Mission Statement
At Ocean Paws Dog Training, our mission is to help guardians better understand their dogs. We believe that when we understand what our dogs are communicating, we can better support them, encourage learning, and build calm, confident dogs through relationships founded on trust, understanding, and compassion. 🐾
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My Journey
Penny founded Ocean Paws Dog Training in 2014, inspired by a lifelong passion for animals and a desire to help dogs and their guardians better understand one another.
Her interest in canine behaviour began at a young age. Growing up, Penny was fascinated by a local Collie named Alice. As a child, she desperately wanted to be friends with Alice, but each attempt was met with a bite, leaving her confused and often in tears. It wasn't until later that Penny learned Alice had been unwell. That experience stayed with her and sparked a lifelong curiosity about why dogs behave the way they do and how we can better understand and support them.
Throughout school, Penny's love of animals continued to grow, with many of her assignments and projects centred around animal care and behaviour. As a young adult, she completed studies in animal care and spent several years working in the pet industry, gaining valuable experience with a wide range of companion animals.
After several years working in the telecommunications industry, Penny's passion for animals was reignited in 2013 when she accepted a part-time role assisting a local dog groomer. It was during this time that she realised her true passion lay in helping dogs and their families.
In 2014, Penny established Ocean Paws Dog Training, and in 2015 she began volunteering as a dog trainer with a local dog training club, further developing her practical skills and experience. Since then, she has continued to expand her knowledge through ongoing professional education and has dedicated her career to helping dogs and their guardians build calm, confident, and positive relationships through kind, science-based training.
Today, Penny has over 12 years of experience working with dogs and families and is passionate about helping guardians understand canine behaviour, body language, and communication. She believes that when we understand what our dogs are communicating, we can better support them, strengthen our relationships, and help them thrive.
With the support of her own two dogs, Ziggy and Sampson, and through working with local families seeking help with their dogs' behaviour, Penny knew she had found her passion. This inspired her to further her education by completing a Certificate IV in Companion Animal Behaviour and Training through the Delta Institute, marking the beginning of her professional journey as a dog trainer and behaviour consultant.
Penny is passionate about continually expanding her knowledge of canine behaviour, learning, and welfare. She believes that the science of animal behaviour is constantly evolving, and that ongoing professional development is essential to providing the highest standard of care and support to the dogs and families she works with.
To stay at the forefront of modern, evidence-based training, Penny is an active member of the Australian Association of Professional Dog Trainers (AAPDT Australia), the Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA), and the Delta Institute. She regularly attends professional development courses, webinars, and conferences presented by leading behaviour and training professionals from around the world, ensuring the advice and support she provides reflects current behavioural science and best practice.
"Whether I'm working with a young puppy, an adolescent dog, or supporting a family through behavioural challenges, my goal is always the same—to help guardians better understand their dogs and provide them with the knowledge and confidence to support them through every stage of life. I truly believe that when we understand what our dogs are communicating, we can better support them, strengthen our relationships, and help them become the very best dogs they can be"
Memberships Associations
Working with a fully Accredited Dog Trainer is essential.
To ensure that Penny is up to date with the most effective dog training methods and the latest industry news, she is a member of the following organisations.
Client Testimonials
Private Behaviour Consultation
- $240–$260 for a comprehensive 1.5–2 hour in-home session
Follow-Up Behaviour Consultation
- $150 for a 1.5 hour follow-up session
Consult packages are also available for complex behavioural issues
