APDT Australia Committee

Louise Ginman

President

APDT Spokesperson, Conference Coordinator

Louise owns Positive Dogs, is Delta Accredited and is a Professional Canine Trainer – Accredited (PCT-A) Dog Behavioural Trainer. Louise has served on the committee since 2008 and has been President since 2012. Louise has several qualifications, including a Bachelor of Science Degree and Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services. Louise has over 32 years of experience with domestic and exotic species in training and husbandry/management capacity.

Jude Tuttleby

Vice President

Facebook Administrator, Workshop and Seminar Coordinator

With a background in early childhood education & care, Jude made the leap into dog training in the early 2000s.

As an accredited Delta trainer and an Elite Fear Free professional, she brings a compassionate, science-based approach to her interactions with both human and canine clients.

Since founding Life Lessons On Leash in 2008, Jude has been dedicated to helping dogs and their humans communicate more effectively, always reinforcing the idea that you can absolutely teach an old dog new tricks. Passionate about lifelong learning, she continuously refines her methods and learnings to stay at the forefront of training and behavioural science. Currently, Jude shares her life with two Irish Wolfhounds, who serve as daily reminders of the joys, wisdom and, yes, sometimes difficulties that come with working alongside dogs.

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 volunteers at the Peninsula Positive Paws Dog Club on Sunday mornings and takes group classes to help local dog owners achieve their dog-owning dreams

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

Mark Erhman

Treasurer

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.

Isabel Cetin

Committee

Assistant Magazine Editor and Lead: Accreditation Subcommittee

Isabel is a Delta Accredited trainer and runs her own dog training business in Sydney. She’s also a Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator and a Family Dog Mediator®, and strongly believes that continuing education is essential to becoming the best force-free dog trainer you can be. She volunteers at Sydney All Breeds Dog Training Club and is part of the Positive Dogs’ team of instructors.

Additionally, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Spanish, has a Masters’ Degree in Translation and worked in the U.K. for over a decade before moving to Australia with her family.

Jess Ghali

Committee

Jess Ghali is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Certified K9 Nose Work® Instructor (CNWI), and the first Mantrailing Global Accredited Instructor in New South Wales. As the owner of Serenity Scent Work, she specialises in scent-based activities like K9 Nose Work®, Mantrailing, and Free Work, using them to support behaviour modification, build confidence in anxious & reactive dogs and provide enriching mental and physical exercise. She’s a sucker for the underdog and loves helping dogs and people find themselves through scent work.

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.

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.