Diona The Trainer

Let Your
Dog
Be a Dog.

Dog Behaviour Specialist · Newport & Docklands, Melbourne

Your dog isn't being difficult. He's being a dog. I help you read what he's telling you, so the behaviour you want follows without constant instruction.

Where would you like to start?

Tell me who you are.

Diona Chu, dog behaviour specialist, in Melbourne

The trainer

Hello, I am Diona.

Melbourne-based, originally from Hong Kong. A Veterinary Science degree, a Master's in Early Childhood Education, and fifteen years across zoos, wildlife reserves, and assistance dog programs before I started my own practice in 2022.

My dog Murphy is a certified assistance dog. She's calm and reliable off-leash and around other dogs. Not because I drilled her. Because I stopped commanding and started listening. That is the work I teach.

Read my story →

Free & low-cost ways in

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235+ five-star Google reviews

What dog owners say

★★★★★

"For four years we'd tried personal trainers and facilities for our reactive dog Franklin. The reactivity came back every time. That all changed with Diona. Franklin is a completely different dog now, and it's actually sticking."

Rachael Khoo

Franklin · Reactive dog client

★★★★★

"We could barely get through a 10-minute walk without Bodhi being spooked. In just 4 sessions the transformation has been incredible. We now walk for 30 minutes or more, and I finally have a walking buddy."

Angela L

Bodhi · Fear & anxiety client

★★★★★

"We completed our four-week program with Diona and couldn't recommend her highly enough. Her insights into dog behaviour and step-by-step instructions have been a game changer. A much calmer dog, and the confidence to manage new challenges."

Nicole Mayne

Four-week program

★★★★★

"Thanks Diona!! I'm so much more comfortable walking my dogs outside now and not having to worry about triggers. My dogs are so much calmer and happier since training with you."

Linda

Walking & triggers

★★★★★

"Diona was incredible at helping us reduce our dog's anxiety. In such a short period of time we can now stop and talk with other dog walkers on the street without concern. I highly recommend her."

Lucy

Anxiety client

★★★★★

"Diona's training was life changing! We now have a happy dog who we enjoy walking and can confidently leave at home. It was clear from our first meeting that Diona knew what she was doing, and we trusted her process. Highly recommend."

Eliza

Private training

★★★★★

"Diona helped us better understand our dog and get him to a place where walks are not a stressful experience, for both him and us."

Chloe

Walking client

★★★★★

"Diona is so knowledgeable and experienced! She instantly recognised my dog's challenges and gave us really helpful tips. She's taught us how to better cater to his needs, which we're so grateful for."

Sonia

Private training

Diona with Murphy and two client dogs in a Melbourne park

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