Why Choose Canine Counselling

Why Work With Us?

Mark Ehrman is a certified dog trainer with a diverse training background centred around modern, science-based training. An extensive resume of formal dog training and nearly two decades serving as a degreed automotive engineer gives him the expertise and analytical power to accurately diagnose, explain, and resolve your canineโ€™s behavioural issues.

Mark puts the reins in your hands, providing you with the techniques and skills required to see lasting results and build a closer bond with your dog. His patience and thorough, relatable explanations give dog owners a fresh new insight into changing their canineโ€™s behaviour.

Dog trainer Mark Ehrman kneeling with relaxed dog

LONG LASTING

Not Quick Obedience

Various studies have revealed the negative consequences of adopting a โ€œpack leaderโ€ approach based on absolute control, or using harsh corrections and aversive tools to punish bad behaviours. Teaching pet owners to use evolved, humane training methods reduces aggression, improves the willingness of your canine to listen, and promotes a happier life. Mark prioritises maintaining a caring relationship with your dog, over quick fixes and using aversive tools to punish improper behaviour. Mark can help you reframe your dogโ€™s behaviour, and introduce new techniques to help you and your dog deal with challenging situations better.

CONTINUOUSLY LEARNING

& Improving

When Mark counsels you on the best training methods for your dogโ€™s situation, rest assured that he is providing the most modern, effective advice available. He believes that when we know better, we do better, and is constantly expanding his training, attending conferences, and learning as dog training evolves.

training a dog using a food lure

Hundreds Of Case Studies Near You

Mark has been instrumental in bringing modern positivity training to the Sydney area. As the first Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Trainer in Australia, heโ€™s committed to showing people how to promote good manners and behaviour without harming, scaring, or intimidating the dog. View 150+ 5-star reviews on Google:

Canine Counselling by Mark
Excellent
5.0
Based on 180 reviews
review us on
I recently attended the Canine Counselling Puppy School with my adorable puppy, Meiko, and I couldn't be happier with our experience! From the moment we walked through the door, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. The facility was clean, spacious, and well-equipped for puppy training.The trainer, Mark, was phenomenal. His passion for dogs and positive reinforcement methods made the classes enjoyable for both the puppies and their owners. He provided a wealth of knowledge on puppy behavior, socialization, and basic commands. Each session was thoughtfully structured, blending playtime with learning, which kept the puppies engaged and excited.It was heartwarming to see meiko learn how to play nice and communicate with his peers. Mark always made himself available for questions and offered practical tips that I could easily implement at home.One of my favorite parts was the focus on building a bond between me and Meiko. The exercises encouraged teamwork and trust, which I can see making a difference in our relationship already.Overall, I highly recommend Canine Counselling Puppy School to any new puppy parent. The experience was invaluable, and I left with more confidence in my training abilities and a happier, well-adjusted puppy. Thank you, mark for making this journey so enjoyable! 🐾❤️
Mark was great, we did our puppy school with him at roseberry vet.Attentive, and runs the class well. Keeps an eye on the dogs and pushing positive interactions. It was great seing a shy puppy like one in the class go from hiding under a chair to playing with my larger boy with comfort.Socialisation is so important.
We signed up to Marks small group training class for our 12 week old Labradoodle Sunny and have been extremely impressed and satisfied with the results we have been able to achieve with Marks guidance. We finished Marks small group program with a better behaved and well adjusted puppy who is set up to succeed. We will likely be seeking his services again as Sunny grows through her undoubtedly naughty adolescent phase! I would highly recommend Marks services to anyone in Sydney.
Just finished the 5 week puppy school program. Lots of useful information provided in a highly interactive environment
Mark shared invaluable information giving us great knowledge and confidence. The puppies had many chances to socialise and play, whilst also learning important training tips and techniques. I would highly recommend Canine Counselling.
Highly recommend puppy school with Mark!! Each class has been super valuable and Iโ€™ve learnt something new every week.
We took a puppy course with Mark and found the experience very positive. In addition to all the interactive tips and tricks for training our pup, Markโ€™s best lessons involved making sure the pet parents were taught realistic expectations around what to expect from our dogs. We would recommend the course and Mark as a trainer.
We can highly recommend Mark. He is experienced, practical and delivers his classes in an engaging manner for both the puppies and the humans. He made a profound difference to our 2 dogs.
Mark has truly been the best money Iโ€™ve spent on my girls. All the hours of watching TikTok videos and reading blog posts trying to get my head around where to start with 3 unruly dogs, I felt I could write my own blog on what not to waste your time with!Mark was so incredibly passionate and knowledgeable it blew us away. He was able to explain in such great detail why the dogs act certain ways and really helped us understand the โ€˜whyโ€™ before teaching us how to move forward. I would recommend Mark to anybody struggling with their dogs, it has been several weeks since our session and while theyโ€™re far from perfect, the improvement has been incredible, and to some extents life changing for both us, and the dogs.Thank you so much!
We had Mark come to our home for a consultation. He was warm and empathetic while providing thorough, evidence informed information and strategies. We found he took a practical approach which was grounded in positive behaviour interventions. Since our session about 6 weeks ago, we have seen wonderful initial gains from all the strategies he suggested. Highly recommend Mark if you are looking for someone to help your pooch with lots of positive reinforcement.
We attended Markโ€™s puppy school at Rosebery vet hospital from week 1-5. Our pup was a significantly larger breed to the other pups. Mark was able to manage this with ease and all pups enjoyed their time. We learnt so much about socialisation and behaviour in an open and well controlled environment. I highly recommend Mark to all puppy owners. His knowledge, ability and care were invaluable. Thank you Mark! Ringo had a blast!
Our little daschhound Winston just graduated puppy school Tonight, what a fantastic time my daughter and I had! We learnt so much. Highly recommend for any puppy and Mark is amazing
Highly recommend. Mark was our trainer for puppy preschool and when our dog (now 3) experienced some behavioural problems, we instantly thought to reach out. We have already seen remarkable improvement. Markโ€™s expertise and genuine care have made a huge difference.
I cannot speak highly enough of Mark. Iโ€™ve used him twice for two difference dogs over the past 5 years. My first puppy unfortunately had epilepsy. My current dog is very scared of children and reacts badly around them. Mark has been an outstanding help with both dogs. The positive reinforcement training promotes lasting positive behaviour changes. Mark guides you through lots of little steps that are easy to achieve but have a huge impact on your pup. Money well spent every time. Highly recommended.
Mark was very knowledgeable, informative and fun! Can recommend!
js_loader
puppy running in grass

Puppy School

Group classes using modern positivity training to promote healthy socialisation and basic training.

calm dog in a field

Private Training

1-on-1 training sessions at your home with Mark to work through most behavioural issues.

Learn More About Mark

Training & Qualifications

โ€œWhen we know better, we do betterโ€
โ€œPros & Cons, not Rights & Wrongsโ€

  • Certificate III in Dog Training and Behaviour from the National Dog Trainers Federation
  • With the Academic Achievement Award
  • Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Trainer (VSPDT)

Professional Organisations:

  • Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia, Treasurer and Professional Dog Trainer Member
  • Association of Professional Dog Trainers USA, Professional Member

Ongoing Courses:

  • Aggression in Dogs Conference (Phoenix, USA, 2024)
  • Certified Behaviour Adjustment Training Instructor, 2023
  • Aggression in Dogs Master Course (2020)
  • School of Canine Science Puppy Lab (2022)
  • APDT AUS 4-day conference: 2023, 2021 (online), 2019, 2013
  • APDT USA 4-day conference: 2022, 2020 (online), 2018, 2016, 2014
  • First Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Trainer in Australia (2015)
  • Canine Social & Psychological Development Course (with honours) (2014)
  • Dangerous Dog Handling and Assessment (2012)

Techniques & Methods

Mark is a degreed engineer and worked in the automotive industry for nearly 20 years. During that time, he owned a dog with behavioural issues, and in 2006 completed a course in dog training. That was when Mark discovered his calling and decided to pursue it full-time as a career. He later left automotive to pursue his passion for dog training.

Like many trainers, Mark studied and began training using traditional punishment and โ€œpack leaderโ€ (dominance) based methods and philosophy. Since then, the โ€œpack leaderโ€ and dominance-based training philosophy has been debunked. Other studies have proven conclusively that dogs trained using aversive punishment-based techniques (technically calledย  โ€œpositive punishmentโ€) develop into more aggressive dogs.ย  In short, avoid using positive punishment at all costs.

The alternative way to train our dogs is to manage consequences in a neutral or positive fashion, without using pain, fear, intimidation, physical force, etc. This modern style of training uses Positive Reinforcement. Mark has joined this philosophy wholeheartedly, which he demonstrated by becoming the first Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Trainer in Australia. He hasย  an absolute refusal to condone check chains, shock or e-collars, physical force, and other similar training tools.

Unfortunately, many people who claim to be โ€œpositiveโ€ trainers (or โ€œbalancedโ€ trainers) still use punishment, force, or outdated dominance methods. There is always a humane alternative when you find the right dog trainer, as this Victoria Stillwell article explains. If anyone tells you to do something to your dog that you arenโ€™t comfortable with, then donโ€™t do it!

Mark welcomes any questions or conversations about his training methods and why he believes this is the only way forward with training our pet dogs, cats, or any other animal!

Teaching & Mentoring

In addition to teaching clients, Mark also helps educate and train other dog trainers and pet care professionals. His teaching and mentoring positions include:

  • Lecturing vet nursing students at TAFE NSW on dog body language and behaviour
  • Faculty Advisor for The Victoria Stilwell Academy (VSA) Dog Trainer Online Students
  • In-person mentor for VSA students in Sydney

Helpful Links

The myths that fuel โ€œpack mentalityโ€ and โ€œpositive punishmentโ€ have been debunked, and every pet owner should have access to that information. Here are a few links to help you get caught up: