About Us
We support all training approaches that deliver results for dogs and ownersFocusing on Results Not Ideologies
We believe in uplifting each other, pushing each other to be better and supporting each other on our journey to be the best we can be.
Together we are striving to improve our bond with our canine companions, be it as dog owners, dog trainers, working dog handlers or as a community, PDTA welcomes all!
Why you need the PDTA and Why the PDTA needs you
Dog Training in Australia and many countries is an unregulated industry – this means Professional Dog Trainers also have no representation when it comes to important matters such as state and federal regulations on how dogs are best trained.
Furthermore, there are no Australian associations that represent all dog trainers or help them gain further education and certification.
Considering the rising number of dogs being killed every year, around 200 000 in Australia alone, with a large percentage of these dogs being killed due to behaviour problems, the lack of representation in our industry is a serious issue!
So many of these dogs could live happy, healthy lives if we could deliver better education to pet owners, give them access to trainers that are able to provide results and progress and help with behaviour modification when needed.
Adding to the complexities and difficulties in this industry is the great divide within the dog training and behaviour fields.
Professional dog trainers have no representation when it comes to important matters such as state and federal regulations on how dogs are best trained.
We support all professional training programs, concepts, training aids and ideologies that provide results – for dogs and their owners.
Some practitioners are highly focused on only using Force Free techniques and concepts, even when they are not achieving results with a particular dog, putting the dog’s life literally at risk.
PDTA members support all professional training programs, concepts, training aids and ideologies that provide results – for dogs and their owners!
We do not discriminate against any trainer, therefore, we welcome Force Free trainers to our organisation, as long as they meet our code of ethics.
Our organisation is strongly against limiting dog trainers to certain methods, quadrants or training aids as this only limits the help we can provide to dog owners who need it.
PDTA also supports all professional and ethical dog sports and working dog handlers who always keep their dog’s well-being at the forefront of their minds.
PTDA Board Members
Steve Courtney
PTDA President
Steve is well known for his work in Australia with K9Pro – The K9Professionals. Steve’s experience and expertise range from behaviour modification to performance dog training and most things in between.
Jacqui Zakar
PTDA Vice President
Jacqui is the founder and trainer at Dog Sense Training and Behaviour, specialising in behaviour modification, reactive and aggressive behaviour with a special interest in research.
Candace Spicer
PTDA Secretary
Candace has been a dog lover since her first German Shepherd at 6 years old and spent many years watching her Dad compete in ANKC obedience. Candace also dabbled in the junior sport shows back in the 80’s.
Candace is the Office Manager at K9 Pro, enjoys training her dogs and is an avid dog sport enthusiast.
Henna Kuusisto
PTDA Treasurer
Henna is heavily involved in dog sports with community organisations. She has has years of experience competing at the national level across multiple disciplines (ANKC and IGP).
Boyd Hooper
Board Member
Boyd has decades of experience in dog training, consulting, and breeding. He has trained and worked with some of the world’s leading authorities/experts in dog training.
Linda Barrett
Board Member
Linda founded Pawfect Manners Dog Training over 14 years ago providing lifestyle obedience and behaviour modification programs for all breeds. Training and certification of Therapy Dog Teams under Vic Govt.
Trish Cavarra
Board Member
Dog trainer and behaviour specialist for 25 years, running a successful dog training business, Four Paws K9 Training, as well as professional consultancy, Noble Canine Training and Behaviour. Trish runs a number of workshops from Conduct Dog Behaviour Assessment and Aggression in dogs. Trish is a published author of “When Three’s a Crowd” which discusses multiple dog household issues.
Sanne Pedersen
Board Member
Sanne has been heavily involved in IGP dogsport since 1991. Founder of Sydney Dogsport Club and president of Working German Shepherds & Dogsport Clubs of Australasia (WGSDCA) since 2015. She is a passionate advocate for responsible dog ownership and dogsports for the welfare of working dogs. Sanne represented Australia at three World IGP Championships.
Teale Shapcott
Board Member
Teale is a dedicated board member who is a strong advocate for outcomes-based training to the benefit of both the owner and their dog. She has a deep passion for the German Shepherd breed and leverages her digital expertise to promote responsible dog ownership. As a digital specialist and business coach, she blends technology, coaching and canine expertise for positive impact within the community.
Greg Tonkins
Board Member
Greig is the Founder of Blue Collar Canines, a professional dog trainer and involves his dogs in conservation and pest eradication and management.