Step 1: Dog Training – the Delta Way

The Goal: Is to become a qualified trainer for rescued and difficult animals and animals who work with high expectations. Think a seizure alert dog in the middle of traffic, an emergency services rescue dog or a psychiatric assistant animal... All of these animals save lives, and they need the best possible training and care (and so do their handlers!). By becoming qualified it is also my goal to promote cruelty, choke chain and electric shock free animal training.

The 1st Step - Dog training, the Delta Way is a 2 day, stand-alone program for dog trainers of all levels wishing to learn more about humane animal behaviour and training. The Delta Society is a nationally recognised training institute and this course is the first step towards becoming a fully qualified trainer of difficult dogs, and service animals for people with disabilities.

The Background: When I was 11, my dad got us our first really traumatised rescue dog. I was the only one who could lure him out from under the house when he was scared, and the only one who could put the painful drops in his ears when they were sore. Now, I am all grown up (enough!) and have my own dog! Just as traumatised as the first, but one year since his adoption and we are starting his training as a psychiatric assistant and therapy dog. I love doing this work, and being a bit traumatised and having been diagnosed with mental illness myself (I have been diagnosed with PTSD, among other things), I know how valuable this work can be, and how much of a difference it can make.

The Cost: The course itself is $475, to be paid upfront, and is a ~$50 return bus ride and two or three nights accommodation away.