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.

Laura Hadfield

Vice President

Member Benefit Partner Coordinator

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.

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.

Position Vacant

Treasurer

Kassie Sofia

Committee

Social Media and e-Newsletter

Kassie is a Brisbane-based dog trainer and the founder of Therapals, an inclusive, force-free dog training service. With a Master of Music Therapy and a Diploma in Education, plus a background supporting people with diverse needs, Kassie brings a unique, person-centred perspective to dog training.

She is passionate about making positive reinforcement training accessible to everyone, recognising that every person and dog brings their own strengths, needs and learning styles to the relationship. Her approach is trauma-informed, flexible and grounded in building understanding, confidence and connection between dogs and their humans.

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.

Anke Wartemann

Committee

Membership Services and Website Support

Anke is the founder of Anke’s Dog Training, a trauma-informed, dog-centred business based in South Australia.

As a Certified Canine Nose Work® Instructor (CNWI), Certified Training Technician – Assessed (CTT-A), and Canine Enrichment Technician (DN-CET), she specialises in supporting sensitive dogs through thoughtfully designed, game-based learning experiences that nurture confidence, independence, and curiosity.

Central to her approach is empowering guardians to better understand their dogs and provide meaningful opportunities for agency and choice.

Her classes are carefully structured to accommodate environmentally sensitive dogs, creating a supportive learning environment where they can enjoy the benefits of group classes without unnecessary exposure to triggers.