About Us

At Smart Choice Dog Training, we use modern, positive reinforcement training and behaviour modification to help dogs of all ages learn and grow.  Located in Melbourne's outer eastern suburbs, we offer small group classes and personalised consultations tailored to meet each dog's unique needs. Our focus is on building effective communication between you and your dog, improving your bond and fostering trust. From basic cues to solving complex behavioural challenges, we provide the tools for a well-behaved, confident companion.

Why choose Smart Choice Dog Training?

Smart Choice gives you access to experienced, accredited trainers committed to your dog’s success and well-being.

Expert Guidance

Positive Reinforcement

We use the latest scientifically proven, humane training methods that make learning enjoyable for all.

Our small class sizes allow for personalised attention, enabling us to tailor training to your dog’s unique learning style. We also ensure the learning environment contains minimal distractions, setting dog-handler teams up for success.

Small Class Sizes

For All Ages

We offer a range of programs for puppies through to adult dogs.  These include group classes or private sessions tailored to meet your specific needs.

Ready to take the first step toward unlocking your dog’s potential? Enrol today!

Questions, queries or comments? Get in touch!

Amanda

Hi, I’m Amanda, the lead trainer and owner of Smart Choice Dog Training. I have a passion for helping both people and dogs, and initially ventured into the dog training field to improve the understanding between them. Whether clients have brought their puppy home at 8 weeks of age or adopted an older dog, my goal is to create well-behaved companion dogs who integrate harmoniously into their families. I use humane, evidence-based methods that promote trust, optimism, and well-being in the dogs I work with, to create well-rounded individuals who have a strong bond with their owners.

My training has a strong focus on rewarding desirable behaviour and maximising welfare so that dogs choose behaviours we want them to do, and I strive to ensure everyone enjoys themselves during training sessions – even when they find their dog challenging. I truly enjoy seeing both dogs and their owners grow in confidence together.

As an educated force-free professional, I am committed to ensuring Smart Choice upholds the highest ethical standards in everything we do.

As a member of the Pet Professional Guild of Australia (PPGA), Smart Choice Dog Training follows their guiding principles and Code of Ethical Conduct, which ensure that we treat animals humanely, provide professional and ethical service to our clients, work collaboratively with colleagues and continually update our knowledge and relevant education. Smart Choice’s ethics are the backbone of our force-free, positive reinforcement approach, and ensure that we care for your dogs in the best, most compassionate way possible.

My Memberships, qualifications and credentials:

  • Pet Professional Guild of Australia (PPGA) - Dog Training Provisional Member

  • Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia Inc (APDT) - Professional Dog Trainer Member

  • Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training, Delta Institute (current)

  • Real-Life Dog Reactivity Transformation Strategies for Your Toolkit, PPGA (2024)

  • Un-Chase, Pup Ruckus (2024)

  • Pet First Aid & CPR, PetTech (2024)

  • Mental Health First Aid, Mental Health First Aid Australia (2023)

  • First Aid, Fire Safety Australia (2023)

  • CPR, Fire Safety Australia(2023)

  • Basic Emergency Life Support, Fire Safety Australia (2023)