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Down Under Dog Trainer

Who we are

Down Under Dog Trainer

About Us

Owned and operated by dog behaviour and training expert Max O’Neill, Down Under Dog Trainer is your last stop for your dogs behavioural problems. Whether you have a young, excitable puppy or an older dog with some bad habits, we have the tools, know-how and techniques to work with any dog and situation. We routinely put a stop to leash pulling, mouthing and nipping, excessive barking, resource guarding, poor recall, OCD behaviours, leash reactivity, unnecessary nervousness, door rushing, running away, aggression, separation anxiety and many other negative behaviours.

Our Difference

We believe that communication is the cornerstone of a great relationship with your pet. That’s why we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Our diverse toolkit of training techniques empowers you to connect with your dog on a deeper level, sans the need for treats as bribes. We help you understand the ‘why’ behind the behavior, not just the ‘how’ of stopping it, making the solution more sustainable and meaningful.

Every Animal Is Treated With Love. They deserve it.

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Love what we're doing? You can be a part of it!
When you make a donation to our partnered pet
charity, you're not just giving money—you're giving hope, love, and a second chance to pets in need.

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Meet the FOunder

How it all began

Hi, I’m Max, the founding owner and head trainer at Down Under Dog Trainer.
Having grown up around dogs and always being able to easily connect with, and understand them, I was sure I wanted to work with dogs from a young age. It wasn’t until I visited a shelter and saw how many dogs were put up for adoption that I realised what area of dog training I wanted to work in. It was a case of serendipity that led me to wanting to be a dog trainer of the people. Sharing my knowledge and experience with everyday people such as myself, 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 who’s owners thought they were a lost cause, and changing their lives to be the most rewarding thing of all.

Philosophy and Methods

My training philosophy is that every dog, every situation and every owner is completely different, and therefore, there isn’t a cookie cutter approach or method that can be applied to every case. With that being said, I employ techniques and methods from an abundance of different areas. Whether it’s from my course, other dog trainers or real world experience, as long as a method or technique isn’t cruel, I’m always open to trying it out because you never know when it might be just the right thing for the right dog at the right time. I’m not religious with or exclusive to one particular method of dog training, as there simply isn’t one method that works in every situation. So whether you want your dog trained to a click, whistle, hand signal or have them stop attacking the mail man, I’m your guy.

Our Community

We’re not just about individual transformations; we’re about creating a community of responsible and knowledgeable pet owners. Our supportive network provides ongoing education, resources, and a sense of fellowship that extends far beyond your initial consultation. We invite you to be part of this vibrant community where we all learn, share, and grow for the betterment of our four-legged family members.

Testimonials

Our Satisfied Community

Fiona Weston

"Amazing dog trainer!"

Max is an amazing dog trainer! I’ve seen the difference he’s made to the behaviour of...
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Fiona Weston
Bailey & Hudson , 6 & 4 year old Golden Retrievers.

"Amazing dog trainer!"

Max is an amazing dog trainer! I’ve seen the difference he’s made to the behaviour of many dogs, he truly has a great way of getting the best out of them! He also helps train you to be a good dog owner too! He gives you the tools to help communicate with your dog in a way they understand so you get the whole package with Max! Wouldn’t recommend anyone else!
Fiona Weston
Fiona Weston
Bailey & Hudson , 6 & 4 year old Golden Retrievers.
Marie Morris

"Such wonderful people"

Max and his team are such wonderful people to us as clients and ...
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Marie Morris
Shreck, 8 year old Male German Shepherd.

"Such wonderful people"

Max and his team are such wonderful people to us as clients and our dog Shreck. Shreck has come such a long way since max has taken over his walks, we feel completely at ease when we go on holiday to know that Shreck is in the best care and we know that we can go out for the day and Max will let himself in and take Shreck out taking good care of him and making sure the house is locked up after. We would all be lost without Max and Maddie helping us out with Shreck.
Marie Morris
Marie Morris
Shreck, 8 year old Male German Shepherd.
Dave & Lindsey Wadge

"Would recommend without a doubt"

Max and his team are so cool they put us at ease and helped...
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Dave + Lindsey Wadge
Alfie, 9 year old Male Mixed Breed.

"Would recommend without a doubt"

Max and his team are so cool they put us at ease and helped us allow our boy to interact with other dogs which terrifies us! We were dreading training him but are now looking forward to our sessions with them. They help to train people as well as dogs! Would recommend them without a doubt. We are both astounded at the difference you’ve made not just in Alfie, but in the both of us. The confidence you’ve instilled in us is honestly something I never thought I’d see walking Alfie. He’s a much happier dog.
Dave & Lindsey Wadge
Dave + Lindsey Wadge
Alfie, 9 year old Male Mixed Breed.