Kelly Brown
Teaching Our Dogs to Switch Off: Why Relaxation ...

Does your dog struggle to settle and switch off? Learning how to relax is an important life skill for dogs, particularly those who are easily excited, anxious, reactive or constantly on the go.

The Karen Overall Relaxation Protocol provides a structured approach to teaching dogs how to relax, settle and remain calm around distractions. Rather than simply teaching a dog to stay in one position, the goal is to develop genuine relaxation and help your dog learn that they don't need to react to every movement, sound or activity around them.

In this blog, discover why teaching your dog to switch off is so important, how the Relaxation Protocol for dogs works, and practical ways you can help your dog develop the ability to settle calmly at home and in everyday situations.

Teaching Our Dogs to Switch Off: Why Relaxation Is a Skill

Teaching Our Dogs to Switch Off: Why Relaxation Is a Skill

Teaching Our Dogs to Switch Off: Why Relaxation Is a Skill

Does your dog struggle to settle and switch off? Learning how to relax is an important life skill for dogs, particularly those who are easily excited, anxious, reactive or constantly on the go.

The Karen Overall Relaxation Protocol provides a structured approach to teaching dogs how to relax, settle and remain calm around distractions. Rather than simply teaching a dog to stay in one position, the goal is to develop genuine relaxation and help your dog learn that they don't need to react to every movement, sound or activity around them.

In this blog, discover why teaching your dog to switch off is so important, how the Relaxation Protocol for dogs works, and practical ways you can help your dog develop the ability to settle calmly at home and in everyday situations.

Puppy Toilet Training

Puppy Toilet Training

Would you like to learn how to toilet train a puppy? Puppy toilet training doesn’t have to be difficult!  With careful management, supervision and routine, you can set your puppy up for toilet training success from the moment you bring them home.  Read on to learn more.

Effective Dog Behaviour Training

Effective Dog Behaviour Training

I have the pleasure of meeting many clients and their dogs every week, whether it’s through puppy pre-school classes, group classes or private consultations.  Part of my role as a professional dog trainer and behaviour consultant is to work with clients to resolve puppy or dog behaviour problems so if you are experiencing some behaviour challenges with your canine family member then read on to find out what to do! 

Online Dog Training Courses

Online Dog Training Courses

Dog training is a vital part of responsible dog ownership.  Not only does dog training teach your dog new skills, it also has loads of other benefits including building your dog’s confidence, providing them with more freedom, teaching them problem-solving skills, strengthening your bond and having fun together.   There are a range of training solutions available and it’s important that you choose the right one for you and your dog.  Read on to find out which is the best option for you!

What You Need to Know About Puppy School Perth

What You Need to Know About Puppy School Perth

You’ve spent hours doing your research and you know that your new puppy is the perfect fit for you and your family.  The timing is couldn’t be better - you have booked a couple of weeks off work to help your fur baby settle into your home.  What’s next? 

The next step in your puppy’s journey is to book your puppy into the best puppy school you can find so that you can sky-rocket your training journey together.  Don’t know where to start?  Then use this handy checklist to help you understand what you should be looking for! 

Puppy Training Perth - What to Expect

Puppy Training Perth - What to Expect

The moment you have been waiting for is finally here.  You are ready to start looking for your bundle of fluff and you can’t wait to welcome your new puppy into your family.  As you start to think about where to start, you make a heartfelt promise to yourself that you will give your new puppy the best start to life that is possible.  Are you wondering what you need to do to fulfil that promise?  Then read on for some useful tips! 

 
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We had been to previous dog training classes elsewhere with our older dog and found that it didn’t quite deliver on what we hoped - especially given our older dog’s needs. When we adopted George we did more research on puppy training and wanted someone who specialised more in this area. We are so glad we picked Kelly and her team! We booked the drop-in puppy sessions - she has a 5 for 4 deal, and found George has benefited so much, we even booked a 6th class, which would then lead us into the silver training, which will also be run by Kelly - this is how pleased we are with Kelly and her team! We wanted to ensure George was well socialised, meaning he learns how to interact appropriately with other dogs and also that he builds a stronger bond with us - thank you Kelly for helping us achieve this! George was reactive (barking) at other dogs when we arrived and immediately Kelly approached and gave us instructions/advice on how to help manage this behaviour. Within a few minutes he was responding really well to the advice Kelly gave us. We noticed each session, an improvement in his reactivity, he now greets dogs very politely and doesn’t react negatively in any way. We highly recommend these classes for socialisation and picking up the basics you need to know - wait/stay, eye contact, on and off lead meet and greet, settling - all of which we think are vital building blocks to our dog being an awesome and very good boy! The bonus about these puppy classes is that it’s not only Kelly but a team of people, where Kelly is able to specifically assist with any of you and your dogs needs, providing her professional advice. Kelly and her team of trainers are approachable and all make the effort to get to know you and your puppy. The thing we loved most is that you learn more about how to understand and read your dog better, picking up on their needs and what’s best for them. If you want to learn how to read dog body language, and have plenty of opportunities ensure you understand/learn how to socialise your dog than we highly recommend Kelly and team!

“We tried a traditional puppy class at first but was disappointed with the lack of socialisation. We switched to Waggle Tails and the difference was COLOSSAL. My puppy experienced quality puppy plays in a safe environment and together with Kelly’s online training modules for the hoomans, has moulded her into a confident and happy puppy who is now smashing it out at our local dog park. We travelled from Safety Bay to Osborne Park (55km) to attend these classes because the benefits of investing in the right training is everything and Kelly’s model was the best I could find. I have no enrolled in the online Ultimate Dog Programme for further training. Honestly people, Kelly’s amazing! Her doggo knowledge is next level.” (Louise Power, Perth, WA)

“The Ultimate Dog programme was very thorough and provided us with a lot of useful and interesting information, training tools and resources that we can keep referring back to. I am now more aware of what Windy’s behaviours mean, how to manage them for his benefit (and mine!), how to enrich his days and how to assist him to be a calmer, more well mannered dog. I’d highly recommend the Ultimate Dog Programme to other dog owners.” (Elissa Mehegan, Perth, WA)

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“Not only did the Ultimate Dog Programme calm my very excitable Staffy Cross, Elissa - it also helped me immensely in understanding her. I cannot recommend Kelly enough.” (Carole Dougans, Perth, WA)

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“I have no hesitation in recommending Kelly as a highly skilled trainer. What Kelly has been able to achieve with Jake (and me!) has been nothing short of miraculous. Jake came to me as a rescue dog - a loving but boisterous chap. Kelly taught me how to handle Jake and has given me a much better understanding of dogs in general. Jake and I have a become a great team, he is wonderful companion and I feel confident with him.” (Ann Morrison, Christchurch, NZ)

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“Having met Kelly was a true blessing for me, my classes, my private training and my work with my own dogs. Kelly’s educated clarity on training topics has brought my understanding of training to a new level which I am incredibly grateful for.” (Lisa Sturm, Sit Happens, Christchurch, NZ)

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“I had the pleasure of working with Kelly when she volunteered at the shelter where I am an Animal Care Specialist and Behavior Tech. She is extremely reliable and helped many of our dogs learn not just manners, but tools of which to rehab dogs with behavior problems. She was a key factor in multiple dogs finding their forever homes through our program. I recommend her services to anyone and everyone! She is not only an amazing trainer, but an amazing person.’’ (Atalie Michelle Walding, Friends for Life Animal Rescue and Adoption Organisation, Texas, USA)

“Kelly is absolutely amazing! After our first Ultimate Dog Programme session we have already started to see huge improvements with our girl. Kelly teaches you to reward with positive reinforcement and be kind and caring at all times when training your dog and proves there is no need to be dominant or forceful towards your dog. She also provides a heap of resources that are super useful, plus her sessions are a great place to meet other dogs/dog owners.” (Lucy Cole, Perth, WA)

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“Kelly is an amazing trainer, with huge amounts of knowledge. She also places an emphasis on a gentle, kind, scientifically based approach to training, which is evidenced by her continuing education. I have watched Kelly in action many times and I have always been impressed by her calm, gentle approach and true affinity with dogs and puppies.” (Julie Best, Best for Pets, Christchurch, NZ)

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A puppy school is a training class the focuses on very young puppies (between 8 weeks and 5 months) and trains them on how to behave, interact and pick up skills in a safe and a well planned environment.

    This is how our Puppy Pre-School runs:

    🐶 Objectives of the Pup School

    Socialisation: Puppies are exposed to new people, other dogs, and different environments which is vital to help prevent the development of fear or aggression later in life.

    Basic Obedience: Command training for sit, stay, come, down, and others.

    Toilet Training Tips: Instructions on how to crate and house break a puppy.

    Behaviour Breaks: Managing natural puppy behaviors such as biting, excessive chewing, jumping, and barking.

    Confidence exercises: Helps puppies adjust to various sights, sounds, and handling or vet and grooming checks.

    Owner's understanding: The owners are taught about the important concepts of positive reinforcement, consistency, and appropriate management.

  • Certified dog trainers or behaviorists.

  • The early weeks of a puppy’s life are critical for learning. Puppy school can help prevent behavioral issues and set the foundation for a well-behaved adult dog.

  • Yes. Most puppy schools require at least the first round of core vaccinations (C3 or equivalent) and proof from your vet. Full vaccination may not be required, but your puppy must be on track with their schedule.

    • A flat collar or harness and leash (no retractables)

    • Small, high-value treats

    • Poo bags

    • A mat or towel for your puppy to settle on

  • The ideal age is between 8 to 12 weeks, which is the prime socialisation period. However, some schools may accept puppies up to 5 months old, depending on their vaccination status and behaviour.