.
Are there any group puppy or dog classes in Balmain?
Yes! Give your new puppy a great start with Puppy School at Balmain Village Vet Clinic. You can both learn in a safe, friendly environment and take advantage of your puppy's precious Critical Period for Socialisation. Keep learning with Life Skills class in Birchgrove, where we work on all the elements to help your dog become a well-mannered member of the family and society.
I'm really busy. Can a trainer do the work for me?
You get on with the rest of your life while I train! This is where I bring your dog up to speed before you get involved. Your dog can make faster progress in the hands of a professional before I hand the lead over.
Are you frustrated and confused by your dog's behaviour Issues?
Behavioural issues are not responsive to manners training but rather require a behaviour modification program, workablemanagement strategies and in some cases a referral to a Veterinary Behaviourist.
About Me - Cath Jennings MDI (CPDT)
With over 25 years experience working with animals both large and small, I have a range of qualifications including Companion Animal Services in Dog Behaviour and Training with the Delta Institute and am a Delta Accredited Canine Good Citizen Instructor. I'm a certified Family Dog Mediator, having completed renowned Applied Ethologist and Behaviour Consultant and trainer Kim Brophey's L.E.G.S - Applied Ethology - Family Dog Mediation Professional Course. In my past life I was also an accredited Veterinary Nurse and have further qualifications in Horse Management, from the Institute of Technology Ultimo and The British Horse Society.
As an individual, I believe in the humane treatment of animals at all times. My work in a variety of industries, with a number of species, led me here, to a place free of exploitation, where I know that I am helping dogs and their humans have a better life together by creatinga relationship built on trust, kindness and mutual understanding.
Along with my work at Positively Rewarding, I have also worked with the behaviour team at a large local animal shelter and am a member of a number of industry associations including the Delta Institute, the APDT (Australian Association of Pet Dog Trainers) and the PPGA (Pet Professional Guild Australia)
I continue to build on my education with further study by taking professional courses and regularly attending dog behaviour conferences, seminars and webinars, to ensure my knowledge is up-to-date, enabling me to provide you with the latest knowledge in behaviour and training.
Testimonials
As an 83 year old, I found it difficult to carry out the exercises Cath was teaching me. She suggested she work with my little dog Buddy and get him to the point where he was more comfortable with the big, bad world. Buddy loves Cath and we both looked forward to her twice weekly visits. After working with Buddy for a number of weeks, Cath did some work with the two of us and gradually got us to the point where we (sadly!) no longer need her. Buddy and I are now confidently walking the neighbourhood, which has improved his life and is also good for my health. I am extremely happy with the work Cath put in and also all her advice. Buddy and I could not give Cath higher praise!
James & 'Buddy'
Dear Cath,
Working with you was Positively Rewarding for Nancy and our whole family! We all responded to your warmth and your calm approach. Your simple and effective strategies helped Nancy overcome her anxiety from life as a racing greyhound and soon had her enjoying her new life as a family pet. She is a treasure and so are you. Many thanks.
The Sanderson Family & 'Nancy'
We had decided to purchase our first family dog and engaged Cath to help us with the pre-purchase advice and guidance. We were very focused on ensuring we found a dog with the right temperament for our family, especially as we were looking at rescue dogs.
Cath was a brilliant support! She helped with breed advice, specific rescue dog advice, recommended where to look for a dog, etc. Once we found our preferred pup, she gave us advice on what to look for when meeting him and reviewed footage of his behaviour with us. We ended up with a very calm, placid and patient dog who is great with all types and sizes of people and dogs. I know that without Cath's knowledge or experience we would not have ended up with our lovely Ted.
Once we brought Ted home, we continued to engage Cath for help with transitioning him, behaviour, training, etc. Again, Cath's advice was invaluable. She is a wealth of information and up to date on dog behaviour and training techniques. Cath is also not afraid to modify techniques or advice as needed, if they are not working for the dog or the human.
Absolutely would not hesitate to recommend Cath for anyone looking to purchase a dog or to work on their current dog's behaviour and training. She is knowledgeable, patient, kind, so great with dogs and a lovely person to boot.
Ceris & 'Ted'
Contact Cath on 0421188819