Down Under Dog Trainer
Who we are
Down Under Dog Trainer
About usÂ
Owned and operated by dog behaviour and training expert Max O’Neill, Down Under Dog Trainer is your last stop for your dog’s behavioural and obedience problems. Whether you have a young, excitable puppy or an older dog with some bad habits, we have the qualifications, know-how and techniques to work with any dog and situation. Our trainers are qualified & certified in Dog Training and Behaviour in Australia with the National Dog Trainers Federation(NDTF). Collectively, we have over 15 years of dog training and industry experience, working with dogs all breeds, age and issue along the way.
At Down Under Dog Trainer, we routinely put a stop to leash pulling, mouthing, excessive barking, resource guarding, poor recall, leash reactivity, nervousness, aggression, separation anxiety and many other unwanted behaviours. We CAN help you and your dog.
Our point of Difference
We believe that clear communication and an understanding of the individual in front of you, is the key to a great relationship with your dog, and a great result. That’s why we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Our diverse toolkit of training techniques and methodologies allows us to connect and work with your any dog, any breed, any temperament. We help you understand the ‘why’ behind the behavior, not just the ‘how’ of stopping it, making the solution more sustainable and meaningful.
Meet the Owner & Head trainer
Max and Nelson
a;Hi, I’m Max, the Owner and Head Trainer at Down Under Dog Trainer.
Having grown up around dogs and always being able to easily understand and connect with them, I was sure I wanted to work with dogs from a young age. Since then I’ve dedicated my life to becoming the best I can be and have been lucky enough to work with dogs from variety of backgrounds such as assistance dogs, pet dogs, guide dogs, various sport dogs, therapy dogs, tv and commercial dogs and protection dogs.
I love sharing my knowledge and experience with everyday people and helping them to better understand their dog in order for them to have a healthier and longer lasting relationship. I find working with a dog whose owners thought they were a lost cause, and changing their lives to be the most rewarding thing of all.
I’m qualified & certified in Dog Training and Behaviour in Australia with the National Dog Trainers Federation(NDTF). As well as this, I also hold the NePoPo Silver & Gold Certifications and am currently studying Canine Behaviour with the University of Edinburgh.Â
Our dog, Nelson, a 2YO Rottweiler (working line) is a key member of the Down Under Dog Trainer team and you’ll frequently see him at private and group training sessions. Nelson is in training to compete in the sport of PSA (Protection Sports Association) and will soon compete for his PDC (Protection Dog Certification) which he loves and excels at. But he’s also equally as comfortable with and loves to make new friends with any sort of person, dog and animal. Nelson also competes in Dock Diving and although he’s not great at it (45kg is a lot of mass to move) he absolutely loves it and gives it everything he’s got!
Meet The Team
Dog Trainer
Sebastian and Hagrid
Seb is our second most senior trainer at Down Under Dog Trainer and him and Hagrid the 4YO German Shepherd have been are a key part of the Down Under Dog Trainer team. Seb runs our Pro Pups Academy program on the South Gold Coast, as well as running our Puberty Blues and Good Canine Citizens training programs all over the Gold Coast. As well as this, Seb and Hagrid do private training for our clients in the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads areas, focusing on obedience and behaviour. Hagrid was previously an extremely anti social and reactive dog, but Seb has done such a great job rehabilitating his aggression that he’s now a key part of the Down Under Dog Trainer team when we work on socialisation with our clients.
Dog Trainer
Michelle and Bella
Michelle & Bella, the 8YO Border Collie, are the newest recruits to the the Down Under Dog Trainer team. Michelle is in charge of our Trick Masters training program; trick training with Bella is an area she excels in and one her biggest passions. As well as this, Michelle runs our Pro Pups Academy program for the North Gold Coast and holds our Walk and Train service all over the Gold Coast for our happy clients. Michelle and Bella compete in Dock Diving and Barn Hunts, winning plenty of ribbons along the way.
Administration
Jordan and Gigi, gus and Gus
Jordan is in charge of the Down Under Dog Trainer administration and making sure everything runs smoothly for our clients and staff. She’s the first point of contact for any questions around booking, training and more, and she’ll always be a friendly face for you to help you begin your journey with us. Jordan has 3 dogs, Gigi, Gus and.. another Gus. Gus, the 10YO Labrador grew up on a cray fishing boat and has actually been featured on a TV show called Aussie Lobster Men! The other Gus, is a skateboard riding, 8YO French Bulldog whose tongue is WAY too big for his head. Lastly, we have Gigi, a 5YO Dalmatian who still think she’s a lap dog and is the queen of the side eye.
Testimonials