APDT Australia Committee

Mark Ehrman

President

APDT Spokesperson

Mark came into dog training relatively late in life. He was born in USA, has a mechanical engineering degree and worked in 5 different countries over a 20-year career in the automotive industry. Mark started learning about dog behaviour after having a dog with aggression issues. After doing a sea change in 2012, Mark started dog training full time, and currently has his own business in metro Sydney. With the attitude of “never stop learning”, Mark is always evolving his training approaches and continues to acquire qualifications. He is also a faculty advisor and mentor for the Victoria Stilwell Dog Training Academy.

Vacant

Vice President

If you are interested in the Vice President’s role, please contact the APDT secretary at secretary@apdt.com.au for further details.

Tom Heeren

Secretary

Adminstration, Click! Magazine Editor, Graphics and Desktop Publishing

Tom Heeren’s journey in dog training is rooted in a deep understanding of canine behaviour and a commitment to continuous learning. As the owner of Heeling Hounds, a dog training business on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Tom applies his knowledge and skills to help owners build strong relationships with their dogs. His academic background, which includes two science degrees and a Master’s in Education, complements his practical experience and status as a certified Absolute Dogs Pro Dog Trainer, making him a trusted resource.

Tom is also the editor of APDT Click! Magazine and assists with the APDT website and social media posts.

Vacant

Treasurer

If you are interested in the Treasurer’s role, please contact the APDT secretary at secretary@apdt.com.au for further details.

Laura Hadfield

Committee

Laura is a certified behaviour consultant, CBCC-KA, with industry-leading experience of over 2,900 hours gained in a full-time role working directly with dogs of all breeds and challenges ranging from competition obedience skills to human and dog-directed aggressive behaviours. She is a mentor to and supporter of new trainers seeking to gain experience in the successful application of scientifically sound and results-driven training techniques.

Laura co-owns BIGPAW®, which specialises in large and giant-breed canines and complex behavioural cases, including aggressive behaviours. Her approach is a passionate commitment to the practical demonstration of what can be achieved with modern dog training techniques.

Denise McBergin

Committee

Membership Services and Website Support

In 2007, Denise’s deep-rooted passion for dogs propelled her to leave her credit management job in the corporate world and embark on a new journey as a dog groomer, a profession that truly resonated with her heart.

Denise’s thirst for knowledge and her desire to better understand dogs with handling issues led her to attend APDT conferences and delve into extensive research of dogs with issues, marking the beginning of her transformative journey into the world of dog training.

Denise is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through the Delta Institute, a Family Dog Mediator® (FDM) and an Accredited Professional Trainer with APDT. Denise has taught all levels of group dog training classes since 2016. Denise’s unwavering commitment to the dog training community is noticeable in her appointment to the APDT committee in 2022. Her role in membership services and her familiar presence at most APDT stalls during community events and conferences are a testament to her dedication and reliability.

Beau McHenery

Committee

Beau is the founder and owner of Stellar Paws, an award-winning professional dog walking and behaviour service serving Sydney’s Lower North Shore and Northern Beaches, from Manly to Mosman and beyond.

Before establishing Stellar Paws in 2016, Beau worked in the professional tech world. His transition to full-time pet care began when he landed a role as a dog walker, during which he developed an understanding of canine group dynamics and social behaviour. This experience revealed a passion for bringing professional standards to an industry that remains largely unregulated.

With over a decade of expertise, Beau has become a familiar face to locals and park regulars across the area. He views every walk as an opportunity for behavioural development, emphasising a firm commitment to force-free practices aligned with APDT guidelines. His approach focuses on building positive relationships between people and their dogs, applying evidence-based training principles to help both thrive together.

This dedication has earned recognition, including the “Most Outstanding Pet Care” local business award. Beau remains committed to continuous learning, ensuring his work reflects current best practices in canine behaviour and care.

Alana Rhodes

Committee

Alana’s journey into dog training began after adopting a Great Dane x Bull Arab, Jana. Subsequently, her journey training Jana led her into a rewarding career now working with many different breeds using reward-based, force-free methods. She holds Cert IV in Companion Animal Services, Cert IV in Animal Behaviour and Training, and is a CPDT-KA through CCPDT. Alana specialises in day training and walk-and-train sessions for behavioural cases and is committed to advancing the dog training industry through ethical, science-based practices.

Ana Rutter

Committee

Ana is the founder of Wild Heart Canines, where she merges her passion for dogs with a commitment to neuro-affirming and accessible training methods. With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and ongoing Master’s studies in Speech Pathology, Ana’s deep understanding of both human and animal behaviour informs her approach to science-based, inclusive training practices.

Ana brings experience in Animal-Assisted Therapies, integrating dogs into therapeutic environments to foster connection and enhance well-being. As a strong advocate for force-free training techniques, she empowers both dogs and their human companions to thrive together.

Looking ahead, Ana is eager to incorporate canine-assisted interventions into her future work as a Speech Pathologist, broadening her ability to create meaningful change and positive outcomes.

Alisa Sannikova

Committee

Coordinator Community Events, Awards and Online Shop

Alisa has a Bachelor of Science (Advanced) and completed an Honours project on horse behaviour with Professor Paul McGreevy. She is passionate about all aspects of animal behaviour. As well as her pet training business, you will often see her at APDT’s community stalls and conferences, promoting the organisation’s educational resources.

Rhonda Sclanders

Committee

Membership Services and Website Support

Rhonda is one of the longest-serving members on the Committee and has filled various roles over the years, including Click! Magazine and Newsletter Editor. Rhonda, an Accredited Delta Trainer, runs DogEtiquette, a successful business in the Lower Blue Mountains and is owned by two dogs, Toots and Jess – the joys of her life.