Dog Training Matters

PDTA
  • 5.0 (4)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

We are the Professional Dog Trainers Australia (PDTA). Our podcasts, ”Dog Training Matters” provides intelligent discussion, points of view and debates on a range of hot topics within the dog training industry in Australia. Our aim is to concentrate predominantly on matters that affect us…the dog trainers of Australia. However from time to time we will reach out to speak with the masters of their craft overseas as well. Join us in our mission of providing information, education and points of view on everything and anything dog training. Podcast hosts: Trish Cavarra (PDTA Board member) Jacqui Zakar (PDTA Board member) Steve Courtney (PDTA President) Boyd Hooper (PDTA Board member) Email: info@dogtrainersaustralia.org Web: dogtrainersaustralia.org Podcast Editor: Malachy Pedder

Episodes

  1. 12 MAY

    Interview with Addy - Service and Assistance Dogs series part 2

    In this second instalment of our Service and Assistance Dogs Podcast series, we interview Addy. Addy has spent many years working with dogs and is passionate about assistance dog training and life skills development. She works at K9 Pro – The K9 Professionals alongside her assistance dog, Sirius, a Labrador bred by Herzhund Kennels. Addy specialises in life skills, assistance dog team development, and Public Access Test preparation. She is also a strong advocate for education and awareness surrounding assistance and therapy dogs. Mentored by Steve Courtney, President of the PDTA, Addy helps both assistance dog handlers and pet owners build strong foundations in training, behaviour, and everyday manners. In this episode, Addy shares the many trials and tribulations involved in training assistance dogs, as well as the stigma and public perceptions that can come with service dogs in public spaces. Some of her experiences may astound you. Addy also openly discusses her beliefs and opinions on training techniques, and how she believes standards and practices within the industry can be improved. We hope you enjoy this episode. Guest: Addy De Jong Davis (assistance dog owner/trainer) Hosts: Linda Vickers (PDTA Board member) Boyd Hooper (PDTA Board member) Podcast Editor Malachy Pedder

    1 hr

  2. 29/09/2025

    From Military dogs to Assistance Dogs - the story of 'Horse' - Episode 5

    In this episode we speak with ‘Horse’ who is an ex Australian Military special forces soldier who served with the SAS and other units during the Afghanistan war. ‘Horse’ was instrumental in the introduction of dogs into the operational special forces units in Australia and played big role in taking those dogs into various fields of combat. ‘Horse’ also featured in the movie “Bravery and Betrayal”, the true story about SAS in Afghanistan. ‘Horse’ recounts how dogs got into the special operations in Australia and what their functions and roles are. We will also hear about the trials and tribulations of the initial training programs for these dogs, as well as what went wrong and the lessons that were learnt from mistakes made. Today ‘Horse’ owns and trains his assistance dog, a rescue Malinois x ACD, and discusses how training service dogs is no different to training military dogs. The level of obedience and control that is required is the same for both applications. Join us as we learn about this fascinating person and his dogs. Hosts Trish Cavarra (PDTA Board) Boyd Hooper (PDTA Board) Steve Courtney (PDTA President) Guest “Horse” Bravery and Betrayal movie: https://wanderingwarriors.org/bravery-betrayal-the-documentary/ Podcast Editor Malachy Pedder

    1hr 6min

  3. 23/07/2025

    Dogs and the Law - Part 2 Council related legislation and Bylaws - Episode 4

    This is Part 2 of our Dogs and the Law series where we speak with Kellie Elia who is an animal management specialist consultant to various local Councils around Western Australia. Kellie is a subject matter expert and regularly provides advice to local Councils on matters pertaining to dog attack prosecutions, menacing and dangerous dog declarations, as well as advising on local law matters. Kellie is also a dog behaviourist and trainer running her own business ‘In The Dog House’ in Perth, WA. Join us as we find out from a Council’s perspective on what the laws entail with regards to menacing and dangerous dog declarations and how the Council’s operate and prosecute for these situations. Your Professional Dog Trainers Australia (PDTA) podcast hosts are: Trish Cavarra (PDTA Board member) Steve Courtney (PDTA President) Email: info@dogtrainersaustralia.org Web: dogtrainersaustralia.org Guest: Kellie Elia, Animal Management Consultant and dog trainer Email: k9kellie@outlook.com Web: www.inthedoghousewa.com Podcast Editor: Malachy Pedder

    1hr 4min
  4. Dominance....debunked or not? Episode 3

    19/06/2025

    Dominance....debunked or not? Episode 3

    Dominance Has Been Debunked... Or Has It? Is dominance truly a myth? Or is there more to the story? In this episode, we dive deep into the complex and often controversial topic of dominance. Where did the concept originate and how has our understanding evolved over time? What really is dominance — and how does it show up in our domestic dogs? Are ritualised dominance displays misunderstood forms of communication? Or are they something more? We unpack the science, the history and the heated debates. Join us as we explore the facts, the myths and the fiery discussions that have sparked viral arguments across social media. Whether you're a seasoned trainer, a new dog owner, or just curious about the dominance debate — this one's for you. Don't miss it! Hosts: Trish Cavarra (PDTA Board Member) Jacqui Zakar (PDTA Board Member) Boyd Hooper (PDTA Board Member) Web: dogtrainersaustralia.org Email: info@dogtrainersaustralia.org

    53 min

  5. 21/05/2025

    Integrations between medication and training - Episode 2

    In this episode we speak with Melbourne based Veterinary Behaviour specialist Dr Michelle Rassool about the integration of medication and training to assist in the treatment of behavioural issues in dogs. We discuss how can trainers better understand the type of conditions/behaviours that can be assisted by way of integration of medication into the training/rehabilitation regime and well as discussion about working alongside each profession ie, vets working alongside referring trainers and vice versa. What about side effects of some medications? Join us as we ask Dr Michelle the questions dog trainers have always wanted to ask about medicating dogs for behavioural issues. Podcast Guest Dr Michelle Rassool can be contacted via her website: www.drmichellerassool.com.au Podcast Hosts Trish Cavarra (PDTA Board member) Steve Courtney (PDTA President) Jacqui Zakar (PDTA Board member) www.dogtrainersaustralia.org Email: info@dogtrainersaustralia.org

    1hr 1min

  6. 23/04/2025

    Dogs and the Law - Part 1 Understanding dog laws - Episode 1

    Dogs and the Law - Episode 1 : Understanding dog laws Do you know what the Local Laws are around dogs escaping your home? What about if your dog attacks another dog or person? Or the Council officer knocks on your door to seize your dog? What do you need to do if this happens to you or a client of yours? In this multi-part podcast series, Dogs and the Law, we speak with Michael Faltermaier from Michael Faltermaier Lawyers about these very matters. In this, episode 1, we delve into what your rights and obligations are if your dog gets into trouble. We ask Michael the questions with regards to your rights if your dog being seized by local Council officers. Join us for this very interesting topic, on this, our very first podcast for the Professional Dog Trainers Australia (PDTA). Podcast hosts: Trish Cavarra (PDTA Board member) Steve Courtney (PDTA President) Boyd Hooper (PDTA Board member) Email: info@dogtrainersaustralia.org Web: dogtrainersaustralia.org Guest: Michael Faltermaier, Michael Faltermaier Lawyers. Email: michaelfaltermaierlawyers@gmail.com Podcast Editor: Malachy Pedder

    1hr 11min
  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

We are the Professional Dog Trainers Australia (PDTA). Our podcasts, ”Dog Training Matters” provides intelligent discussion, points of view and debates on a range of hot topics within the dog training industry in Australia. Our aim is to concentrate predominantly on matters that affect us…the dog trainers of Australia. However from time to time we will reach out to speak with the masters of their craft overseas as well. Join us in our mission of providing information, education and points of view on everything and anything dog training. Podcast hosts: Trish Cavarra (PDTA Board member) Jacqui Zakar (PDTA Board member) Steve Courtney (PDTA President) Boyd Hooper (PDTA Board member) Email: info@dogtrainersaustralia.org Web: dogtrainersaustralia.org Podcast Editor: Malachy Pedder

Information

  • Creator
    PDTA
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Professional Dog Trainers Australia 2025

You Might Also Like