Private Dog Training Consultations
Melbourne's Inner North & Beyond

Yes, in many cases. Group classes teach foundational skills in a structured environment, but they can't address individual behaviour problems in the context where they actually occur your home, your street, your routine. If your dog is doing something in daily life that group training hasn't resolved, a private consult is the right next step.

Reactivity toward other dogs or people is one of the most common reasons clients book a private consultation. Olivia will assess the root cause, fear, frustration, over-arousal or a combination, and build a management and training plan specific to your dog's triggers and your environment. Severe aggression cases are assessed individually; get in touch to discuss your situation before booking.

This is extremely common. Dogs often perform better with a stranger present and then revert once the pressure is off. Olivia accounts for this. The pre-consult phone call helps establish what the behaviour actually looks like day-to-day, and the homework is designed to address the behaviour in your normal routine rather than in a staged session.

Olivia will run through everything on the pre-consult phone call. In general: have your dog's history in mind (previous training, any known triggers, vet history if relevant), avoid tiring your dog out immediately before the session, and have your usual treats on hand. No preparation is required beyond that, the consult is designed to meet you and your dog where you're at.

Absolutely. A private consult is an excellent starting point for dogs with no prior training, particularly if you want a tailored plan from day one rather than a group class curriculum. Olivia will assess your dog's current behaviours and build a program suited to their age, breed and temperament.

Private consultations are often the best option for anxious or nervous dogs precisely because there are no other dogs or strangers present. Training in the home environment where the anxiety is usually most visible also means Olivia can observe the actual triggers rather than working from a description.

Please provide at least 48 hours notice to reschedule a private consultation. A $25 fee applies for late rescheduling. If something unexpected comes up, contact Olivia directly to discuss options, she understands that dogs and life don't always cooperate.

Absolutely! This is one of the most popular reasons clients book a private consult. An initial set of private sessions can fast-track your dog's fundamentals so you arrive at group classes ready to hit the ground running, and ensure your dog has the skills to cope in a group environment.

Northside Dog Training offers private in-home dog training without travel fees across a large area of Melbourne including: Clifton Hill, North Fitzroy, Fitzroy, Abbotsford, Collingwood, Coburg, Preston, Reservoir, Northcote, Thornbury, Brunswick, Brunswick East, Brunswick West, Alphington, Heidelberg, Heidelberg Heights, Heidelberg West, Rosanna, Thomastown, Lalor, Macleod, Viewbank, Templestowe, Richmond, Burnley, Cremorne, Carlton, North Melbourne, Parkville, Pascoe Vale, Moonee Ponds, Ascot Vale, Greensborough, Eaglemont. If your suburb is not listed, get in touch and we will let you know if we can accommodate you.