Diona The Trainer

Let Your
Dog
Be a Dog.

Reactive Dog Training & Behaviourist · 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.

Book a session New here? Start with the $10 guide →
★

★★★★★

250 Google reviews

Read what clients say →

15+

Years of
Experience

Where would you like to start?

Tell me who you are.

Dog owners

I have a dog, or a new puppy

Breeders

I breed and place puppies

Dog trainers

I'm a trainer, or want to become one
Diona Chu, dog behaviour specialist, in Melbourne

The trainer

I don't call myself a dog trainer. I'm a person 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.

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Free & low-cost ways in

Not ready to book? Start here.

Free 2-min quiz

Are you enjoying your dog, or managing?

Five questions to find out where things really stand.

Take the assessment →
Free Reading

Got a reactive dog?

The two reasons dogs react, and what actually helps.

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$10 8-chapter PDF

Start at the kitchen table

Why your dog isn't misbehaving, just unfulfilled.

Read Selective Hearing →

Or browse the full resource library.

Self-paced courses

Work with me without booking a session

The same systems I run in private programs, written down so you can do them at home, at your own pace, wherever you live.

$49 4 modules · a weekend

Teach Your Dog to Switch Off

The cafe test: can your dog switch off when you need them to? For the dog that paces, whines, and won't settle. Rest is a skill you can teach, and this is how I teach it.

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$129 6 modules · workbook included

The Reactive Dog Reset

The exact system I start reactive dogs with: read the dog, lower the baseline, then work the trigger.

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250 five-star Google reviews

What dog owners say

★★★★★

"After 3 different vets and a behavioural specialist, Kai needed 10 tablets over 12 hours before a vet visit. After 3 sessions he is on no tablets at all, and comes to the park, the shops, even Bunnings. My only regret is that I didn't see Diona sooner."

Kristen Paspali

Kai · Anxious dog client

★★★★★

"I hadn't walked my Kelpie for 12 months. She had been injured, was in pain, and became reactive. After a month we are happily walking in the park, and this week my family took Kip to a cafe for lunch with other dogs nearby, stress free. Diona's methods actually work and are sustainable."

Lauren Costello

Kip · Reactive dog client

★★★★★

"Our last trainer said Milo, our 33kg Golden Retriever, had ADHD and needed medication. Diona taught us how to bond with Milo through play. By the third session, my 8-year-old son was walking him by himself. Now Milo comes to the market and my son's soccer games. He's truly part of our pack."

Joey Cheng

Milo · Reactive dog client

★★★★★

"My adopted dog was very anxious about the world around him. Diona gave me the tools to read his body language and meet his daily needs. Over a few weeks, and lots of practice in between sessions, he has become much calmer at home and on walks."

Esther Tseng

Adopted dog · Reactivity client

★★★★★

"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

Read all client reviews →
Diona with Murphy and two client dogs in a Melbourne park

Ready to start?

Fill in the form and I'll get back to you with times and which program fits your dog.

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Not sure which one fits? Email me directly and I'll point you to what makes sense.