top of page

MEET THE TEAM

Mary Storie

I am the founder and head trainer of K9 Focus & Fun.

 

I have been training dogs of all shapes and abilities for many years and I hold a qualification in dog behaviour and training gained through the National Dog Training Federation (NDTF). The NDTF Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training is Australia’s only government-approved and nationally recognised professional dog trainer certificate in Australia.

​

In 2018 I successfully completed the Pro Dog Trainer course with Absolute Dogs, a world renowned UK based dog training organisation. I even travelled to the UK to train and learn from them personally.

 

I regularly attend seminars and workshops to increase my knowledge and skills and have access to a wide network of experienced trainers nationally and internationally.

​

I hold a current Pet First Aid certificate, a Working with Children’s Check and a Police Check. I am a registered puppy carer for Seeing Eye Dogs Australia and a long time supporter of Assistance Dogs Australia.

​

My life prior to dog training includes 30 years working in community organisations and the disability sector and  I have a diploma in Social Welfare.  I am a true believer  that dogs can play a vital role in assisting people with disabilities and mental health issues to help them lead a more independent and fulfilled life.

​

I am a member of 2 local obedience clubs and a regular volunteer as a class instructor where I teach all levels of obedience.

​

My aim is to teach you and your dog the skills that allow you to get the most out of each other, while having a lot of fun. Focus is a critical part of this teaching. I believe that once you teach your dog to focus, everything else comes easy.

​

Trilli
Trilli came to live with us at 11 weeks old from Seeing Eye Dogs Australia. Her future goal was to be trained as a guide dog.  Unfortunately her health issues prevented her from going down this path, so I was lucky enough to be able to adopt her as a permanent family member. She is now 5 years old, has plenty of energy and always learning.
Mary Storie
Gemma the dog
Gemma

Gemma was my right hand buddy and the inspiration for K9 Focus & Fun.  She grew up with my 2 boys and pretty much did whatever she chose to do in her early years.

​

Unfortunately she had an unpleasant experience when she was young which left her fearful and reactive towards other dogs. Then when she was about eight I discovered how I could teach her to trust me, not be so fearful and learn to accept that not all dogs were scary after all.

​

Gemma had the freedom to run off lead and loved exploring the world with her nose. She loved coming on our camping holidays and was the best companion.

​

 

Sadly Gemma passed away in February 2019. We miss her terribly.

 

IMG_3340[1].JPG

Trilli has become a Story Dog in 2020 and she loves going to school to listen to the children reading.

bottom of page