Hi, I’m Dani!
The lead trainer of Summit K9
I’ve been training dogs for 8 years (since 2018) and hold a Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services – Canine Behaviour & Training. During that time I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of breeds and temperaments, though I have a particular interest in working breeds and the unique challenges they can bring.
My training approach is flexible and tailored to both the dog and the owner. Every dog learns differently, so I adapt my methods to suit each situation, working comfortably within both positive reinforcement based and balanced training approaches where appropriate.
Rather than applying a "one size fits all" method, my goal is to develop training that works for the dog in front of me and the people living with them.Training should be clear, fair, and practical for everyday life, and I’m committed to helping owners create confident, well-balanced dogs and strong partnerships that last.
I also hold a National Police Check & Working with Children Clearance.
Search & Rescue
Alongside my training work, I am an active volunteer canine handler with a South Australian Search & Rescue group, where I work with my dogs and other canine teams in wilderness search and rescue. I have been part of this group for the past 4 years.
Search dog work requires a high level of training, reliability, and teamwork between dog and handler. Through this role I continue to develop advanced training skills, focusing on scent work, engagement, problem solving, and maintaining reliable behaviour in challenging real-world environments.
Being involved in operational search and rescue has strengthened my understanding of clear communication, consistency, and building strong working partnerships between dogs and their handlers, principles that carry over into all of my training.
Meet My Boys
Macdog and River are more than just my dogs, they’re the reason I do what I do.
At opposite ends of the spectrum in both age and personality, they’ve each played a huge role in shaping my journey as a trainer.
Macdog, my 10 year old Australian Shepherd, is the one who started it all.
He joined our family at three years old, and learning how to help him work through bad habits and old fears is what first sparked my passion for dog training. Mac also spent some time with me in search, but eventually made it clear that working life wasn’t for him. He much prefers being at home, comfortable and relaxed.
River, my 3 year old Border Collie, is my working partner in wilderness search and rescue in South Australia, where we are actively training and developing as a team.
He’s a driven, high-energy dog who thrives on having a job to do and is always keen to get involved, even when the task doesn’t really require a dog. River is also incredibly dog-neutral and often joins training sessions as a calm, steady distraction when needed.
Between the two of them, they’ve taught me that no two dogs are the same, and that good training starts with understanding the dog in front of you.