Our Animal Teachers
BOSS
4 Years old - German Shepherd
Our purebred, long haired German Shepherd and our quintessential "Whatever Dog"! You'll often see Boss in our reactive dog class sitting like a relaxed goof ball with not a care in the world! He loves dogs and people and is often seen wandering around on a loose lead with his primary-school-aged, very petite female owner who has trained him!
He loves to learn and always has a relaxed, easy going demeanour and has taught us that anyone can train a dog using positive reinforcement and fear free training. He moves through life without any worry and is loved by all that meet him.
TILLY
6 Years old - Kelpie X Heeler
Meet Tilly! Tilly is a rescue Kelpie X Heeler who in some ways has a "typical Kelpie brain" - highly aroused, likes to use her voice when heightened and is extremely intelligent. Tilly only needs to have a behaviour trained and rewarded a few times before she understands and then will offer the behaviour. The only issue with this (and like many other working breed dogs) is that she thinks she knows better, and then begins to offer multiple behaviours rapidly as if to say "What do you want?! Hurry up!!" Tilly has taught us a lot about teaching dogs to lower their arousal levels, control their impulses, slow down and think things through. Tilly is often seen around Sit Happens helping out with our Calming Canines class or working with dog reactive clients; she is a bouncy girl who loves to work!
PEACH
4 Years old - Labrador Retriever
Meet Peach! Peach is Trainer Ruby's dog who has been a client at Sit Happens since her puppyhood; completing an array of our courses and has been a Therapy Dog for the last 2 years!
Peach attends a local primary school with Ruby and works alongside disadvantaged children who attend school as a respite from difficult circumstances.
You'll see Peach being walked around on a perfect loose lead with the kids, lounging calmly while the classroom gets hectic, playing fetch, soothing their anxieties and loving to be a part of the action. Peach is a true testament to the therapeutic and emotional benefits that a dog can bring to individuals - no matter their circumstances - and a very loved member of the Sit Happens family.
BELLA
7 months old - German Shepherd
Meet Bella! Bella is a new addition to the Sit Happens crew, joining us in September 2024 after being rescued from a puppy farm. Bella's mum and siblings were rescued by German Shepherd Rescue Victoria and came home to Erin to begin her new life. In just a short few months, Bella has shown huge positive growth; arriving home a timid, trembling, terrified and broken shell of a puppy who had been deprived of any positive experiences and exposed to reprehensible cruelty to now running around happily being a part of the family, working towards completing her training courses and becoming unrecognisable in all the best ways. Bella's huge bursts in confidence are a true acknowledgement of the benefits of Positive Reinforcement Training and a real reminder of why we do what we do - because it works!
NEVILLE
11 Months old - Mastiff X German Shepherd
Meet Neville!
Neville, or "Nevvy" "The baby" "Neville the Devil" or "My handsome man" .
Is Trainer Sarah's youngest rescue; coming to us at 12 weeks!
Neville has brought our family so much happiness... But the biggest thing Neville has tought me is to go at his pace!
Some days are easier than others and that our priorities with his training and development will be different to others and thats just fine with us we love his spunk!
Neville has completed our Early Learning Program and Basic Program and now undergoing Play Train to ensure all his early developmental periods are met and supported. We love practicing what we teach!
OVER THE RAINBOW BRIDGE:
COOKIE
Thoroughbred
Cookie is a gentle soul who arrived at Sit Happens in 2017. He fitted in well with the team and continued to learn from us as well as us learning from him. He was trained through positive reinforcement and his favourite treat being Jelly Beans! Cookie also helped out in our Calming Canines Horse Courses, was very bonded with Tinkerbell is fondly remembered as an all-round gentleman.
MR MACHIAVELLI (MAC)
Thoroughbred (retired)
Mac came to Sit Happens as an ex racing horse and thoroughly enjoys his twilight years mooching around the paddock snacking on hay. Originally trained via the Parerelli Program, Mac now performs behaviours such as โcomeโ, โstandโ, โbackโ, โwaitโ and โkissโ all trained via positive reinforcement and reward marking. Though now retired, Mac still enjoys a good training session as well as environmental enrichment such as being fed using food toys.
JETSON (JET)
German Shepherd, 12 years (retired)
Jetson was the beloved “Man of the House” when it came to Sit Happens. He was found keeping the staff company in the office or outside relaxing in the sun. Jet passed at 12 years of age and enjoyed the retired life right up til his passing; working the Sit Happens team when the treats came out! He had a wide range of behaviours from basic manners to a great repertoire of tricks. He was the model “Whatever Dog” and is missed every day.ย
JEZABELLE
Domestic Cat
Jezabelle was living proof that Learning Theory and positive reinforcement works with all species! If you own a cat you know how independently minded they can be. Jezabelle had a repertoire of behaviours all taught through positive reinforcement, and she LOVED to train! She would often appear out of no where for a smooch, Jezabelle would actually offer behaviours such as โpawโ in an attempt to get some love or even a yummy treat. We miss her greatly and are forever thankful for the lessons she gave us.
To see what Jez can do check out her below.
HOLLIE
Labrador Retriever
2013-2024
Hollie was one of our staff members - Jaz - first encounter with Sit Happens back in 2013. Hollie completed her Early Learning Program, Basic Program and joined in Open Classes before coming back through for Behavioural Therapy in 2016-2017 for her anxieties.
It was this journey with Hollie that taught Jaz the amazing methodology of Positive Reinforcement training, seeing results first hand that soothed an anxious dog, supported her needs as well as understanding them, and ensuring that she went on to life a happy, well balanced life full of love and joy.
Hollie passed unexpectedly in early 2024, and Jaz carries Hollie's lessons and legacy with her through her work with clients and while she is missed every day, is remembered fondly and with endless gratitude.
