We help Gold Coast & Tweed Heads reactive dog owners go from avoiding dogs to taking their dog anywhere they go
Reactive dog owners are using our proven system to finally get results in their training after wasting money elsewhere.
NDTF CERTIFIED • NePoPo SILVER & GOLD CERTIFIED • REACTIVITY SPECIALISTS
Does this sound like you?
Walking your dog has become your least favourite part of the day. You barely leave the street and maybe only go out when its dark. You’re constantly scanning for other dogs, you’re both stressed AF and it feels like it’s getting worse, not better.
The Reactivity Rewire Program
This isn’t just another online mini course or a handful of sessions with no direction. This is a structured program designed just for dogs like yours, and owners like you. A rock solid support system, the best possible information, and a proven training system that works. There’s a reason why we don’t just take your dog in, teach them to listen to us at our facility, and then send them home. The issues always return. Instead, we train you out in the real world, so your dog learns to listen to you, anywhere you go.
An Online Program to get you started, Private Sessions to target their Reactivity, Group Classes to get your dog comfortable around dogs again. That’s the Reactivity Rewire.
01
Setting You Up For Success
Your dog needs to be in the right head space in order to change. We make sure all of these bases are covered. Health, fulfilment, relationship. You’ll learn our unique 6 Pillars Method.
02
Laying the Foundations
We establish clear communication and solid training so your dog actually understands you. No shouting, and no shoving treats in their face to distract them. Just speaking the same language and having a dog who’s actually motivated to work with you.
03
Controlled Trigger Exposure
We expose your dog to triggers at a pace they can handle, in highly controlled environments, teaching them to choose neutrality, over reactions.
04
Real-World Integration
We take training out of the facility and into the real world – beaches, parks, cafés – so the behaviour sticks where it matters, and you can go back to taking your dog everywhere.
Imagine This: No Pulling, No Lunging, No Barking
We set 3 main goals for every dog in the Reactivity Rewire program:
- ✓ Walk past other dogs without a reaction, and without having to cross the road
- ✓ Being able to take them to a café, and you’re both able to relax
- ✓ Give them freedom knowing they’ll come back when called
What Our Clients Say
Human & Dog Reactivity
“We have utilised Max at Down Under Dog Trainer several times now including 2 group courses and private sessions. Our rescue boy has come from a scared, nervous and reactive dog to the most confident and obedient gooddest boi in 12 months. Cannot recommend Max and the team highly enough! Take the step and get your dog some training. It’ll change ya life.”
Hayley Young
Dog Reactivity
“My dog would never have reached his full potential without Max from Down Under Dog Trainer. From reactive mess to off leash freedom, Hagrid’s life has never been better. Highly recommend!”
Sebastian Lemaire
Frustration Based Reactivity
“Max is a very experienced trainer and provides simple and easy to follow instructions. I left the one on one training relieved that my dog’s excitement when meeting other dogs is fixable and we look forward to our group class next week!”
Sanja Stankovic
Fear Based Reactivity
“Max is absolutely incredible! He has completely transformed our training and given us the best tools to understand and work with our dog. The improvement we saw in just our first session was mind-blowing, and the ongoing support is unmatched. If you are struggling with your dog’s behavior, do yourself a favor and book in with Down Under Dog Trainer immediately!”
Alanna Black
Dog Reactivity
“Max was a 2YO Pomeranian who would lunge, bark and try to attack any human or dog he saw. After training with Down Under Dog Trainer, the transformation is unbelievable. Always pick based on results and reviews!”
Amy
Dog Reactivity
“Cruze was struggling with severe barking, lunging, and overreactions on walks. Down Under Dog Trainer gave us the exact tools to stop the reactivity and get full control. Highly recommend their methods!”
Shane McDonald
IF finding the trainer with the most reviews is what’s important for you
The most 5-star reviews on the Gold Coast, verified on Google and Facebook.
Real Clients, Real References
Ask Our Clients Yourself
These are real Gold Coast dog owners who’ve been through training with us. Send any of them a message on Instagram and hear it straight from them.
thehayleyyoungHayley · Moose the Bull Arab X
thehayleyyoung Our rescue boy has come from a scared, nervous and reactive dog to the most confident and obedient gooddest boi in 12 months.
Message for reference
_laurasawLaura · Isla the blue staffy
_laurasaw currently in training w/ @downunderdogtrainer 🐾
Message for reference
willowthedal_Willow 🌸
willowthedal_ Owning a reactive dog is not easy, and comes with its extreme challenges.
Message for reference
shane.tattoosShane · Cruze the Rottweiler
shane.tattoos Down Under Dog Trainer gave us the exact tools to stop the reactivity and get full control.
Message for reference
la_lapugLA-LA the pug
la_lapug The improvement we saw in just our first session was mind-blowing, and the ongoing support is unmatched.
Message for reference
thegundoggangThe Gundog Gang
thegundoggang Callie and Hank 🐾 Spaniel and Pointer duo
Message for reference
jkthepodcasterJack Laurence
jkthepodcaster Ultimate Obedience level 1.. Kid did me proud! Next stop level 2 & 3 @downunderdogtrainer
Message for reference
thetwosportygoldensBailey & Marlin · Golden Retrievers
thetwosportygoldens Golden Good Boys 🐶 Dock diving, lure, sprint, agility & rally on the Gold Coast
Message for reference
_bciska_Franciska · Ziggy & Xena the Rottweilers
_bciska_ The girls are living their best life these days
Message for referenceWhy Reactivity Rewire is Different
This isn’t a one size fits all approach. This isn’t just a pack of sessions with no direction or plan. This is a thought out program specifically for transforming reactive dogs.
✕
Traditional / Common Approach
- ✕Avoiding other dogs forever and being told “it’s just the way they are”
- ✕No actual plan, just random training sessions without a clear path and no support between each session
- ✕Sending your dog away for a ‘board and train’ where they learn to listen to someone else instead of you, and only learn that dogs are safe in that environment, not the real world
- ✕Promise of a quick fix in a single session that always leads to the issue coming back just as fast
- ✕A one size fits all approach to any dog that does the program
✓
Reactivity Rewire
- ✓A purpose made program, specifically targeting reactivity
- ✓A plan built around you, your dog and their specific triggers, not just a cookie-cutter approach we give everyone
- ✓Teaching you to be a better handler, so you never need another trainer
- ✓A balanced training style tailored specifically to your dog’s biological needs so that we target the behaviour from all angles (the underlying cause and the issue itself)
- ✓Training in the real world, so your dog isn’t only good at home or at a facility – they learn to be calm at the beaches, parks and cafés of the Gold Coast too
- ✓A total support system so that you can contact us anytime and never be left guessing (WhatsApp support group, Weekly Live Coaching Calls, and a community chat and platform, just for members of Reactivity Rewire)
Who Is This Program For?
We only work with committed owners who are ready for change. We may reject your application if you’re not serious.
❤
This IS for you if:
- ✓You are committed to your dog’s rehabilitation.
- ✓You live on the Gold Coast (or Brisbane and Tweed Heads).
- ✓You’ve tried other trainers and haven’t been happy with the results you got.
- ✓Your dog is reactive to dogs, people, animals, cars, bikes/scooters (or anything else).
- ✓You want to be able to enjoy stress-free walks without your dog reacting.
- ✓You’re sick of hiding behind cars or crossing the road when you see another dog.
- ✓You want a program that guarantees results.
⚠
This is NOT for you if:
- ✕You are looking for a ‘magic pill’ or a quick fix without putting in much effort.
- ✕Your dog’s just an excited puppy. Our Pro Pups Academy is for puppies – this program is for properly reactive dogs.
- ✕You are looking for the cheapest budget option on the market (you get what you pay for).
- ✕You don’t believe in saying ‘No’ to your dog OR you don’t believe in motivating your dog (food, toys, play).
- ✕You’re not prepared to take on advice and make changes to your dog’s environment and lifestyle.
Our Results Speak for Themselves
We’ve helped over 2,000 dogs, that are just like yours.
8+
Years Experience
Training dogs professionally and resolving complex reactivity.
2,000+
Dogs Worked With
Hands-on experience with thousands of unique behavioural cases.
99%
Success Rate
Of dogs show total or significant behaviour change in our programs.
Most
5-Star Reviews
Across Google and Facebook in the Gold Coast region.
Meet Your Trainer
Meet Max O’Neill
My journey into dog training started as a teenager because I was tired of a really sad cycle. My parents kept buying dogs, putting in no effort, watching them become reactive, and eventually rehoming them. I decided I wanted to break that cycle forever, and I started learning to train our family dogs (I got pretty good at it).
I loved it so much I put ‘Dog Trainer’ on my Year 10 careers form. I was told ‘there’s not many options for you there’, but it didn’t deter me. I volunteered with Guide Dog organisations in Australia and the UK, and even moved in with a breeder and her 12 dogs to study pack dynamics and body language.
When I got into behaviour modification, I found my calling. Two dogs in particular – Archie, a Whippet due to be euthanised, and Paris, a Weimaraner whose elderly owners planned to stop walking him entirely – changed everything. Through trial and error, I successfully rehabilitated them.
That breakthrough became the framework for the Reactivity Rewire program today. The same system that saved Archie and Paris now helps hundreds of Gold Coast dogs every single year.
- ✓ NDTF Certified
- ✓ NePoPo Silver & Gold Certified
- ✓ Reactivity Specialist
- ✓ Industry Mentor to other Dog Trainers
I’ve been lucky enough to know & learn from some of the best in the industry
Jacob Morgan
Yorkshire Canine Academy
Michael Ellis
Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers
Ben Geurts
Kaizen K9
Pat Stuart
Serious Dog Business
Adam & Brodie Hope
Perth Canine Academy
Elijah Boetang
Apex K9
Have some questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to all your questions are below. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Book a call and ask us directly.
What if I’m worried I won’t see results or get value for money?
We are so confident in our Reactivity Rewire framework that we offer a guarantee: we will work with you for free until your dog meets the goals we set. Furthermore, if you commit fully to the program, follow all advice, and see absolutely no change in your dog’s behaviour, I will personally refund your investment in full from my personal savings account. That’s how confident we are in the program.
How is Down Under Dog Trainer different from other trainers?
As balanced trainers, we’re not locked into one particular ideology/methodology. We believe in finding the right approach for the dog in front of us. We’ve also invested 5x as much into our education/qualifications as the average dog trainer you’ll find (given that it is an unregulated industry). We’ve got the most 5 star reviews on the Gold Coast for a reason!
How long does it typically take to see results?
Most clients see a noticeable improvement in their dog’s behaviour after the very first session. The full behavioural transformation builds progressively over the course of our 6 week program.
What is included in the Reactivity Rewire Program?
The program includes: Lifetime access to the Reactivity Rewire online course, 4 Private 1-on-1 Sessions, Weekly group support calls, 8 Group Classes, 90 Days of dedicated WhatsApp Support, Lifetime access to our Good Canine Citizens community, a Training Equipment Bundle, $200+ of extra training guides, and discounts on our Ultimate Obedience course.
What is the investment for the program?
Think about what you’ve already spent – other trainers, behaviourists, online courses, specialist equipment, replacing things the dog has destroyed. Most of our clients have spent thousands before they find us. The program is a one-time investment that actually resolves the problem, instead of another monthly payment that manages it. We’ll discuss pricing during your consultation based on your dog’s specific needs.
Do you offer any free bonuses or additional value?
Yes! Every client receives a FREE equipment bundle (training lead, recall lead, food pouch), FREE training guides covering relationship building, motivation, play, and obedience, and a FREE E-Collar Training Guide. The total value of the program is over $3,600.
What if my dog is ‘too old’ or ‘untrainable’?
We’ve worked with over 2,000 dogs, including many that other trainers claimed were untrainable or slated for euthanasia. Our balanced system works with the dog’s natural psychology and biology. No dog is too old to learn, and no reactivity issue is too severe for us to address. However bad your dog is, we’ve seen worse.
I’ve tried other trainers and it didn’t work. Why will this be different?
Because we are not like other trainers. We address the root emotional cause of reactivity, not just the symptoms. We also put you through a program DESIGNED to tackle reactivity. This isn’t just another group class. This isn’t just a ‘5 pack of private sessions’ with no direction. The inclusions, pacing and programming of Reactivity Rewire is just for reactive dogs.
We rescued our dog and don’t know their history. Is that a problem?
Not at all. About half the dogs we work with are rescues, often with no background history. Whether you raised them from a puppy or brought them home at three years old with no background information, our approach works the same way. We work with the dog in front of us, not the story behind them.
My partner isn’t convinced this will work.
We hear this a lot. Nearly half the people we speak to tell us their partner is skeptical – usually because they’ve already spent money on training that didn’t deliver. We’d encourage them to check out all of our reviews on Facebook and Google (or on this page). Most of those owners felt exactly the same way before they came to us.
How do I get started?
The first step is to click ‘Book A Call’ and fill out our Behaviour Questionnaire. This helps us understand your dog’s specific issues. From there, you’ll book an application call with Max to ensure our program is the perfect fit for your goals.
Take the First Step
Your journey from Reactive to Relaxed starts here.
1. Book Application Call ↗
Speak directly with Head Trainer Max to discuss your goals and ensure the program is a good fit.
2. Start The Program ↗
Your program starts the same day you sign up. If you already know that this is for you, you can use this link to join now and secure your spot.
🛡️ 100% Results Guarantee:
1. IF at the end of the program you’re happy but not fully satisfied, we keep working with you for free until your dog hits our goals
2. If you fully commit to the program, follow all advice given, complete every module and attend every call and see no change in your dog’s behaviour, we’ll REFUND YOU IN FULL.
Bonus: First 5 sign-ups this month receive a FREE Road Safety Workshop pass.
Pricing will increase in the new year. Secure your spot now.