Hello! I’m Paige. I’m a dog trainer and natural light photographer, who loves to capture and help improve the relationship between humans and their furry best friends.
Dog training combines everything I love– dogs, teaching people, and navigating the different ways that humans of all ages learn information. “Dog training” is about helping people understand their dog and setting them up for a fulfilling life together. I want clients and their families to come away from a class, a workshop, or a lesson with a framework they can use to navigate future challenges that may arise. My practice combines a knowledge of the science of learning and behaviour with the understanding that for training to be effective, it has to be done regularly. And the best way for it to be done regularly is for it to be interesting and fun for all parties. I especially enjoy involving children and young people in the puppy raising and training processes.
I started photographing dogs and the people who love them over 5 years ago and Dogs of the Suburbs was born. Based on Dharawal land, in the Sutherland Shire, I’ve photographed more than 500 dogs since then and loved every single one.
The most important thing for me is capturing dogs as they are. No matter if your dog is a seasoned model or is constantly on the move, we’ll find a fun way to get the shot and capture their personality. I work at your dog’s comfort level and always take direction from them. The result? Photos you love, and fond memories of a fun, stress free photoshoot experience for both you and your dog.
For most of my adult life, I’ve worked applying tools from cognition and linguistics to shift the dialogue on social issues. I’ve worked on projects for NGOs and on campaigns in 6 countries. I’m passionate about the way people learn. I love creating interactive workshops to teach complicated concepts in an engaging way. I have written more than 60 workshops on a range of topics, and delivered them to more than 30,000 people.
I started formally getting involved in dog training in 2020, after 3 years of doing tricks with my late Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Jed), adopting a giant breed (Bernie) and meeting new dogs whilst taking photos every week. Whilst studying, I spent a year shadowing multiple trainers, and started assisting teaching classes soon after.
I am a certified Family Dog Mediator, having completed a specific course in Applied Ethology to help people understand and address the behaviors their dog presents more effectively. I have completed Pro Dog Trainer and the behaviour extension courses through Absolute Dogs, who bring a games-based approach to training.
I am a Fear Free certified pet professional and a supporting member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. I am committed to high-quality, science-based behavior modification. I am also a certified Canine Conditioning and Fitness Coach.
I have completed a number of additional courses which include:
- Management for Reactive Dogs, and Play Way (Dr. Amy Cook)
- Dog on Dog Aggression (School of Canine Science)
- Positive, no tools obedience training (STSK9)
- Triggers to Cues (Djurpedagogen)
I also know that there are continual innovations and creative solutions in dog training happening everyday. I am committed to life-long learning about the novel, kind ways people approach different training challenges with different types of dogs.