The reason I have a list of preferred trainers is that there are, sadly, still some dog trainers who persist in using techniques that involve the use of inhumane tools and techniques. These trainers will never be recommended by me.
As a qualified Behaviour Veterinarian I have a strong ethical commitment to DO NO HARM. It is irresponsible to advise treatments that involve punishment when it has been clearly shown that punishment can make these animals worse and endanger their caregivers.
The following is a list of trainers who I work closely with and I can vouch for their knowledge, care and commitment. All the trainers below employ positive reinforcement and see the value in working closely with a behaviour veterinarian. Together the best possible outcome can be achieved.
Colleen O'dea - Manners'n More
Here's what Colleen says...
"Manners ’n’ More Companion Dog Training has been privileged to not just refer to Dr Nicole but to work together for a number of my clients. It has reinforced for me that the inclusion of a veterinary behaviourist is a vital ingredient to the whole recipe that makes up the Behaviour Modification Process. Together we achieve outstanding results for dog/s and their owners.
Behaviour Modification Recipe
Ingredients
1. Dog
2. Owner/s
3. Qualified Dog Trainer
4. Qualified Veterinary Behaviourist
Method
Combine ingredients 1, 2, 3 & 4 into a bowl, discuss in-depth the behaviours of ingredient 1.
Ingredient 4, knowing that not all behaviours are as simple as communication issues, but can be signs of underlying anxiety disease, can improve ingredient 2’s understanding of why ingredient 1 may not be emulsifying as expected.
Mix thoroughly the knowledge and skills of ingredients 3 & 4 to develop a plan to improve emulsification of ingredient 1.
Ingredients 2 and 3 combine to raise and proof, whilst knowing ingredient 4 is always there to add a little extra to the recipe when needed.
For Outstanding Results
Regular training, updates and reviews where necessary by all ingredients will increase the desired result to increase the quality of ingredient 1’s life."
Sonya Bevan - Dog Charming
Here's what Sonya says...
"Working with fearful, anxious and aggressive dogs is my passion. These dogs respond really well to behaviour modification. They often need pharmaceutical assistance in order to get the best out of a behaviour modification plan. That’s why forming a working alliance with a vet behaviour consultant who specializes in animal behaviour and pharmaceutical intervention was a total windfall. It’s not only Dr Nicole’s expertise in animal behaviour that makes her a Godsend to animals with behaviour issues, it’s her empathy to animals in need as well as to their care-givers. She is committed to providing a science based, ethical and compassionate service. Yet it doesn’t stop there. She is truly interested in the wellbeing of her clients and encourages clients to remain in contact with regular updates. Working with Dr Nicole has been a collaboration resulting in truly gratifying results for our mutual clients. Her mentorship and willingness to share her expert knowledge with colleagues means I have access to the information I need for difficult cases. As if that wasn’t enough, Dr Nicole continues to strive for excellence with the pursuit of continuing education. As long as there are animals needing help with behaviour, I have no doubt Dr Nicole will be providing the best possible care and advice available."
Simone Tuten CPDT-KA - Positive Pets
0427 972 856
Here's what Simone says...
"As someone who has worked with canine behaviour cases professionally since 2008, finally having Veterinary Behaviour Consultants in Western Australia has been a game changer.
In those early days, for dogs with behavioural health issues it was necessary to liaise with the client, Veterinary Behaviour Consultants based in the Eastern States and veterinarians in Perth. It was cumbersome and challenging process at times but it was the best we could do for those dogs.
Now a days we are so fortunate to have such a compassionate, experienced, dedicated and committed Veterinary Behaviour Consultant based in Western Australia.
Working collaboratively with Dr Nicole has resulted in improved behavioural health outcomes and well-being of dogs with medical, genetic or trauma related behavioural health issues."
The Doggy Lady
Here's what Fiona Cowie says:
"Training, along with lifestyle changes, can be so beneficial in changing a dog’s behaviour. However, sometimes we come across dogs where training just isn’t enough. We find these dogs need the expert assistance of a behaviour vet. This can be a challenging decision for owners, but the resounding response from our clients who work with Dr Nicole Lobry de Bruyn is ‘I wish we had done this earlier’.
As a trainer, I am most impressed with the time and care Dr Nicole takes with her clients, often holding lengthy discussions with trainers like myself and she provides amazing support, not just to her clients but also to trainers, vets and others in the industry.
We have three trainers at The Doggy Lady, all with different niche areas (we love helping with husbandry training, adore the quirky border collies and enjoy working with those frustrated greeters who are often labelled as ‘hyperactive’). One of our specialities is enrichment - especially scentwork - and we love that Dr Nicole also sees the benefit of such activities (as does her adorable Murphy!).
If you have a dog who is having a difficult time, you are in safe and supportive hands with Dr Nicole."
Simone Thomas
amicuspettraining@gmail.com 0411 619 712
Here's what Simone says...
I've been in the habit of working with veterinary behaviourists for many years now to complement my training experiences with clients. There are some behaviour problems that we as trainers simply cannot address without help. As a wise person once said: "if your boat has a hole in the bottom, no amount of teaching someone how to row will stop the boat from sinking, and they'll simply be spending all their time bailing the water out".
Dr Nicole's genuine interest in, and empathy for, each individual animal and person that she sees places her in a unique position to dispense thoughtful and competent advice on 'fixing the boat'. She has a genuine interest in maintaining current best practice and education, and her background as a GP vet of many years gives her a solid foundation of the difference between behaviour that is expressed normally and behaviour that makes living an ordinary functional life difficult; as well as understanding and addressing the distress that this can cause the human component of the relationship.
Working with Dr Nicole allows me to maintain contact with my clients whilst at the same time knowing that I always have her knowledge and experience available to reinforce any behaviour modification work that I might be doing. I am very happy to be able to refer clients to Dr Nicole because I know that she will approach each individual case with care and consideration.
amicuspettraining@gmail.com 0411 619 712
Emma Norton - Perth Paws Dog Training
mobile: 0403818789
Here's what Emma says...
"We know animals feel emotions and can suffer in similar ways to humans, and like us they can also be predisposed either through genetics or life experiences, to exhibit problematic behaviours. The best solution to helping our animals through these difficulties is a combination of medical and behavioural approaches.
Animals do not speak the same language as us so an experienced vet behaviourist has invaluable scientific insight to help caregivers and their animals. They understand that an animal’s behaviour and biology are inextricably entwined.
Perth Paws Dog Training is grateful to be able to refer clients whose animals are suffering from complex problems such as anxieties and compulsions, and other mental health issues to Dr Nicole Lobry de Bruyn. Dr Nicole is compassionate, knowledgeable and committed to making positive changes for her clients and their human caregivers. Dr Nicole shares her knowledge in a down to earth, informative and intelligent manner. When caregivers understand their family pets better they are empowered to make the changes needed in the loved animal’s life and I thank Dr Nicole for her assistance in this. Bettering the lives of animals is as important to Dr Nicole Lobry de Bruyn as it is to me as a force free trainer."
Charlotte Smithson – Perth’s Animal Training Specialists
08 9309 3259
charlotte@pats.net.au
Here's what Charlotte says...
"Having worked in the pet care industry for many years my role has evolved from Veterinary Nurse to a Behavioural Practitioner and Professional Dog Trainer. With this insight to animals and how they tick it has been a fascinating journey to experience firsthand how some behavioural problems require the assistance of veterinary medicine.
As responsible trainers, it is not only our duty of care but also a privilege to be-able to work in close relations with a Veterinary Behaviourist to ensure that as a team we can provide your pet/s with the best possible chance of becoming a well-adjusted and happy member of society."
Tracey Lord - Solutions Dog Behaviour and Training
email - solutionstraining@bigpond.com
mobile - 0409088553
Here's what Tracey says....
"After years working as a professional trainer in animal rescue and assessment of course I ended up adopting many of the more challenging dogs.
Through my journey with these dogs it became clear that to improve their behaviour and achieve the best results possible, I would need more than just great training skills, dedication and love... I would need a complete team, which included a Behaviour Vet as a key player.
As a results of this team effort my dogs were able to reach their full potential, including starring in TV commercials and feature films, competition agility at National level and most importantly they made and continue to make fabulous loving pets!
I have been working as part of a Behaviour Team for many years now and continue to take great delight and pride helping clients achieve their best outcome possible."
Nikhil Saha - K9 Care Obedience Training
Here's what Nikhil says...
"As an obedience trainer I work with a wide range of dogs, of different ages, breeds, temperaments & backgrounds. The majority of dogs I come across improve greatly with good guidance & consistent input from their owners. On occasion I encounter dogs who present with behavioural problems involving fears, anxieties or phobias
as a consequence of poor early life experiences or genetic dysfunction. These dogs require special attention from a trained and experienced animal behaviourist. Over the years I have referred many clients to Dr Nicole and have been inspired by her ability to get to the root of behavioural problems and provide constructive strategies & solutions.
I always feel confident referring clients to Dr Nicole - she provides a great service to her clients and her follow up work is excellent."