# Dog Trainer Mentorship Program | Diona The Trainer

Three-part mentorship for current and aspiring dog trainers.  
Theory online · Practical in Melbourne · Business and career module.  
Full bundle: AUD $7,045. Payment plans available.

→ Enquire: https://forms.gle/kjJRPYMu9LLW4h7F7

## About the program

A structured train-the-trainer program built on cross-industry methodology from zoo, wildlife reserve, assistance dog, and pet training work. Theory is delivered online. Practical sessions are in Melbourne, shadowing real client cases. WhatsApp support throughout. Limited spots annually.

Five mentorship clients with zero active marketing. The most underdeveloped asset in the business.

About a third of past students were already working trainers. The rest were career changers or aspiring trainers without prior credentials.

## The three parts

### Part 1 — Theory (online): AUD $1,955
Online delivery. Covers:
- Types of dog training and learning theory
- Body language reading
- Equipment
- Therapy dogs
- Behavioural needs
- Session structure

4 structured sessions.

### Part 2 — Practical in Melbourne (requires Part 1): AUD $4,370
In person, Melbourne. Covers:
- 8 live shadowing sessions covering real client cases
- Dog-reactive dog work
- Live session simulation

Past international cohorts have included students from New Zealand and the UK.

### Part 3 — Business and Career (standalone): AUD $920
Online delivery. Covers:
- Ideal client identification
- Service structure
- Marketing
- How to get clients

Available as a standalone — no prerequisite.

### Full bundle: AUD $7,045
Parts 1, 2, and 3 together. AUD $200 saving vs parts individually. Payment plans available: standard plan is three monthly instalments for Part 1 or Part 2.

## Qualifications of the mentor

Diona Chu:
- Bachelor's in Veterinary Science
- Master's in Early Childhood Education
- 14+ years across zoos, wildlife reserves, assistance dog programs, and pet training
- Creator of the Still Waters methodology and PACE framework
- Certified assistance dog Murphy used in live sessions

## Frequently asked

**Do I need to be a certified trainer to apply?**  
No. About a third of past students were already working trainers. The rest were career changers or aspiring trainers without prior credentials.

**Can I do Parts 1 and 3 without Part 2?**  
Yes. Part 2 (Practical) requires Part 1 (Theory) as a prerequisite. Part 3 (Business) stands alone.

**What if I am not in Australia?**  
Parts 1 and 3 are fully online. International students travel to Melbourne for Part 2. Past cohorts have included students from New Zealand and the UK.

**Is the methodology yours, or will I become a clone?**  
You leave with a much better lens plus your own existing experience, and the two integrate. Past graduates run businesses with their own personality and positioning.

**Are payment plans available?**  
Yes. Standard plan is three instalments for Part 1 or Part 2, monthly. Email for a longer arrangement: happydogs@dionathetrainer.com

## Related

- [Private Dog Training](https://www.dionathetrainer.com/private-dog-training.html)
- [Good Puppy Blueprint](https://www.dionathetrainer.com/puppy-training.html)
- [Blog: The Four Modes](https://www.dionathetrainer.com/blog/the-four-modes.html)