Promising Pups helps Sydney dog owners understand and shape their puppy or dog's behaviour using science-backed positive reinforcement - never fear, force, or fads.
Serving Sydney's St George area, Sutherland Shire & Georges River - and travelling further across Sydney by arrangement.
Accredited & Recognised By
You're in the right place. Vicki works with Sydney families whose dogs need patience, science, and a tailored plan - not punishment.
CPDT: Certified Professional Dog Trainer · MDI: Member, Delta Institute
I have always loved animals and knew somehow that they would become an integral part of my life. My “sliding doors” moment came when I had to make a necessary 21-day trip overseas. In that short time, I saw the mistreatment that so many animals endure. The lack of understanding and respect that so many individuals had for these homeless and neglected animals was heartbreaking.
There was one dog, that continually looked for me. She was also in desperate need of veterinary care. After a few days she allowed me to pick her up from the streets and take her to a vet. She was treated and spayed, and so began her recovery. I named her “Zoe” and on her discharge from the Veterinary Clinic she was able to stay with me for a couple of days before I had to leave. It was a bittersweet moment when I dropped her off to a carer. We had quickly built a bond and I would miss her, but ultimately I knew she was safe. After four months, a loving family adopted Zoe.
On my return home I found a course that was committed to science-based, force-free training and advocated for the welfare of the animal through the use of fear-free techniques, and I began my study.
Vicki's approach is built on decades of behavioural research and her own ongoing study - no shortcuts, no shock, no shutdown.
Positive reinforcement is a science-backed training method that rewards the behaviours we want - never using force, pain, or fear to suppress those we don't.
Your dog earns a treat, toy, or praise the moment they make the right choice. The behaviour gets stronger over time because it's rewarding to them - they learn willingly, not out of fear of getting it wrong.
Positive reinforcement works because the brain connects the action to the reward, and so your dog will repeat the desired action in hopes of being rewarded.
It is a humane and gentle way to guide and nurture the development of your puppy or dog without causing them fear and anxiety. It builds the confidence to trust you and ultimately strengthens your bond.
“A positive reinforcement trainer will never use intimidation, physical punishment, or instilling fear in a dog.”
Every plan is custom - built around your dog, your goals, and your home. The categories below are just the most common starting points.
Vicki comes to you. Sessions happen in the environment your dog actually lives in, so the training translates straight into real life. Each plan is built around your dog, your goals, and what's realistic for your household.
Enquire about private in-home consultationsSet your puppy up for life with kind, clear training. Vicki helps you handle the early weeks - biting, toilet training, jumping, recall - while building the confidence and resilience your dog needs as an adult.
Enquire about puppy trainingBehaviours that are unresponsive to obedience training may require more comprehensive management strategies, and in some cases, the consultation of a Veterinary Behaviorist may be appropriate. Vicki works alongside your vet team where needed.
Enquire about behaviour modificationReactivity is rarely about disobedience - it's almost always about emotion. Vicki uses science-based counter-conditioning to lower your dog's threshold and rebuild calm walks, one careful step at a time.
Enquire about reactive dog trainingVicki has years of hands-on experience as a Behaviour Assessor for Sydney Animal Second-Chance Rescue. She knows how to give rescue dogs the time, space and small wins they need to start trusting their new family.
Enquire about rescue dog supportIf you'd like Vicki to design a boutique approach to training your pet, or for a setting that isn't covered here, just ask. Every plan is custom anyway - some are just more custom than others.
Enquire about boutique & other servicesSend a quick enquiry or call. Vicki will reply personally - usually within one business day - to chat through what's going on.
Vicki comes to your home so she can see your dog in their real environment. No judgement, no jargon - just careful observation and a plan.
You'll leave the first session with practical steps to start straight away, plus follow-up support so the changes actually stick.
Or call 0402 280 868 - Vicki answers personally during business hours.
Stories shared by the wonderful guardians Vicki has had the privilege to work with.
“Thank goodness for Vicki, she helped me train my puppy Freddie who was very anxious and full of energy. I don't know what I would've done without her help. Her calming nature was what my puppy needed. I would recommend Vicki to anyone who needs help with training their babies as she loves what she does and is the best!”
“We have had the pleasure of having Vicki train our 3 puppies. Her patience and knowledge is outstanding as we quickly started seeing the results in our fur babies. We received great responses to all questions and Vicki goes above and beyond in providing information that helps with all aspects of training. I would highly recommend Vicki if you are after results as I am sure as many of you, we want the best for our babies. We give 5 out of 5 paws.”
“Vicki has helped my dog Bubbles and I get through Bubbles' anxiety greatly. Bubbles is a completely different, more relaxed dog thanks to Vicki! She truly cares about each dog's wellbeing throughout the whole training process, and I recommend her to all dog owners seeking training!”
“Our French Bulldog “Lady” started training with Vicki at 13 weeks old. Prior to this, having a puppy along with two young children was a real challenge. Lady's response to Vicki's training methods was almost immediate, within 3 weeks we could sit, stay, drop and walk loosely on the lead. Vicki's approach was friendly, professional and practical. We highly recommend Vicki and Promising Pups to anyone considering a quality trainer.”
“It was pure luck that Lachy and I ran into Vicki at the park, and we are very glad that we did! We have learned so many things to help deal with Lachy's jumping, separation anxiety, toileting and fears. Vicki has a warm and educated approach to training, the passion that she has for her work shines through. We will happily be recommending Vicki to anyone who needs a trainer - it has been a fantastic experience for us!”
Vicki's primary service area is the Georges River Council, the wider St George region, and the Sutherland Shire - but she travels further across Greater Sydney by arrangement.
Don't see your suburb? Just ask.
Promising Pups was awarded Best Dog Trainer - Georges River Council, NSW in the 2024 Quality Business Awards, with a quality rating over 95% across satisfaction, services, reputation and quality.
Vicki's force-free training programs, body language, safety and health guides and more are also all in the Promising Pups app - if you'd rather learn at your own pace before booking a consult.
Quick, honest answers about how Vicki works, where she travels, and what to expect from a first session.
Send Vicki a quick enquiry - she replies personally.
Force-free dog training rewards the behaviour we want and avoids fear, intimidation, pain or physical punishment. It's the approach recommended by modern animal-behaviour science and used by certified bodies such as the Delta Institute, APDT and the Pet Professional Guild Australia. Vicki uses it because it's effective, kinder, and protects the relationship between you and your dog.
A dog trainer mostly teaches skills - sit, stay, recall, loose-lead walking. A dog behaviourist looks at the underlying emotion and environment driving a dog's behaviour, especially in cases of anxiety, fear, reactivity, or aggression. Vicki works across both, drawing on her Delta Institute training and her ongoing professional development with APDT and PPGA.
Vicki offers in-home dog training across Sydney's St George area, Sutherland Shire and the Georges River Council region - including Hurstville, Kogarah, Bexley, Penshurst, Oatley, Mortdale, Beverly Hills, Kingsgrove, Rockdale, Brighton-Le-Sands, Wolli Creek, Sans Souci, Sylvania, Cronulla, Sutherland, Miranda and surrounding suburbs. If your suburb isn't listed, ask - Vicki may still travel.
Pricing depends on your dog, your goals, and the complexity of the behaviour involved - every plan is genuinely tailored. Call 0402 280 868 or send an enquiry and Vicki will give you transparent pricing for your situation.
Many guardians notice meaningful changes within the first few sessions - especially for puppies and for skill-based goals like loose-lead walking. Behaviour modification (anxiety, fear, reactivity) takes longer because we're shifting emotion, not just behaviour. Vicki will give you a realistic timeline at the first consultation.
Yes. Reactive and aggressive behaviour is one of Vicki's specialities. She uses science-based counter-conditioning and desensitisation, works alongside your vet team where appropriate, and never uses punishment - which research shows can make these behaviours worse.
Vicki works with puppies from the moment they come home (typically 8 weeks). Early in-home sessions help with the things every new puppy owner asks about - biting, jumping, toilet training, lead-walking, and crate or alone-time settling - while building confidence during the critical socialisation window.
Vicki visits you at home, observes your dog, and talks with you about what's happening, what you've tried, and what you want to change. You leave with a clear, practical plan and the first set of training steps to start that day.
Yes - supporting rescue dogs is one of the most rewarding parts of Vicki's work. As a Behaviour Assessor for Sydney Animal Second-Chance Rescue, she has years of experience helping rescue dogs decompress, build trust, and learn that their new home is safe.
Yes. "Stubbornness" is almost always a sign that the dog isn't motivated by what's being offered, doesn't yet understand what's being asked, or is in an environment they can't cope with. The right reward, the right step size, and the right environment make every breed trainable - without force.
Yes. The Promising Pups app (formerly Pet Pawtal) includes Vicki's force-free training programs, pavement temperature alerts, first aid and health guides, and an AI Dog Health Expert. It is free to download on iPhone, with a 7-day trial. In-home training with Vicki is still available separately if you want a custom plan.
Tell Vicki a little about your dog and what's going on. She replies personally - usually within one business day - to chat through what could help.
Prefer to chat?
0402 280 868Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Vicki answers personally during business hours; otherwise leave a message and she'll call back.
