Frequently Asked Questions

During your dog's training, we have a variety of people handle him to ensure he listens to whoever has the lead.  We then conducr an in-depth handover to ensure you are comfortable to maintain his training on your own.  You then receive lifetime support to help you through any issues. This comes in the form of email, phone calls, zoom meeting or one on one training at our training facility.

We are based at the foothills of the Catombal Ranges, just south of Wellington, in the Central West of NSW.

 Principal trainer Phil Campbell began his dog-training journey in the 1990s while working on sheep and cattle stations in the far west of NSW. He later moved into the security industry, first as a dog handler and then as a trainer for a large security-dog company.
In the mid-2000s, Phil managed a large animal shelter for an animal-welfare organisation, gaining extensive experience with dogs of every breed and temperament.
In recent years he has focused on specialised working dogs, handling and training for search & rescue, conservation, and drug-detection work. 

I live quite a distance away—can my dog still join your Board & Train program?
 

Absolutely. We have several options for clients who travel from farther afield.

• Extended Handover: At pick-up we spend extra time with you to make sure you feel completely confident continuing the training at home.
   
• Follow-Up Support: We provide ongoing coaching through phone or Zoom sessions to answer questions and fine-tune your dog’s progress.
   
• Weekly Training Videos: Each week you’ll receive a video that not only shows your dog’s progress but also demonstrates the techniques we’re using, so you can review them any time in the future.
   
• Complimentary Training Guidelines: You’ll receive a copy of our comprehensive training guidelines to help you maintain your dog’s new skills.
   
• On-Site One-on-One Lessons: If you’d prefer to work alongside your dog, you’re welcome to book private training sessions at our Wellington training facility.
   

We’ve successfully worked with dogs from as far away as Bourke, Nowra, and Sydney, all with excellent results.

 We completely understand that professional training is a significant investment. But over your dog’s lifetime, most owners spend far more on toys, treats, and gadgets that don’t create lasting change.
Our Board & Train program delivers lasting results—skills and habits that give you and your dog a lifetime of freedom, confidence, and peace of mind. It’s an investment that pays off every single day you enjoy a well-behaved companion. 

Thanks to Phil’s broad background, he selects the approach best suited to each individual dog rather than relying on a single method.

• Most dogs are initially imprinted using food rewards to create a strong foundation.
   
• As training progresses, food is gradually phased out before proofing, ensuring reliability in a variety of real-world situations.
   
• For dogs that aren’t food-motivated, Phil draws on play, movement, and other engagement techniques to build enthusiasm and a desire to learn.
   

This flexible, balanced approach means every dog gets a training plan tailored to their temperament, drive, and goals.