Dog Training · Torquay, Geelong & the Surf Coast

Dog Training in Torquay & the Surf Coast

Positive, science-based training for reactive, anxious or just plain over-excited dogs, from a Karen Pryor Academy certified trainer rated 5.0★ from 26 Google reviews.

5.0 ★★★★★ from 26 Google reviews
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner
Aggression Specialist Shikashio Master Course
Torquay Local Geelong & the Surf Coast
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Reviews

What Surf Coast dog owners say

5.0 ★★★★★ · 26 verified Google reviews
★★★★★ ✓ Google verified

“We can’t thank Cam enough for his commitment and patience with us and with our rescue dog Scotty. Cam has been amazing at training us as owners and Scotty.”

Kendel VanWorkum
Scotty · rescue dog
★★★★★ ✓ Google verified

“I would highly recommend this 6-week puppy course! The positive, reward-based training methods were easy to follow and made learning enjoyable for me and my puppy. I saw a huge improvement in my puppy’s confidence, behaviour, and obedience. Cam was knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely cared about every dog in the class.”

Chantel Lappin
Jasper · 6-week puppy course
★★★★★ ✓ Google verified

“Our beloved Golden is a little nervous Nelly and had a few issues with reactivity and anxiousness. Cam worked closely with us to build our dog’s confidence, teaching us the skills as his owners to tackle these issues with positive reinforcement. We’ve gone from crossing the road when we see another dog coming to taking him to the busiest dog spots.”

Abby Peach
Barney · reactivity & anxiety
★★★★★ ✓ Google verified

“Cam is incredibly knowledgeable, approachable, and easy to work with. He took the time to understand our girls and our goals, and provided practical guidance that was easy to implement in everyday life. His advice was realistic, tailored to our situation, and made a real difference straight away.”

Jane Cox
Miso & Saké · Kelpie sisters
★★★★★ ✓ Google verified

“We adopted a 1.5yo kelpie who previously had no training. We felt overwhelmed by the challenge of taking on this adolescent high-energy dog. Cam helped us take it back to basics. It was just what we needed! If you’ve just adopted a dog, I HIGHLY recommend getting yourself a pack of sessions.”

Rachella Thomas
Simon · adopted Kelpie
★★★★★ ✓ Google verified

“We’ve just completed Cam’s six week puppy training course and we can’t recommend him highly enough! Such a lovely way to train in a very positive environment. Our Golden Retriever has responded very well. If you put in the time at home in between sessions you’ll no doubt see great results very quickly.”

Freya Briede
Sasha · 6-week puppy course
★★★★★ ✓ Google verified

“Dog whisperer! Cam was able to calmly instruct Hazel and us on how to better work with Hazel on several habits that we were wanting to alter. Cam was flexible with scheduling classes and really listened to what the issues were. Highly recommend Cam as an intuitive, calm and wonderful dog trainer.”

Caitlin Doble
Hazel · private sessions
★★★★★ ✓ Google verified

“My nearly 1yo American staffy who has severe anxiety and associated reactive behaviours has come a long way for her in just 2 sessions!! Sylvie is starting to trust Cam and has shown positive signs towards being able to live a life free from fear. I cannot thank you enough!”

Melissa Charles
Sylvie · anxiety & reactivity

Read all 26 reviews and success stories →

Services

Training built around your dog

Puppy foundations, private behaviour work, group practice or a recall you can trust. Whichever actually fits.

6-Week Puppy Training Course with The Surf Coast Dog Trainer

6-Week Puppy Training Course

Raise a calm, confident, well-behaved puppy without the guesswork. Small classes at Surf Coast Rural, Torquay.

  • Six weekly 60-minute classes, max 6 puppies
  • Positive, reward-based methods only (Karen Pryor Academy principles)
  • Marker training, sit, down, recall, loose lead walking, settling
Learn more
Private Behaviour Training with The Surf Coast Dog Trainer

Private Behaviour Training

One-on-one help for reactivity, anxiety, resource guarding and impulse control, built around your dog.

  • In-home or on-location sessions, starting with a 90-minute consult
  • Reactivity, anxiety, resource guarding, impulse control
  • Science-based positive reinforcement
Learn more
Group Drop-In Classes with The Surf Coast Dog Trainer

Group Drop-In Classes

Flexible, pay-as-you-go training at Connewarre Memorial Reserve, 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month.

  • $30 per session, drop-in, no booking required
  • 1st and 3rd Saturday monthly, February to November
  • Intermediate 8:30 to 9:30am · Introductory 9:30 to 10:30am
Learn more
Recall & Advanced Courses with The Surf Coast Dog Trainer

Recall & Advanced Courses

Three-week, small-group courses that take your dog beyond the basics. All held at Surf Coast Rural, Torquay.

  • 3-week courses, three 60-minute sessions each
  • Small groups: max 3 to 5 dogs depending on the course
  • Force-free, reward-based methods only
Learn more

How it works

Three simple steps

No jargon, no aversive tools. Just a plan that fits your dog.

01

A free chat about your dog

Tell Cam what is going on: the behaviour, the history, what you have already tried.

15 minutes
02

A plan built for your dog

Private sessions, the puppy course, group classes or recall work, whichever actually fits.

Same week
03

Real progress, positively

Science-based, reward-led training with practice you can keep up at home.

Ongoing
Cameron Fennell with a golden retriever outside the Torquay training venue Cam walking with a Labrador and a Kelpie at the park

Meet Cam

Helping dogs and their people

The Surf Coast Dog Trainer is Cameron Fennell, a certified positive reinforcement trainer based in Torquay. There are two kinds of dog training: one relies on correction and discipline, the other rewards the behaviour you want until it becomes the behaviour you get. Cam only practises the second, because that is the one the science backs.

From puppy foundations to serious reactivity and aggression work, every session is built around your dog, not a one-size-fits-all program.

Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner badge
Karen Pryor Academy, Certified Training Partner
Aggression in Dogs Master Course certificate of completion
Aggression in Dogs Master Course, Michael Shikashio

Questions, answered

Do you use e-collars or other aversive tools?

No. Every method is science-based, positive reinforcement. Cam is Karen Pryor Academy certified and trained specifically in low-stress approaches to aggression and reactivity.

How many sessions before I see a difference?

Every dog is different, but most owners notice a shift within the first few sessions. Real behaviour change, not just a quiet-room trick, builds with consistency over a few weeks.

Do you come to us, or do we come to you?

Private sessions can run at your home or on-location depending on the issue. Cam recommends what suits your dog best on the free chat.

What areas do you cover?

Torquay, Jan Juc, Geelong, Waurn Ponds, Highton, Ocean Grove, Anglesea and the wider Surf Coast. Call 0402 225 860 to check your suburb.

How much does training cost?

Group drop-in classes are $30 a session with no booking needed. The 6-week puppy course starts at $250. Private training packages are $400 (3 sessions) or $600 (5-session reactivity and behaviour), and three-week advanced courses run from $160. Every dog is different, so book a free chat and Cam will recommend the option that fits.

Where do classes run?

Puppy courses and advanced courses run at Surf Coast Rural, 5/22 Cylinders Drive, Torquay. Group drop-in classes run at Connewarre Memorial Reserve (next to the Connewarre CFA) on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month. Private sessions run at your home or on location.

How do I get started?

Book a free chat about your dog. Tell Cam the behaviour, the history and what you have already tried, and he will recommend the option that actually fits. No obligation.

Service area

Serving Torquay & the Surf Coast

Based in Torquay. Training dogs across Geelong, the Bellarine and the wider Surf Coast.

Free chat

Tell Cam what's going on.

A quick chat about your dog's behaviour, history and what you've already tried, then a plan that actually fits. No obligation.

Prefer to talk? 0402 225 860 · thesurfcoastdogtrainer@gmail.com

No obligation. Your details stay private and go straight to Cam.

📞 Call Cam Book a free chat