How to (accidentally) become a dog trainer

Most dog trainers have a similar origin story: a dog with behaviour that was... let’s call it "spicy." Usually, it’s a dog that doesn’t read the manual on how to "be good" like the lab in the neighbour’s Instagram feed. What happens next? Some owners decide to hit the books and earn qualifications. Others binge-watch popular trainers and try to mimic their moves. And some, like Elle, stumble into the profession on a hunch, a hope, and a stubborn determination not to give up on their dog.

Elle’s story starts with a reactive German Shepherd — a dog that couldn’t just "sit, stay, and play nice" at the local obedience club. Reactivity is common in herding breeds like German Shepherds, Kelpies, Border Collies, and Cattle Dogs. It’s their way of saying, “Hey! The world is big and scary, and I’m not okay with it.” (And let’s not leave out bully breeds, who often get stuck with the same challenges.)

So, Elle did what any determined owner would do: she joined an obedience class. And it was fine… until it wasn’t. Sit, come, and heel were all well and good, but Elle’s dog needed more than a textbook lesson plan. What her dog craved was safety. Trust. A feeling of being understood. The classes weren’t addressing the root of the behaviour, and Elle’s hunch was screaming, “There’s got to be a better way.”

That hunch? It became the spark for something incredible. Elle started her own little training group for reactive dogs, and what happened next was magic. Progress. Real progress. She saw these dogs begin to relax, trust, and transform. Owners left with more hope (and less tears), and Elle found her passion. From that group, she worked tirelessly to refine her methods, creating a unique approach that puts both dog and owner on the same team.

But here’s where Elle’s story gets even better. Sure, she’s done plenty of certification programs (because who doesn’t love a shiny piece of paper?). But for Elle, qualifications alone don’t cut it. After all, there are plenty of trainers with the same credentials who still miss the mark when it comes to truly prioritising the dog’s welfare. Elle’s approach goes deeper. It’s not just about fixing the dog or managing the owner; it’s about building a bond where both feel heard, safe, and, dare we say it, happy.

Because here’s the thing: dogs have personalities, quirks, and "love languages" just like humans. (Yes, your dog may have the canine equivalent of leaving love notes or demanding physical affection!) The key is figuring out what makes each unique human-dog team tick and creating a partnership where they thrive together.

And those challenging dogs? The barky, excitable, reactive, or aggressive ones? Elle adores them. Why? Because those behaviours often belong to the most sensitive dogs — the ones who feel the weight of the world more deeply than others. When they act out, it’s not because they’re "bad." They’re overwhelmed, scared, or unsure. Picture yourself feeling misunderstood, unsafe, and stressed out. Would you make good choices? Probably not. These dogs are simply doing the best they can in a world that doesn’t always make sense to them.

This is why Elle’s work matters so much. By helping these dogs and their owners understand each other, they can finally start enjoying life together. The barking quiets, the tension fades, and the connection strengthens. And that’s the magic of The Dog Star Academy. It’s not about quick fixes or cookie-cutter solutions. It’s about transforming the lives of dogs and their humans, one hunch, one breakthrough, and one wagging tail at a time.

Need help with your challenging dog? Why not