More information on Birte

How did you get started with dog training?

I grew up in a small village in Germany and my neighbor used to train police dogs. He was still very dedicated to train his own dog when he retired. I was fascinated watching him and his dog Arko. He gave me some tips and tricks how to train my first dog Eddy.

What have you done professionally and personally with dogs?

Both paid and voluntarily. I have trained my dogs at obedience classes in Germany and Australia, work part time as an Animal Attendant at a doggy day care center and do volunteer work as an Animal Behaviour Trainer at the RSPCA.

What dog training education have you undertaken? Also what seminars have you attended?

– NDTF Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training (NDTF – National Dog Trainers Federation)
– Currently studying Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services (Delta Society)
– Training With Clarity Seminar (The K9 Company)
– First Aid for dogs (Doggy and Moggy)
– First Aid for Humans (St John Ambulance Australia)
– Online Seminar ‘Animal Behaviour and Welfare’ (University of Edinburgh)

What aspects of dog training and behaviour do you have particular interest in?

I have a special interest in supporting rescue dogs. They can be a little bit more challenging than getting a puppy but they all deserve a second chance. And there are also some really interesting dog sports like Agility, Tracking and Endurance.

What do you enjoy most about working with dogs?

That I am one of the lucky ones getting paid for my hobby 🙂

Tell us a bit about your own dogs?

I have adopted my first dog Ellie from the RSPCA Peninsula in March 2013. She is a crazy Kelpie x Staffy and loves to offer behaviours, that’s why it is so much fun to teach her tricks. Her hobbies are rolling in dog poo and sleeping.

My second dog Joey became part of our family in July 2013. We have adopted him from the Australian Animal Protection Society in Keysborough. I think he is a little bit of everything (but was ‘advertised’ as a Kelpie x). He was actually the reason why I decided to do the NDTF course as he had some issues I had to work on and I wanted to do it right from the beginning. Now he is a really happy boy that loves nothing more than his ball and some big cuddles!

What are your best two pieces of advice you can give to dog owners?

– Be fair to your dog, ‘yes’ is so much more important than ‘no’.
– Make sure that you and your furry friend are always enjoying training. Keep it fun and interesting for you and your dog and never train your dog when you are stressed or in a bad mood.