My name is Kate Robinson and I am the owner and operator of Sandy Paws Bellarine.

My passion for training dogs began when I was 8 with my lovely Lilly, a Cavalier.

I work with a wide range of breeds and ages. From 8 weeks to old age a dog is never too old or too young to learn and benefit from you learning about them.

I love working with people to help them get the best out of their dogs by helping build the communication and understanding between them.

Experience

I started dog training professionally at Pawsability in 2011 after completing my certificate at NDTF with Djindi, my English Staffy Cross and eventually became Training Coordinator.

I have experience helping hundreds of dogs and their families, from puppies at the beginning of their journey, to rescue dogs with all sorts of issues.

Other work with dogs includes fostering some beautiful rescue dogs from Starting Over Dog Rescue.  I have also volunteered at Lort Smith and assessed dogs for suitability to work with children, the disabled, and the elderly in the Lort Smith Pet Therapy program.

I am experienced with working with disabled people, and have worked with a service dog for an autistic client.

I am qualified in Pet First Aid.

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training (NDTF)
  • Assistance Dog Module
  • Class instruction
• Dog Nutrition seminars - Kerri Bradley (Doggiedom)
• Fear Aggression in Dogs - Tamara Jackman (Underdog Training)
• Pet First Aid - Leanne Carney (A Dogs Life)  
• Behaviour Adjustment Therapy workshop - Grisha Stewart (BAT)
• Domestic Animal Legislation 101 - Steve Cook (More than a dog catcher)

Behaviour Consultation

At Sandy Paws we believe that good dog behaviour starts at home. I teach you how to understand your dog and how to help your dog to understand what you want from them. I offer a holistic approach which takes in all aspects of your dog's needs. This includes basic training; sit, drop, stand, walking nicely, reliable recall and more, as well as leadership at home (good manners) and nutrition. After the consultation you will have the option of ongoing support. On the consultation we also cover any issues particular to your dog's needs. This could be anything from pulling on the lead, toilet training, jumping up, barking, destructive behaviour and aggression, to introducing new pets, how to help a pet when a new baby comes home or managing anxiety.

I not only have rescue animals and have been a foster carer but have a wide range of experience working with rescue dogs. We encourage the adoption of rescue dogs and can not only offer help after you have adopted your new family member but can also give advice on selecting a suitable pet for your family.

Having dogs and kids myself, I have experienced in helping children to understand how to treat and help train their pets. With smaller children, we can teach them how NOT to behave around the dog and help them feel confident in things they CAN help with.

I have worked with hundreds of dogs with all sorts of different issues. I have also worked in a team training a service dog and have experience working with people with autism and other disabilities.

Whatever your needs are, I am happy to give you a call to discuss the options that best suit your situation.

Consultations are done in two parts to ensure you and your dog get the most out of the training. For this reason I have split the consultation into two parts. First we do an 1hour 30min consultation at your home and then we follow up with an hour the following week which is included in the price. This gives you time practice and find out what works for you and then we can work on any difficulties or learn some new things the following week. If you have a dog who struggles a bit with other dogs I can bring one of my well socialised dogs along to the follow up to help show you how to manage and improve the behaviour.

The cost is $265 which included both sessions.

PRIVATE LESSONS

These can be ongoing and a time that suits you, so you don't have be restricted to regular weekend group classes which are often take place in large groups. From some dogs and families this doesn't work. Private lessons can be tailored to your dog's needs and, if needed, I use my own well trained, socialised dogs to help when your dog is ready. 

If you and your friends want to have group lessons, discounts can be offered. Group classes will have a maximum of four dogs and all participants must have had our two hour Behaviour Consultation prior to attending.

Lessons are 1 hour and cost $70 for the first lesson, and $50 for follow up lessons

Training WALKs

Do you need help getting your dog to walk nicely? Does your dog display on lead aggression towards other dogs? Or maybe you work full time and your dog isn't getting the attention they need to help them to behave well while you are out. Sometimes aggressive or dogs simply get left at home as owners find it so hard to manage them. Private walks are available.  As a qualified trainer, I can help your dog to learn to walk nicely and if you are struggling to walk your dog regular training walks can help. In these cases we offer discounts for on going bookings.

Price for training walks

$45 for an hour walk, $35 for 45 minutes, $25 for half an hour

GROUP WALKS

Group walks are available in safe areas for dogs that are safe and reliable off lead and on lead. A maximum of 4 dogs at a time will be taken to a safe off lead area for play time and exercise. They will be picked up and dropped off and their water checked. Time will be around an hour including travel to somewhere close with a minimum of 45mins exercise.

*We will ensure that we first get to know your dog and only let them off lead when they are familiar with us and we have assessed recall reliability.

Price for group walks 2-4 dogs

$40 per hour for one walk or ten walks for $350

*Discounts for multi dog households 

Dog Nutrition

At Sandy Paws we firmly believe that nutrition is very important. What you feed your dog can have such a big impact on their health, and YES also their behaviour. This is particularly true with dogs who suffer from anxiety. We understand that everyone has different time and price restrictions so we work with you in a non-judgmental and open minded way to help you find the best option for you while also doing the best for your dog. Kate has attended seminars with dog nutrition specialists as well as having the benefit of seeing the result of good nutrition with not only her own dogs but her foster dogs and clients' dogs.

Group Classes

Sandy Paws runs a couple of different types of group classes to suit your needs and keep your dog working in a variety of different places.

Sandy Paws has teamed up with Sophie Noss from Pawfect Earth and we are pleased to present the Pawtastic Paws Classes.

Kids and Dogs

Dog education classes are available upon request with dogs trained in socialisation for kids and people with disabilities. Please contact me for more details.

Behaviour Consultation

1 hour 30 mins with an hour follow up the following week

$45 ph

Private Walk

Discount of $400 for 10 walks per dog 

Private Lessons

1 hour private lesson. 

$35 PH

Group Walks

Discount of $300 for 10 walks per dog

*Discounts for multi dog households