Thoughtful, reward-based dog coaching for Perth households — working with the dog in front of us, at the pace they can handle, so the behaviour actually sticks.
CCPDT-KA certified·Karen Pryor Academy·Delta Institute member
“The dog in front of you. Not the dog you imagined you'd have.”
9 yrs
Coaching in Perth
167+
Households helped
★ 5.0
Average review
0
Aversive tools used
The approach
How we actually work
Quiet Paws is run by Ellie Nguyen — Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CCPDT-KA) and Karen Pryor Academy graduate. Nine years coaching reactive rescues, anxious cattle-dog mixes, enthusiastic labs, and the occasional opinionated terrier. The work is science-based and force-free: no prong collars, no e-collars, no alpha nonsense. Just patient observation, well-timed reinforcement, and a plan your household can actually follow on a Tuesday night.
01
Observe first
Before training anything, we watch. What makes your dog soft? Sharp? Curious? Every plan starts from what is actually in front of us.
02
Reinforce what works
Behaviour that gets reinforced continues. We teach you to be precise with timing and generous with the right rewards for your dog.
03
Adjust the environment
Sometimes the answer is training. Sometimes it is a different route, a taller fence, or a baby gate. Management is not cheating.
04
Long-term, not quick
We set household skills you can actually maintain — not a single session that looks impressive and falls apart by Wednesday.
Programs
Working with you & your dog
Most owners start with a 1-on-1 consult. From there we design a program that suits your household, your schedule, and your dog's current state.
Program 01$350
Puppy Foundations
4 weeks
4 × 60-minute weekly sessions in your home. Settle, name recognition, loose-lead basics, handling, and the socialisation window done properly — not chaotic puppy daycare.
A 90-minute initial consult where we watch your dog, take a full history, and leave you with a written plan. Best starting point for anything unusual or worrying.
A six-session program for dogs that bark, lunge or shut down around other dogs, people or bikes. Built on desensitisation and counter-conditioning — and the owner skills to run it long-term.
Two weeks in our quiet home environment (small-group, max 2 dogs at a time) followed by two handover sessions with you. Suitable for selected cases — not a quick fix factory.
A 6-week, small-cohort outdoor class (max 6 dogs) covering focus around distraction, recall, polite greetings and settle. Held at a reserved space near Hyde Park.
Bruno used to lose his mind at every dog across the street. Six sessions with Ellie and we now walk past most dogs with just a glance. I finally enjoy our morning walk again — I didn't think that was possible.
Ingrid, with Bruno
4yo rescue kelpie-cross, Inglewood
“
We came in thinking our puppy was broken. He was just a puppy. Ellie re-set our expectations, gave us a plan, and now Miso is a ridiculously polite 10-month-old. Beach recall is rock solid.
Sam & Thao, with Miso
10-month labrador, Menora
“
Our greyhound had started growling at guests near his bed. Ellie took it seriously, explained the why, and gave us a gentle management plan. Weeks in and the growling has faded. Nothing felt rushed or scary.
Marc, with Juno
6yo retired greyhound, Maylands
Questions
Before we begin
Do you use positive / force-free methods?+
Yes — entirely. No prong, choke or e-collars. No alpha rolls. We use food, play, environment and timing. It is not permissive: we set clear expectations and teach your dog what works. It just does not involve intimidation or pain.
How quickly will I see results?+
Honestly, it depends on the dog and the behaviour. Simple training goals (sit, settle, loose-lead) show real change in a week or two. Genuine behaviour issues — reactivity, resource guarding, separation distress — are measured in months, not days. We give you an honest estimate at the first session.
Can you help with aggression?+
Often, yes — though it starts with a full consult and a veterinary check to rule out pain. If the case is outside my scope (bite history with complicating factors) I refer on to a veterinary behaviourist and stay involved as the trainer. Safety first, ego second.
Do I need a particular harness or collar?+
A well-fitted Y-front harness and a 2-metre flat lead is what I recommend for most dogs — brands like Perfect Fit or Ruffwear Front Range. I'll help you fit it at the first session. No specific brand required, but please no retractable leads.
Get in touch
Let's meet your dog
Tell me a little about your dog and what you'd like help with. I read every enquiry myself and reply within one working day — usually sooner.
