Dog anxiety is one of the most common — and misunderstood — behavioural issues seen today. With over 40 years of hands-on experience and having been awarded Trainer of the Year 2025, I specialise in identifying the true cause of anxiety and restoring calm, confident behaviour in dogs across Melbourne.

Anxiety is not just “nervousness.” It is a deep emotional imbalance that, if left untreated, can develop into reactivity, aggression, destructiveness, or chronic stress. My approach focuses on understanding the dog’s internal state, their environment, and — critically — the energy of the people around them.

What Is Dog Anxiety?

Dog anxiety occurs when a dog cannot regulate stress or emotional overwhelm. It is influenced by:

• Early life experiences

• Genetics

• Trauma

• Human energy and behaviour

• Lack of leadership or structure

• Environmental instability

• Unclear communication

• Unresolved fear-driven events

Anxiety often looks different in every dog, which is why a tailored approach is essential.

Common Signs of Anxiety

Your dog may be anxious if they show:

• Excessive barking or whining

• Pacing or restlessness

• Panting when not hot

• Drooling

• Hiding or avoidance

• Hypervigilance (constantly on alert)

• Shaking or trembling

• Reactivity towards dogs or people

• Shadowing you everywhere

• Compulsive behaviours

• Destructive behaviour

Many owners misread these as “naughty behaviour,” when in reality, the dog is overwhelmed and asking for help.

My Approach to Treating Anxiety

With thousands of anxious dogs rehabilitated over four decades, my method is structured, calm, and highly effective.

1. Identifying the Root Cause

Every dog has a story. Anxiety is rarely random — it always comes from somewhere.
I pinpoint:

• Environmental triggers

• Emotional triggers

• Learned behaviours

• Human influence

• Underlying fear or trauma

• Relationship or leadership issues

Understanding the origin is the first step to lasting change.

2. Correcting the Emotional State

Dogs cannot learn when they are overwhelmed.
I teach the dog to:

• Regulate their emotions

• Develop trust and confidence

• Follow calm human leadership

• Stop anticipating threats

• Relax in all environments

Balanced training — not force, not bribery — is used to guide the dog into a healthier emotional pattern.

3. Teaching the Owner Their Role

Anxious dogs mirror anxious humans.
I help owners:

• Adjust their energy

• Use calm communication

• Set boundaries

• Reduce reinforcement of anxious behaviour

• Provide structure and predictability

This is why my work focuses not just on the dog — but on the relationship.

4. A Clear Plan With Real Results

Every consultation includes:

• Behaviour assessment

• Anxiety profile

• Trigger identification

• Environmental review

• Corrective strategies

• Training demonstrations

• Owner coaching

• Long-term recovery plan

You will understand why your dog behaves this way and exactly how to fix it.

Types of Anxiety Treated

I work with all forms, including:

• General Anxiety

• Separation Anxiety

• Noise Anxiety (storms, fireworks, alarms)

• Social Anxiety (dogs or people)

• Environmental Anxiety

• Trauma-related Anxiety

• Rescue Dog Anxiety

• Fear-Aggression

• Compulsive behaviours

Why Work With Me?

• Over 40 years of experience

• Trainer of the Year 2025

• Specialist in aggression, fear, trauma, and anxiety

• Balanced training rooted in psychology, not treats

• Over 45,000 dogs successfully helped

• Deep experience with rescue dogs

• Calm, supportive guidance for owners

• Melbourne-based behaviourist trusted across Victoria

• Certified in Emotional Support Dog, Assistance Dog, and Service Dog training

• Clear, honest feedback — no sugar-coating, no wasted time

I will show you exactly what your dog needs to regain confidence and live a calmer, happier life.

Types of Anxiety I Treat

Using balanced, humane, and proven behaviour-modification methods, I work with dogs experiencing:

• Generalised Anxiety

Dogs who seem “on edge” all the time, or who cannot relax in any environment.

• Fear-Based Anxiety

Linked to trauma, genetics, wrong handling, or poor social experiences.

• Noise Sensitivity & Sound Reactivity

Thunderstorms, fireworks, traffic sounds, household noises, neighbourhood sounds.

• Separation Anxiety

Dogs who panic or become distressed when left alone – a major issue in modern households.

• Environmental Anxiety

Fear of new places, surfaces, smells, people, dogs, vet clinics, or even daily walks.

• Rescue Dog Anxiety

Common in dogs with unknown or traumatic histories.

• Leash-Related Anxiety

Often mislabelled as aggression – usually a fear response.

• Social Anxiety

Dogs who shut down, avoid interaction, or freeze in unfamiliar situations.

If your dog shows any of these behaviours, they are not “being naughty”.
They are asking for help.

40+ Years’ Experience • Trainer of the Year 2025

Separation anxiety is one of the most emotionally difficult behaviours for owners. A dog that panics when left alone is not coping — and often living in constant stress.

The good news? Separation anxiety is fixable with the right structure, leadership, and behaviour modification.

What Separation Anxiety Looks Like

Common symptoms include:
• Barking, whining or howling when left alone
• Destructive behaviour
• Escape attempts
• Clawing at doors or windows
• Panting, pacing or drooling
• Following the owner everywhere
• Not settling when the owner is out of sight
• Shaking, trembling or panic behaviours

Your dog is not being “naughty” — they genuinely cannot cope without you.

Why Separation Anxiety Happens

• Over-attachment to one person
• Insecurity
• Anxiety or fear
• Rescue background
• Traumatic past
• Sudden routine changes
• COVID-era puppies
• Too much freedom, not enough structure
• Owner unintentionally reinforcing dependence

Dogs thrive on structure — and separation anxiety often begins when they never learned independence.

My Separation Anxiety Program

Using balanced, structured behaviour modification, I focus on:

1. Rebuilding independence

Your dog learns to cope calmly without constant access to you.

2. Fixing over-attachment

The emotional bond remains — but the dependency is removed.

3. Changing the pre-departure routine

Dogs learn to remain calm even when they sense you are leaving.

4. Creating a stable, predictable structure

Clear rules and boundaries help the dog feel secure.

5. Teaching coping skills

Your dog learns how to settle, self-soothe and remain relaxed.

6. Coaching the owner

You’ll learn exactly what to do — and what not to do — to help your dog succeed.

Who This Program Helps

• Rescue dogs with trauma
• Velcro dogs
• Dogs with panic attacks when left alone
• Puppies developing early dependence
• Dogs who become destructive or distressed

Book a Consultation

You don’t have to live with the stress of a dog who panics every time you leave.
With the right structure, your dog can learn to be calm and confident.

Book your session today.

Help for Dogs Who React on the Lead

Leash reactivity is one of the most common behaviour problems dog owners struggle with in Melbourne. A reactive dog may bark, pull, lunge, growl, or completely lose focus the moment they see another dog, person, bike, car, or even a small trigger like a noise or movement.

For many owners, walks become stressful or embarrassing — but the good news is that leash reactivity is highly treatablewith the right training approach.

With 40 years of experience, and recently recognised as Trainer of the Year 2025, I specialise in working with dogs who struggle emotionally, mentally, or behaviourally when on the lead.

No matter how young, old, anxious, fearful, or strong your dog is, together we can change their behaviour and restore calm on your walks.

What Is Leash Reactivity?

Leash reactivity is an emotional response that often comes from:

• Fear or insecurity

• Frustration

• Over-excitement

• Poor leash handling

• Lack of structure

• Owner anxiety transferring into the dog

• Past trauma or negative experiences

• Rescue dog uncertainty

• Unclear boundaries

• Under-socialisation

When a dog knows they can’t create distance due to the leash, they often react defensively or explosively. This is why many off-lead dogs behave perfectly, but the same dog on a lead becomes a different animal.

Common Signs of Leash Reactivity

Your dog may be leash-reactive if they:

• Bark or lunge at dogs or people

• Pull intensely toward triggers

• Growl or snap

• Freeze or stiffen

• Become uncontrollable or won’t listen

• Panic when approached

• Avoid or try to escape

• Show fear-based behaviours

• Redirect frustration (e.g., biting the lead)

If any of these sound familiar, you’re in the right place.

How I Fix Leash Reactivity

Every dog — and owner — is different, so my approach is tailored, calm, and balanced. My methodology includes:

✔ Correct Assessment of the Root Cause

Most reactivity is not aggression — it is anxiety, fear, or frustration. Understanding the root cause determines the exact plan.

✔ Emotion-Based Behaviour Modification

I work directly with the emotional state of the dog. Fix the emotion → fix the behaviour.

✔ Correct Lead Handling & Owner Guidance

Most owners haven’t been shown how their energy, timing, or handling affects the dog. Simple changes can create massive improvement.

✔ Controlled Exposure Therapy

Your dog learns to cope with triggers safely and calmly.

✔ Confidence Building & Desensitisation

This is essential for anxious or fearful dogs, especially rescues.

✔ Balanced Training Techniques

I am not a purely positive-only trainer — I use methods that are ethical, proven, and tailored to each individual dog.

✔ You Learn the Skills Too

I don’t just fix your dog — I teach YOU how to maintain the behaviour so it lasts a lifetime.

Who This Training Helps

This program is ideal for:

• Dogs reactive to other dogs

• Dogs who bark or lunge at strangers

• Rescue dogs with past trauma

• High-energy or working breeds

• Fear-based or insecure dogs

• Dogs who become protective on-lead

• Dogs struggling with Melbourne’s busy walking environments

• Owners who want confident, calm walks

Why Work With Me?

With over 40 years working with more than 45,000 dogs, I bring real-world, hands-on experience across all breeds and temperaments.

My achievements include:

• Trainer of the Year 2025

• Renowned specialist in dog aggression, fear, anxiety, and trauma

• Behaviourist trusted by rescue groups, families, and professionals

• Balanced trainer using fair, humane, highly effective methods

• Melbourne’s go-to expert for complex cases

Your dog is not broken — they just need leadership, structure, and the right energy.

Ready for Calm, Enjoyable Walks Again?

Leash reactivity doesn’t fix itself — and the longer it goes on, the harder it becomes. The good news is that improvement can often be seen in the very first session.

Book Your Behaviour Consultation Now

Let’s create calm, controlled, confident walks for you and your dog.

Rescue dogs are some of the most beautiful souls I work with — but they often carry trauma, fear, confusion, and emotional scars from their past.
With 40 years’ experience, the title Trainer of the Year 2025, and a reputation for transforming even the most complex behaviour cases, I specialise in helping rescue dogs finally feel safe, understood, and confident in their new homes.

Whether your rescue dog is anxious, reactive, fearful, or struggling to settle, I can help you build trust, structure, and long-term behavioural stability.

Why Rescue Dogs Develop Behaviour Issues

Many rescue dogs come from backgrounds where they experienced:

• Neglect
• Abuse
• Trauma
• Lack of structure
• No socialisation
• Rehoming stress
• Shelter or pound overwhelm
• No rules, boundaries, or consistency
• Genetic predispositions to anxiety or reactivity

These experiences shape the dog’s nervous system and energy long before they arrive in your home.
My job is to understand where the behaviour comes from, not simply correct it.

Common Behaviour Problems Seen in Rescue Dogs

With thousands of rescue cases behind me, these are the issues I most commonly treat:

• Fear-based behaviours

Avoidance, trembling, hiding, shutting down, freezing, or refusing to leave the home.

• Reactivity & aggression

Barking or lunging at dogs or people, snapping, protecting space, fear-driven aggression.

• Separation anxiety

Rescue dogs often develop extreme panic when left alone due to insecurity or previous abandonment.

• Hypervigilance

Constant scanning, pacing, barking at noises, difficulty relaxing.

• Resource guarding

Protecting food, toys, people, or space due to past deprivation or insecurity.

• Leash issues

Pulling, freezing, fear reactions, or refusal to walk.

• Attachment disorders

Clinginess, following owners everywhere, panicking if separated.

My Approach With Rescue Dogs

Every rescue dog is unique, but after 40 years of working with them, the foundation is always the same:

1. Build trust first

A traumatised dog cannot learn if it feels unsafe.
I teach owners how to communicate calm, stable energy.

2. Create structure & predictability

Routine lowers anxiety. Clear expectations reduce stress.

3. Behaviour modification tailored to the dog’s history

This may include desensitisation, confidence building, controlled exposure, or correcting dysfunctional behaviours.

4. Teach owners how to lead

Rescue dogs thrive when owners provide calm leadership, not endless comfort.

5. Healing the dog’s nervous system

Many rescue behaviours are rooted in trauma and fear, not disobedience.
My method helps rewire the dog’s emotional response.

How I Work With Rescue Dogs

You’ll learn:

• How to recognise trauma triggers
• How to lower your dog’s anxiety quickly and safely
• How to communicate in a way your rescue dog understands
• How to set boundaries without overwhelming your dog
• How to build confidence and reduce fear
• How your energy influences the dog’s behaviour
• Step-by-step exercises to settle your dog indoors and outdoors

Whether your rescue dog has mild anxiety or significant behavioural challenges, I will guide you through the entire process.