Relax, the dog trainer is here

Jari Castle has been training her own dogs since 2012 and professionally since 2016. She has always been a strong advocate for using fear-free training methods with all animals, but especially our dogs and the unique roles they play in our lives.

She is a Certified Training Partner with the Karen Pryor Academy and ran Boroondara Dog Training in east Melbourne from 2016 to 2020. Jari has run countless basic manners classes, designed, taught, and refined puppy preschool courses and started working part-time at RSPCA Victoria in October 2022, training the staff and volunteers on animal behaviour, training and handling.

She brings fun, practical skills and in-depth understanding of why our dogs do what they do to each training session. Jari aims to get dogs and humans working together, which is vital when addressing behaviour issues such as reactivity and aggression.

Her special interest is with helping reactive dogs – those that bark and lunge – and the humans holding the leash. Helping these dogs and people be able to enjoy their walks again is incredibly rewarding. Having owned reactive dogs herself, she brings a warm combination of empathy, scientific knowledge, and compassion to each new family.

Jari has been a speaker at pet expo events, appeared on TV and been a radio guest on ABC and community radio. She has run workshops and seminars on many aspects of dog behaviour and care; and fosters relationships with a wide collaborative network of colleagues.

Jari lives in the Dandenong Ranges with her husband, two young sons and whippet Finley.

Workshops & Conferences attended

 Conferences

Meeting, learning and collaborating with diverse training professionals from all over Australia!

Assoc. of Pet Dog Trainers Aust.

2014 Melbourne

2015 Gold Coast

2016 Sydney

2017 Adelaide

Pet Professional Guild Aust.

2024 Sydney (Speaker)

Chicken Camp

Yep, I was training chickens to do agility! 

This workshop by Terry Ryan, a US trainer, was hosted by Scholars in Collars in the lovely Adelaide Hills.

2017 Adelaide

Aggression in Dogs Conference

2021, 2023

Click!

I submitted a how-to article on my method of training On Your Bed. I included how to train the behaviour, add a cue, proof the skill and the importance of reward placement.

I was also the Victorian APDT representative at the time and included a written report of my promotional activities at the RSPCA Million Paws Walk and the Melbourne Dog Lovers Show to keep members up to date.