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About me
I've been training dogs professionally since the age of 12 and have worked extensively as an instructor for both private and volunteer-based organisations.
I completed my PhD in 2022, where I focused on how dogs experience their veterinary visits, and strategies that can be used to facilitate stress-free visits.
I love tailoring my approach to each unique situation. I ensure that my training and management plans and educational programs are practical, realistic and specific to you.
Few people have the time or energy to devote hours per day to training or changing behaviour, so I will work with you to ensure both your pet's needs and yours are met.
Curriculum Vitae
Academic Qualifications
PhD (Animal Science)
Graduate Diploma (Psychology)
Bachelor of Science (Animal Behavior) Hons. (Animal Science)
Cert IV (Training & Assessment)
Professional Certifications
Certified Applied Animal Behaviourist (CAAB; Animal Behavior Society)
Professional Canine Trainer - Accredited (PCT-A) (Pet Professional Accreditation Board)
Fear Free Certified Professional
CAP 1 & 2 (Clicker Training Competency Assessment Programme)
TAG Teach Level 2
Employment background
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Dog behavioural trainer and coach (now animal behaviourist) (2007-Current)
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Seminar presenter on behaviour and training (2015 - Current)
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Local government (2015-2022 - Animal Management) (2023-Current - Education/ Engagement in Animal Management)
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Shelter/Rescue Training & Development (2021-2023)
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Course tutor and demonstrator, Principles in Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics, University of Adelaide (2015-2022)
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Kong Advisor (training and enrichment education) (2016-2020)
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Dogwise Tutor, WEA (2017-2020)
Scientific Publications
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Edwards, PT., Smith, BP., McArthur, ML., and Hazel, SJ. (2023). Implementing Stress-Reducing Veterinary Care: Perceptions of Australian Veterinary Professionals Working with Dogs. Anthrozoös, pp 1-24. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2023.2204639
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Edwards, PT., Smith, BP., McArthur, ML., and Hazel, SJ. 2022, ‘Puppy pedicures: Exploring the experiences of Australian dogs to nail trims’. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, Vol 255, pp105730. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105730
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Edwards, PT., Smith, BP., McArthur, ML., and Hazel, SJ. 2022. ‘At the heart of a dog's veterinary experience: Heart rate responses in dogs vary across a standard physical examination’. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, Vol 51, pp 23-34. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2022.03.003
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Edwards PT., Hazel, SJ., Browne, M., Serpell, J., McArthur, ML. and Smith, BP. 2019, ‘Investigating risk factors that predict a dog’s fear during veterinary consultations’, PLOS ONE, Vol 14, pp1-18. doi: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0215416
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Edwards, PT., Smith, BP., McArthur, ML. and Hazel, SJ. 2019, ‘Fearful Fido: Investigating dog experience in the veterinary context in an effort to reduce distress’, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, Vol 213, pp 14-25. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2019.02.009
Professional Development
Highlights of the last few years
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Animal Training Conference, Ken Ramirez and Susan Friedman, Australasian Society of Zoo Keeping, Aus, 2025
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Association of Pet Dog Trainers (Aus) Conference, 2017, 2019, 2023, 2025
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Association of Applied Behaviour Analysis Australia Conference, 2022, 2025
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Skills Safari, Ken Ramirez, IMDT (Aus), 2024
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Paws & Reflect, Dr. Sarah Heath (Veterinary Behaviour Specialist), 2023
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Geek Week 2.0, Pet Professional Guild Confernce, 2021 (online)
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Pet Professional Guild (Aus) Conference, 2018
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Chicken Training Camps with Terry Ryan, 2015, 2017
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Pet Professional Guild Conference, 2015, USA
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Contemporary Animal Training and Management Workshop, with Steve Martin and Susan Friedman, 2015, USA
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Living and Learning with Animals, with Susan Friedman, 2015 (online)
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Professional Animal Training Seminar, with Ken Ramirez, 2015, USA
My training approach
I use positive reinforcement (rewarding behaviour we want to see more of), without the use of aversive consequences or physical compulsion to build better behaviour. Positive reinforcement is well established in the scientific literature as an effective and compassionate training method with no observed behavioural fallout.
We can work together to find ways positive reinforcement will work for you.
Remember we are teaching animals brand new and unnatural skills (e.g. don't chase, bark, or pull on lead) in a language that they don't speak - it's important that we are patient while we teach them the ropes. After all, their quality of life is reflected by how well we care for them.
Training assistants
My partner Chris and I share in life's adventures with two gorgeous Rottweilers. Gus and Gwen are so fun to learn from and to teach, and make us laugh every day. They help keep me mindful, grateful and in the present. I hope every pet parent is able to share such a strong and trusting relationship with their dogs - one of the many wonderful reasons I'm in the industry.
