K9 Focus & Fun | Meet the Team | Baw Baw & Latrobe Valley VIC

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.

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.

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