Does Diona work with reactive, anxious or aggressive dogs in Melbourne?

Yes. Reactivity, anxiety, and fear-based behaviour are what most private clients come to Diona for. She uses Murphy, her certified assistance dog, in sessions with reactive dogs. Most clients notice real changes within the first one to two sessions.

How much does private dog training cost with Diona The Trainer?

The initial 90-minute consultation is $390 AUD. After the first session, Diona recommends a follow-up program if it's right for your dog. Ninety-eight percent of clients find the four-week program is enough. The online puppy program is $440 for 9 weeks.

Is the online puppy program available outside Melbourne?

Yes. The Good Puppy Blueprint is fully online and available worldwide. It starts before your puppy comes home and includes two 20-minute personal video check-ins.

Diona The Trainer | Dog Behaviour Specialist Melbourne, Newport & Docklands

Q: We've tried other dog trainers before. What is different about Diona The Trainer?

Most dog training focuses on what your dog does. Diona's work focuses on why. When a dog's body language is read and its needs are met, good behaviour follows without constant correction. It holds up in cafés, on walks, and when visitors arrive.

Hello,
I am Diona.

Most of my clients have already had a trainer. Their dog knows the commands. But at home, on walks, when the doorbell goes, it still feels like managing a small crisis.

That gap between obedience and actually relaxed is where I work.

I'm based in Melbourne, originally from Hong Kong. I have a degree in veterinary science and a master's in early childhood education. Over 15 years I've trained animals across zoos, wildlife reserves, and assistance dog programs. What I took from that: behaviour is about relationship, not repertoire.

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.

Dog
Behaviour
Expert

The insight came from a dog before Murphy. Kirin was trained for assistance dog work, built around cues and reinforcement. She was reliable in the right hands. But assistance dog placement requires a dog that works for a handler who may be in pain, managing a medical episode, or hands full with children. Someone who can't always give a cue at the right moment. Kirin wasn't suited to placement for that reason. Not because she wasn't trained well. Because the training depended on the handler being capable.

That's the ceiling. Obedience that requires a capable handler fails exactly when it's needed most. In a normal household, that's most of the time.

That question led me to a different approach. Not how to get a dog to respond to commands, but how to set up a life where the dog makes good decisions because the structure makes the good choice obvious. Murphy is what that looks like in practice.

Read My Google Reviews →

15+

Years across zoo, wildlife, and private sectors

3,000+

Dogs transformed across Melbourne and online

BSc + Masters

Veterinary Science and Early Childhood Education. Applied to how dogs actually learn

Free Online Seminar

Why Your Dog Isn't
Actually Listening

Most training sessions fix one problem. Come back a month later and there's a new one. This session is about the layer underneath: why dogs behave the way they do, how to read what they're telling you, and why that changes more than any command ever could.

One hour. Live and free. Questions welcome.

Upcoming Session

Tue 26 May

6:30pm AEST · Online · Free

✦ Why dogs repeat behaviours that training already fixed

✦ How to read what your dog is actually telling you

✦ The difference between a calm dog and a compliant one

✦ Live Q&A with Diona

Reserve Your Spot

Session recorded for on-demand access after

Selective program · Limited places per year

Mentoring
Program

For dog trainers who want to build a career on something more than obedience cues. This program covers the full picture: learning theory, body language, how dogs actually process their environment, session structure, client communication, and practice building.

Theory runs as an online program. Practical shadowing is in person in Melbourne. That includes real client sessions, reactive dog cases, and live assessment. Business is the final module, available standalone.

WhatsApp support is included for the full duration. Each applicant is reviewed before a place is offered.

This program is for you if:

✦ You're a trainer whose clients get results in sessions but can't maintain them at home
✦ You want to work with behaviour and relationship, not just commands
✦ You're building a practice and want to do it on a methodology you believe in
✦ You're new to the industry and want to learn it the right way from the start

Part 1: Dog Training and the Industry

Online · Types of dog training, learning theory, body language, equipment, therapy dogs, behavioural needs, and session structure across 4 structured sessions

$1,955

Part 2: Practical (requires Part 1)

In person, Melbourne · 8 live shadowing sessions covering real client cases including dog-reactive dogs, plus live session simulation

$4,370

Part 3: Business & Career

Ideal client, service structure, marketing, and how to get clients · Available as a standalone

$920

Full Program: Parts 1, 2 & 3

Payment plans available on request

$7,045

About the program → Apply directly

What my students say

Trainers who've built on the method

★★★★★

"Since completing the mentorship, I've gone on to start my own dog training business. Something I never would have thought possible before. I first reached out to Diona for help with my young reactive dog, and the results were amazing. Through the mentorship I learnt so much about dog psychology and how to take practical, supportive action that benefits both the dog and the owner. The guidance, knowledge and confidence I gained has been life-changing."

AT

Auveen Twomey

Paws With Purpose · Mentorship graduate

★★★★★

"Her ability to read dogs and break down behaviour is unparalleled. Diona's mentorship draws from her experience working with both working dogs and pet dogs. The way she explains dog training theories is easy to understand and paired with real experience. I recommend her for any dog trainer looking to expand their toolkit, getting started, or wanting to be open to different ways of looking at the four quadrants of dog training."

JF

Jaime Foots

The Daily Dog Trainer · Mentorship graduate

★★★★★

"Diona stands out as a teacher of humans. That's where her real strength is. I've been a professional dog trainer for 7 years, but the learning never ends. There's been some real gold nuggets that have already made a difference to how I'm training my clients. I recommend her if you want to specialise in reactivity or simply see how she does it differently from most. Put her skills in your own toolbox."

KM

Kirstin Mcgregor-Lowndes

Mary Puppins Brisbane · Mentorship graduate

★★★★★

"Worth the investment in every way. I was coming back to dog training work postpartum and looking for a mentor who could help me refresh my knowledge and evolve the way I trained dogs. I've not only refreshed my knowledge but gained new insights on multiple perspectives on training. Diona is holistic, observant and super intelligent. If you're a trainer looking for a unique mentor, I recommend her any day."

JY

Jacyntha Yoong

Mindfulness Dog Training · Mentorship graduate

Private Dog
Training

AUD $390 · 90-min initial session

For dogs 12 weeks and older

One-on-one sessions tailored entirely to your dog. Whether it's leash reactivity, anxiety, aggression, or a dog who listens when he feels like it. We work on the actual problem, not a generic curriculum.

After the initial session I'll recommend whether a follow-up program is right for you. Most clients continue with one, and the four-week program is enough for almost all cases.

Sessions run Wednesday to Saturday. I take on a limited number of new clients each week. Fill in the form to check current availability.

What's included

✓ 1-on-1 personalised sessions

✓ Behavioural modification

✓ Melbourne Docklands & Newport

✓ Virtual consults available

✓ Home visits (call-out fee applies)

✓ Additional dog +$50

✓ Ongoing sessions $340 to $360

✓ WhatsApp support between sessions

How it works

1

Fill in the form

Tell me about your dog, your goals, and your availability.

2

I'll be in touch

I'll review your enquiry and reach out to discuss the right program and schedule.

3

We get started

First session begins with a full behavioural assessment and a training plan built around your dog.

4

You keep the progress

Week by week, the changes stick. WhatsApp support between sessions the whole way through.

About private training → Enquire directly

Online Puppy
Training

AUD $440 · 9-week self-paced

For puppies under 12 weeks. This program starts before your puppy comes home, not after the chaos does. Replace puppy school with expert guidance you access anytime, anywhere.

✦

Preparation before day one

Lessons designed to be completed before your puppy arrives home.

✦

2 personal video call check-ins

20-minute calls with Diona directly, included in the program.

✦

Weekly socialisation tasks

Structured week-by-week guidance through the critical first weeks.

✦

Available worldwide

Fully online. Accessible from anywhere, at your own pace.

About the program → Enrol directly

★★★★★

"We can't say enough great things about Diona and her program. Absolutely recommend."

MC

Melissa Craig

Good Puppy Blueprint

★★★★★

"Patient, supportive, and explains everything in such a clear, practical way. Our puppy Stormi absolutely adores her and sees her as part of the pack."

NA

Nicole Anderson

Good Puppy Blueprint · Stormi

What dog owners say

★★★★★

"For four years we'd tried personal trainers and facilities for our dog Franklin. The reactivity would come back every time. That all changed with Diona. She equipped us with the knowledge to truly understand how Franklin thinks and operates, around his triggers, for all environments. To say Franklin is a completely different dog isn't an exaggeration. It's our reality now. And it's actually sticking. Diona is the real deal."

RK

Rachael Khoo

Franklin · Reactive dog client

★★★★★

"We recently completed our four-week program with Diona and couldn't recommend her highly enough. We were struggling with our dog's reactivity. Walks and visitors to our house had become very stressful. Her insights into dog behaviour, clear communication and step-by-step instructions have been a game changer, resulting in a much calmer dog and giving us the tools and confidence to manage new challenges as they arise."

NM

Nicole Mayne

4-Week Training Program

★★★★★

"I knew once I got Kronoz, a Cane Corso, I needed to invest in not just a good trainer but the best one. Diona approached him with so much patience, understanding and genuine care. She not only helped him become more confident and calm, she taught us how to read his cues and understand what he's trying to communicate. My bond with Kronoz has only grown. I would recommend her to anyone who wants a trainer who truly loves what they do."

KL

katarina Lopez

Kronoz · Cane Corso owner

★★★★★

"We came to Diona because we had tried every type of lead but our dog pulled so much he was very hard to walk. Through 5 sessions we now have a dog who walks calmly beside us. We're also working on having him off leash, which I never thought would be possible as he is a hound. Her methods are kind and clever and show a deep understanding of dogs and how to effectively bond and work with them."

SK

Sarah Kalpokas

Hound owner · Private training

★★★★★

"Before starting, we could barely get through a 10-minute walk without Bodhi being spooked by something. In just 4 sessions the transformation has been incredible. We now walk for 30 minutes or more. Diona showed me how to understand his signals, read other dogs, and handle situations with confidence. Bodhi now trusts that I've got him. I finally have a walking buddy. A big thank you also to her dog Murphy, who was such a calm presence in our training."

AL

Angela L

Bodhi · Fear & anxiety client

★★★★★

"From the very first online session, Diona was patient, knowledgeable and genuinely invested in helping us and our puppy succeed. Her 9-week program was structured, practical and easy to follow. What really stood out was how she explained the 'why' behind everything, which helped us stay consistent at home. The positive approach made such a difference, not just in our puppy's behaviour, but in our confidence as owners."

AA

anna allen

Online Puppy Program

View Google Reviews →

For Breeders

After
Handover

Your job doesn't end at handover. The Good Puppy Blueprint Partnership gives every family you place a puppy with a structured 9-week program, so the work you put into early socialisation actually carries through.

Puppy families who struggle in the first few weeks come back to the breeder with questions. This program means they have real support, and your reputation stays intact.

$160

per puppy

Standard Partnership

Full 9-week online program for each puppy family, with 2 personal video check-in calls. 65% off the individual rate.

$600

per litter

Premium Live Support

Includes 2 live group sessions (weeks 7 and 9) for your puppy families, plus full program access.

About the partnership → Enquire directly

What the partnership solves

01

Fewer calls back after handover

Families have structured guidance through the first 16 weeks. They're not calling you every time the puppy nips or won't settle at night, because they have an expert to go to.

02

Your early socialisation work carries through

Most of what breeders build in the first 8 weeks is lost by week 12 at home. This program picks up where you leave off and keeps the work intact.

03

A real point of difference for your litters

Every family you place gets expert training support included. Most breeders can't offer that. For serious buyers, it's a deciding factor.

★★★★★

"Diona's program is a brilliant addition to our puppy offering."

"We work so hard to socialise our puppies when they are with us, and it's extremely rewarding to see our families guided by Diona to continue our work. Having someone to answer all questions and concerns in the first weeks was invaluable to my families, especially those who are getting their first dog. My families are happy, and so are their puppies. All in all, a great investment."

SF

Sharon Flemming

Breeder · Good Puppy Blueprint Partnership

Free Guide

Week-by-week guide
for breeders

The first 8 weeks set the tone for everything that comes after. The Week-by-Week Puppy Development Guide: Birth to Hand Over is a practical breakdown of what to do at each stage.

It covers what to do day by day, what to socialise puppies to and when, and what to tell new families so the work you've done at home doesn't unravel in the first month.

✓

Week-by-week development milestones from birth to handover

✓

Socialisation week by week, in the order it actually matters

✓

What to tell new families so your early work carries through

✓

Instant access. No wait, no cost

Download the Free Guide

Common questions

We've tried other trainers before. What's different here? + −

Most training focuses on what your dog does. My work focuses on why. When a dog's body language is read and its needs are met, good behaviour follows on its own, and that holds up in cafés, on walks, when visitors arrive, without constant correction. If your dog knows the commands but still isn't reliably calm, that's the gap I work in.

Do you work with reactive, anxious or aggressive dogs? + −

Yes. Reactivity, anxiety, and fear-based behaviour are what most of my private clients come to me for. I use Murphy, my working dog partner, in sessions with reactive dogs. She provides a calm, reliable presence that many dogs need to start making progress. Most clients notice real changes within the first one to two sessions.

Where are private training sessions held in Melbourne? + −

In-person sessions are at Newport or Docklands, Wednesday to Saturday. I serve clients across Newport, Williamstown, Yarraville, Spotswood, Altona North, Port Melbourne and surrounding areas. Home visits are available with a call-out fee. Virtual consultations are available for clients outside Melbourne, including interstate.

What's included in the initial consultation? + −

The 90-minute initial session is a full behavioural assessment. By the end I'll have a clear picture of what your dog needs and will recommend whether a follow-up program is right for you. You leave with practical things to start working on immediately. Most people also get ongoing WhatsApp support between sessions.

Is the puppy program available if I don't live in Melbourne? + −

Yes. The Good Puppy Blueprint is fully online and available worldwide. It's designed to start before your puppy comes home, not after the chaos does. Includes two 20-minute personal video check-ins with me directly.

What makes your training approach different? + −

My background is genuinely unusual for a dog trainer. I've worked in zoos, wildlife reserves, and assistance dog programs. Environments where you have to understand the animal deeply, because you can't manage it into compliance. That cross-industry lens is what I bring to private dog training, and it produces a different result. Owners stop giving constant instructions and start reading their dog. The behaviour changes because the relationship changes.

Let Your
Dog
Be a Dog.

Hello,
I am Diona.

Dog
Behaviour
Expert

Why Your Dog Isn't
Actually Listening

Mentoring
Program

Trainers who've built on the method

Private Dog
Training

Online Puppy
Training

Why Your Dog Isn't
Actually Listening

What dog owners say

After
Handover

Week-by-week guide
for breeders

Common questions

Not sure which one fits?

Ready to start?

Let Your Dog Be a Dog.

Hello,I am Diona.

Dog Behaviour Expert

Why Your Dog Isn'tActually Listening

MentoringProgram

Trainers who've built on the method

Private DogTraining

Online PuppyTraining

Why Your Dog Isn'tActually Listening

What dog owners say

AfterHandover

Week-by-week guidefor breeders

Common questions

Not sure which one fits?

Ready to start?

Why Your Dog Isn't Actually Listening

Let Your
Dog
Be a Dog.

Hello,
I am Diona.

Dog
Behaviour
Expert

Why Your Dog Isn't
Actually Listening

Mentoring
Program

Private Dog
Training

Online Puppy
Training

Why Your Dog Isn't
Actually Listening

After
Handover

Week-by-week guide
for breeders