The Leading K9 Team

Dog training is more than just a vocation for me - it is my passion. I have dedicated my life to dogs, and you’ll find me in my spare time living life to the fullest with my own personal dogs. We train, we play, we engage in meaningful activities we can enjoy together that make our lives bigger and fuller. I am dedicated to consistently upskilling and improving at my craft, seeking out the best trainers from both Australia and internationally to learn from. In addition to attending events, I am proud to host events in order to bring education opportunities to our local area. Click here to see my ongoing education.

Two Border Collies stand in a field, anticipating instruction

“The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth will ever be.”—Konrad Lorenz

Kirsty - Owner / Head Trainer

Border Collie on rock looking at trainer whilst doing bow trick

I am accredited through the National Dog Trainers Federation of Australia, holding a Certificate III in Dog Training and Behaviour, and have been training dogs professionally since 2017.

Back home in my native Scotland I gained my degree in Zoology (BSc, Hons). My biggest area of interest whilst studying was animal behaviour, so it is incredibly fulfilling for me to now be helping people to understand the behaviour of their dogs better.

I have a special affinity for herding breeds and high drive dogs, but my passion lies in helping people to really know their dog as an individual - what motivates them, what fulfils them, and how to maximise their unique potential.

Portrait of Brown and White Border Collie, lying on beach looking at camera

Gary - Chief Helper Dog

The Border Collie who started it all!

Gary is my right hand dog, and helps out with client sessions. You may have seen Gary elsewhere - he also works with my partner Kerr over at Utility Dog

Gary has a lovely temperament and social attributes which make him ideal as a trainer's helper dog. He helps me with puppies, reactive dogs, and dogs working on their social skills.

Outside of having two jobs, Gary enjoys training tricks, man trailing, going on hikes and competing in K9 Noseworks.

Portrait Black and White Border Collie, lying on grass staring into camera

Rhu - The Working Girl

I developed a love of sheep herding in 2020. With Gary not showing a great deal of interest, and me very much keen to train and trial in the sport, along came Rhu in 2021.

Rhu is a working line Border Collie, who I have raised from an 8 week old pup. She is high in drive and at her happiest when she is working or playing.

Rhu started on sheep at 5 months and will trial with me ongoing. In addition to being a cracker herding dog Rhu also enjoys scent work and man trailing, and loves to turn her hand (paw) to absolutely anything where she gets to use her brain and body to their full potential.