A curated collection of resources, organisations, and products recommended by How to Train a Dog. Everything here reflects a force-free, science-based approach to dog training and animal welfare.

TRAINING ASSOCIATIONS

Pet Professional Guild Australia – Industry body for force-free trainers and pet care professionals. A good starting point for finding qualified, ethical practitioners in your area.
Delta Institute Provider of Australia’s highest level certificate qualifications in companion animal training, teaching current best practice positive reinforcement methods.
Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia National association of professional dog trainers committed to ethical, modern training methods.

ASSISTANCE AND THERAPY ASSOCIATIONS

MindDog Not-for-profit organisation helping people train and accredit psychiatric assistance dogs.
Delta Society Promotes and facilitates positive interaction between people and animals through animal-assisted activities and therapy.
Animal Therapies Ltd National organisation advancing the understanding and accessibility of animal-assisted services for people in need.

PRODUCTS

Pet Circle Tough Toys Durable toys suitable for strong or persistent chewers.
Aussie Dog Australian-made tough toys designed to enrich your dog’s life and keep them engaged.
Kong High quality enrichment toys suitable for dogs of all sizes and chew strengths.
Kong stuffing Ideas for filling and freezing Kongs to extend enrichment and keep your dog occupied.
Nina Ottosson Toys Interactive puzzle games that strengthen the bond with your dog while providing mental stimulation.
LickiMat Slow feeder and enrichment treat dispenser — great for reducing anxiety and slowing mealtimes.
Harbour City Dog Gear Australian harness specialist with expert advice on choosing and fitting the right harness for your dog.

HELPFUL TRAINING INFORMATION

Kikopup Emily Larlham’s extensive library of force-free dog training videos. An excellent free resource for owners at any stage.
Pet Professional Guild Australia’s Position Statements Clear, evidence-based statements on training methods and animal welfare from Australia’s leading force-free industry body.
Puppy Culture learning centre Research-based resource on the critical first twelve weeks of a puppy’s life and how early experiences shape future behaviour.
How to choose a dog trainer Position statement from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviour on finding a qualified, ethical trainer in a poorly regulated industry.
Sirius Pup Dr Ian Dunbar pioneered the world’s first puppy class. His resources remain an invaluable reference for puppy training and socialisation.
Dog Star Daily – Ian Dunbar’s free online resource covering everything you need to know about living with and training your puppy. 
Pack theory debunked A clear explanation of why dogs are not pack animals and why dominance-based training is not supported by current behavioural science.
Modern Training methods The Australian Veterinary Association’s position on positive reinforcement as the recommended approach to dog training.
Use of Dominance Theory in Behaviour Modification American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviour position statement on why dominance theory is not an accurate or appropriate basis for dog training.
What method to use in dog training? American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviour position statement on the most effective and humane approaches to training.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

My Best Friend A compassionate service supporting elderly and terminally ill companion animals and their owners.
Puppies have different exercise needs Practical guidance on appropriate exercise for puppies at different stages of development.
Exercising your dog A useful guide to what constitutes good exercise for dogs across different life stages.
Precise Pet Care Professional pet minding and dog walking service.
Calm Pet Vet Fear-free mobile veterinary care delivered in your home — ideal for anxious or reactive dogs.
Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, Veterinary Behaviour Chapter The specialist college for vets with advanced expertise in animal behaviour and veterinary behavioural medicine.
Dr Vanessa Rohlf Specialist consultant and therapist for animal caregivers dealing with stress, compassion fatigue, pet loss, and animal bereavement.

RESCUE ORGANISATIONS

Lost & Found Australia-wide lost and found service for missing pets.
Animal Aid Victorian animal welfare organisation dedicated to the care of lost, unwanted, and abused animals.
RSPCA Community-based animal welfare charity providing shelter, rehoming, and advocacy.
Lost Dogs’ Home Australia’s largest animal shelter, providing shelter and rehoming services across Victoria.
Lort Smith Animal Hospital Veterinary services, shelter, and rehoming in Melbourne’s north.
Pet Rescue Online platform connecting rescue animals with potential adopters across Australia.
Australasian Animal Registry Lost and found pet registry and microchip identification service.
National Pet Register Microchip identification and registration service for cats and dogs.

OFF LEAD AREAS IN MELBOURNE
Find your nearest off-lead area by council:

Bayside off lead areas
Glen Eira off lead areas
Stonnington off lead areas
Port Phillip off lead areas
City of Melbourne off lead areas
City of Yarra off lead areas

TRAVELLING WITH YOUR DOG

Holidaying with Dogs Australia’s guide to pet-friendly accommodation.

ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANISATIONS

Wildlife Victoria Emergency rescue and support for injured and orphaned wildlife in Victoria.
Animals Australia National animal protection organisation campaigning for the welfare of all animals.
World Animal Protection  International organisation working to improve the lives of animals worldwide.
Bali Street Dogs Organisation protecting and caring for Bali’s street dog population.
Animals Asia Foundation Working to protect animals throughout Asia, with a focus on ending bear bile farming and improving the lives of animals in captivity.
Born Free Foundation International wildlife charity focused on preventing wild animal suffering and protecting threatened species.
Free The Bears Fund Inc Dedicated to the protection of bear species throughout Asia.
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Fund Committed to the protection and preservation of elephants and rhinos in Africa.
Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme The only project actively establishing new wild populations of a great ape species anywhere in the world.