Paw Manners is a Melbourne based dog training business, owned and operated by Nationally Accredited Dog Trainer, Sarah Apps.

We believe that all animals deserve the right to a
happy and stable life.

Dogs have been living along side humans for over 200,000 years and even before they became domesticated, they accepted us as part of their lives; we were a source for easy meals, we (perhaps unknowingly at times) provided warm shelter and we even took their young into our homes if they had lost their parents.  The bond between us began so long ago but has been getting stronger with each phase of our existence together. Many scientists even suggest it was not we who domesticated the dog, but in fact they, who domesticated us.

“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him, to be worthy of such devotion.” – Unknown

Dogs have played such a huge role in our development that it is time to show our true appreciation for all they do for us.

In the year of 2008-2009, 70,000 dogs were taken in by shelters. Over 22,000 of those dogs were euthanised – in that one year alone.
Many of these dogs were given up because too many owners just don’t realise the importance of training their dogs; physically and mentally. We know that without the appropriate rules, and a clear way for the dog to understand them, behavioural problems occur. And it is when these problems become habitual, that owners end up under the misconception that they just have “a bad dog” when all they need is help from someone who knows what to do.

Paw Manners works with dogs of all levels to help them become all they can be, so that their life with you is a long, happy and well mannered one.

 I was amazed how quickly Zoe picked up the directions I was giving her, especially not touching her food until she is told she can - and she
LOVES her food. Great poison protection. 

The game that we played which showed how inconsistent we are in the directions and praise we give our pets really made me understand how important it is to think about how we
train our pets, no yelling or agro necessary, just be clear. 
The game nearly drove me crazy, so I can only imagine how frustrating it was for Zoe when I was trying to get her to do things without clear instruction. 

Zoe says "Fanks for making our sessions fun..."

Crissie & Zoe (10 year old Mini Foxy X Jack Russell Terrier)

Do you have any of these problems with your puppy or dog?

• Digs up the backyard?
• Barks when you leave (or are away from) the house?
• Escapes fromthe property?
• Won’t bring the ball back during a game?
• Is reactive to visitors?
• Steals food from your plate/bench?
• Won’t sit/drop when asked?
• Pulls on the lead when walking?
• Jumps up for attention?
• Has accidents inside the house?
• Mouths or bites your hands/feet?
• Starts (or tries to start) eating before its bowl has even touched the floor?
• Knows how to sit/drop but won’t stay there?

If you answered YES to any of these, WE CAN HELP!

Contact Sarah today and we can work out a training plan to suit you and your dog and help you remove these unwanted behaviours.

Hi there

My name is Freckles and although I am no longer a puppy, I still have a lot to teach my Mum and Dad.

A few months ago I hinted to Mum that we could both do with a little training as she had no idea how to ask me to do things for her, like coming when she called me instead of when I had finished sniffing (though I thought I was doing OK )

We decided to do a basic training course with Sarah at Paw Manners.
We had a lot of fun and got to do a lot of socialising with other dogs which I enjoyed and we proved you can teach an old Mum new tricks, as well as how to talk better dog language.

While mum needs a bit more practise, she is much better at letting me know what she wants now and I don’t mind doing it as we have lots of fun. I used to hate having my photo taken before but now I know how to keep her happy by just sitting still now and again.

I will come when she calls me too and she seems very proud of me when I wait for my dinner quietly, though she is slow!

Mum wants to do some more training soon too though she is quite well behaved already.

Thanks Sarah for helping us have a bit more fun together.
See you soon.

Sue & Freckles (10 year old Fox Terrier X)

Kira at a television job in Dec 2009

Sarah dressed up for Assistance Dogs Australia’s “Dogtober” in Oct 2009