My Story
Hi, I’m Ernie, The Dog Bloke.
As a young kid of 15 I was playing with the family German Shepherd at a park and was spotted by a dog trainer and asked if I wanted a weekend job working dogs. Of course I readily accepted and my first job was as a decoy, with a bite sleeve, training protection dogs. Three decades of training, professional development and exposure to a plethora of dogs, in all disciplines, have built the trainer I am today.
I completed my Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training in Australia and my thirst for “best practices” pushes me to stay current with training techniques according to the most recent research. I have travelled overseas to study with wonderful trainers (including Bob Bailey, Heather Beck, Cheri Lucas, Mike Suttle) on my ever evolving pursuit to increase my theoretical and practical knowledge.
I strive to educate people on dogs and canine behaviour, to not only reduce dog bites but improve the synergistic human-canine relationship.
I'm a Breeder and exhibitor of Dalmatians and pride myself on working with every breed of dog and to help owners and dog understand each other.
As a Dog Behaviour Consultant I work with private clients, specialising in
- Dog-dog and dog-human aggression
- Behaviour Modification
- Fearful and Phobic Dogs
- Life Training
- Obedience Training
- Boarding and Training
- Dog Socials
- Therapy Dogs
- Temperament Testing
- Government Organisations
Collaborations:
• Consultant to DEDJTR for the evolution of the Responsible Pet Ownership Program (RPOP) – dog bite prevention in Primary schools and Kindergartens
• Test and train dogs for the RPOP for the VIC, NSW and SA state governments.
• Provide professional development workshops and support for RPOP handlers in three states.
• Trialled and titled many dogs in ANKC obedience.
• Breeder Consultant for the Department of Primary Industries to create an “Animal Welfare Tool” for pet owners, dog trainers and veterinarians.
• Conduct workshops for on “Dog Bite Prevention and Harm Minimisation”.
• Currently lecture in most States of Australia on club instruction and ‘Training the Trainer’.
• Convened and facilitated weekly group and individual obedience and Social classes.
• Work for Victoria, NSW & S.A. state governments to advise consumers on creating a safe environment for both baby and dog through behaviour adjustments.
• Consultant to DEDJTR for the evolution of the Responsible Pet Ownership Program (RPOP) – dog bite prevention in Primary schools and Kindergartens
• Test and train dogs for the RPOP for the VIC, NSW and SA state governments.
• Provide professional development workshops and support for RPOP handlers in three states.
• Trialled and titled many dogs in ANKC obedience.
• Breeder Consultant for the Department of Primary Industries to create an “Animal Welfare Tool” for pet owners, dog trainers and veterinarians.
• Conduct workshops for on “Dog Bite Prevention and Harm Minimisation”.
• Currently lecture in most States of Australia on club instruction and ‘Training the Trainer’.
• Convened and facilitated weekly group and individual obedience and Social classes.
• Work for Victoria, NSW & S.A. state governments to advise consumers on creating a safe environment for both baby and dog through behaviour adjustments.