Advice & guides

Dog training advice

Straight answers on puppies, reactivity, recall and what training costs, from a certified positive trainer on the Surf Coast. No jargon, no sales spin, just the guidance Cam gives his own clients.

Karen Pryor Academy certifiedPositive, science-based methodsAggression in Dogs Master Course5.0★ from 26 Google reviews
How to Teach Your Dog a Reliable Recall (Why Yelling Doesn't Work)
Training24 July 20267 min read

How to Teach Your Dog a Reliable Recall (Why Yelling Doesn't Work)

If your dog treats "come" as a suggestion, the problem is not stubbornness. Here is the science of building a recall that holds up at the beach, and the mistakes that quietly undo it.

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How Much Does Dog Training Cost in Geelong and the Surf Coast? (2026 Guide)
Costs7 min

How Much Does Dog Training Cost in Geelong and the Surf Coast? (2026 Guide)

A straightforward 2026 guide to what dog training costs across Geelong, the Bellarine and the Surf Coast, covering puppy courses, private behaviour sessions, group classes and multi-week programs.

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Dog-Friendly Beaches on the Surf Coast: A Local Trainer's Guide
Local6 min

Dog-Friendly Beaches on the Surf Coast: A Local Trainer's Guide

The Surf Coast is one of the best places in Australia to own a dog, but a great beach day depends on training, not luck. Here is how a local trainer approaches Torquay, Jan Juc, Anglesea and Ocean Grove.

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What Age Should My Puppy Start Training?
Puppies6 min

What Age Should My Puppy Start Training?

Puppies can start learning the day they come home, and the ideal time to join puppy school is shortly after their first vaccinations. Here is what the science says about the socialisation window and why starting early matters so much.

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Positive Reinforcement vs Balanced Dog Training: What the Science Says
Compare8 min

Positive Reinforcement vs Balanced Dog Training: What the Science Says

Positive reinforcement and balanced training are the two big schools of dog training, and the research comparing them is surprisingly clear. Here is a fair look at both, what the science actually says, and why we train the way we do.

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Why Is My Dog Reactive on Lead? (And What Actually Works)
Behaviour7 min

Why Is My Dog Reactive on Lead? (And What Actually Works)

Barking and lunging on lead is one of the most common problems owners face, and one of the most misunderstood. Here is what is really driving it, and how positive, science-based training changes it.

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Group Classes vs Private Dog Training: Which Is Right for Your Dog?
Compare6 min

Group Classes vs Private Dog Training: Which Is Right for Your Dog?

Group classes and private training solve different problems, and picking the wrong one wastes time and money. Here is an honest guide to which format suits your dog, and when it makes sense to use both.

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