Hi, glad you came
Most people who land here came from a thread about a reactive dog, an anxious dog, or a puppy who isn't doing what the books say they should be doing. Here's where to start.
I'm Diona Chu, a dog trainer based in Melbourne. I work in person in Docklands and Newport, and online with clients worldwide. Background in vet science, early childhood education, and fourteen years across zoos, wildlife reserves, assistance dogs, and pet training.
My work is about teaching owners to read their dog rather than command it. A dog whose needs are met and whose body language is understood doesn't need to be told what to do most of the time. That's the whole thesis. Everything else follows from it.
Pick the one that fits.
For dog owners
Reactive, anxious, struggling on walks, can't settle at home, ignores everything outside, has been through other trainers without it really sticking. This is what most of my private work is.
Mention "Reddit" in the form so I know where you came from.
For trainers and trainer-curious
Whether you're early in your trainer career, mid-career and feel like the standard pet training pathway hasn't given you enough, or considering moving into training from another field. Mentorship is structured, small group, and runs from theory through to live practical work in Melbourne.
Mention "Mentorship" and "Reddit" in the form.
One owner, one mentorship graduate.
★★★★★
"For four years we'd tried personal trainers and dog training facilities for our reactive dog Franklin. The training would work for a few weeks before his reactivity went back to the way it was. That all changed when we met Diona. She equipped us with the knowledge to truly understand how Franklin thinks and operates. Diona is the real deal."
★★★★★
"Since completing Diona's mentorship, I've gone on to start my own dog training business, something I never would have thought possible before. 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."