Dog Training & Pet Behaviour FAQs

Sammy uses positive reinforcement and force-free methods only. Training focuses on safety, communication, management, enrichment, confidence and helping animals learn without fear, pain or intimidation. Sammy does not use shock collars, prong collars, choke chains or dominance-based training techniques.

Force-free training means teaching without deliberately using pain, fear or intimidation to change behaviour. That doesn’t mean there are no boundaries or structure. Training still involves clear goals, management, consistency and practice — but the learning process is designed around reinforcement and understanding rather than punishment.

Sammy is a dog behaviour trainer and cat behaviour consultant with professional behaviour-training experience at the RSPCA. She holds formal qualifications in psychology and animal behaviour and specialises in working with reactivity, aggression-related behaviour and fear. Sammy is not a veterinary behaviourist and does not diagnose medical conditions.

Sammy’s professional background includes: Bachelor of Science, Psychology — University of Queensland; Certificate III in Animal Care Services, Behaviour — TAFE Queensland; Fear Free Certified Animal Trainer; Advanced Pet First Aid; Pet Professional Guild Australia Dog Training Professional Member; previous RSPCA behaviour-trainer experience; currently completing Certificate IV in Dog Behaviour and Training through Delta Institute.

Yes. Dog reactivity, fear and aggression-related behaviour are particular areas of Sammy’s work. Training is tailored to your dog, their triggers, environment and individual behaviour.

Sammy works with aggression-related behaviour, including growling, snapping, guarding and bite incidents. Safety is prioritised, and some cases may also require veterinary or veterinary behaviourist support.

Yes. Bite incidents can be addressed as part of Behaviour Change Training. The circumstances of the bite, current risk and safety needs are important, and veterinary or veterinary behaviourist involvement may be recommended for more complex cases.

Many reactive dogs can develop better coping skills and become more comfortable in situations they currently find difficult. Every dog is different, so Sammy does not promise a particular outcome or timeline.

Yes. Sammy can provide behaviour support for guarding around food, toys, resting spaces or other valued resources.

Yes. Life Skills training is designed for puppies, newly adopted dogs and adult dogs who need help with everyday behaviour.

Training may include toilet training, puppy mouthing, jumping, settling, loose leash walking, confidence, everyday manners and calm behaviour.

Yes. Loose leash walking can be included in Life Skills training. If pulling is mainly connected to fear, barking or lunging at other dogs or people, Behaviour Change Training may be more suitable.

Yes. New dogs often benefit from support as they settle into their household, learn routines and build everyday skills.

Yes. Cooperative-care training can help dogs gradually become more comfortable with nail trims, handling and grooming equipment.

Yes. Training can help build skills and confidence around handling and veterinary care. Dogs with significant veterinary fear may also benefit from support developed with their veterinary team.

No. Sammy provides behaviour training designed to help dogs cope more comfortably with grooming, handling and veterinary procedures. She does not provide veterinary treatment.

Muzzle conditioning may be included where appropriate. A muzzle can be a useful safety tool when introduced gradually and positively.

Yes. Sammy provides in-home cat behaviour support across Brisbane.

Yes. Cats learn through experience and can be taught behaviours using positive reinforcement.

Yes. Litter tray concerns are one of the cat behaviour issues Sammy works with. Because toileting changes can sometimes have a medical cause, veterinary assessment may also be recommended.

Yes. Sammy can provide support for biting, scratching and aggression-related behaviour towards people or other animals.

Yes. Support is available for introductions between cats and dogs or between multiple cats.

Yes. Sammy provides one-to-one, in-home dog training and cat behaviour support.

Sammy works across Brisbane and selected surrounding suburbs including Woolloongabba, West End, Annerley, Yeronga, Moorooka, Morningside, Bulimba, Kenmore, Indooroopilly, Oxley, Corinda, Graceville and Sherwood, plus nearby areas.

Training at home allows Sammy to understand the environment and routines connected to your pet’s behaviour. It can also provide a more comfortable starting point for fearful or easily overwhelmed animals.

• Initial Behaviour Consult — $450 (1 session, 90 minutes)
• Follow Up Single Session — $400 (1 session)
• Calm Foundations — $995 (3 sessions)
• Behaviour Boost — $1,600 (5 sessions)
• Total Transformation — $2,400 (8 sessions)

• Life Skills Starter — $995 (3 sessions)
• Everyday Essentials — $1,600 (5 sessions)
• Real Life Ready — $2,400 (8 sessions)

A one-hour in-home Cat Training Session is $300.

Use any Book a Session button throughout the website to get started.

That’s okay. If reactivity, aggression, fear or guarding is the main concern, Behaviour Change is usually the best place to start. For puppy development and everyday manners, choose Life Skills. For grooming, handling or vet stress, choose Grooming & Vet Support. For cats, choose Cat Behaviour Support. You can also contact Sammy if you’re still unsure.