Get K9 Help from Canine Counselling!
Check out our main page over at Canine Counselling for a more detailed description of all our services and more.
Canine Counselling specialises in dealing with aggressive dogs, both against human and other dogs. Reactivity is our speciality! Using modern, best practice techniques that prioritise the human dog bond and the relationship.
When we know better, we do better!
Mark Ehrman of Canine Counselling is a certified dog trainer with ongoing learning and continuous improvement. After receiving his initial certification in 2007, Mark has continued to evolve and improve his training methods. Mark has learned that there are better ways to deal with dogs than the outdated "dominance" model, and resorting to punishments and corrections.
Mark deals with reactivity from a more empathetic perspective. He attempts to understand the issue from a foundation in Applied Behaviour Analysis. He then conveys those concepts to you, and explains how we change the behaviour and keep everyone safe.
Mark employs positive reinforcement techniques, that may or may not involve the use of food. Ultimately, it about helping your dog feel safe, supported, and teaching them alternatives to aggression and reactivity.
Feel free to reach out to Mark via his main web site www.K9Counselling.com.au for more information on his qualifications and techniques.
K9 Help is available from Canine Counselling in these ways
For more details on any of these services, please visit our main site at www.K9Counselling.com.au
Private Consultations
Mark offers private consultations at your home to address most behaviour issues. Mark's individual diagnosis and training plan ensure the best results, not relying on 'cookie cutter' solutions or outdated methods.
Puppy School
Mark teaches a 5 week puppy socialisation masterclass at Rosebery Vet Hospital. The focus is on puppy play and social interactions, in a closely supervised environment. Taught in a dedicated learning space.
Mark's Background and Qualifications
Mark is a degreed engineer and worked in the automotive industry for nearly 20 years. During that time, he owned a dog with behavioural issues, and in 2006 completed a course in dog training. That was when Mark discovered his calling and decided to pursue it full-time as a career. He later left automotive to pursue his passion for dog training.
Like many trainers, Mark studied and began training using traditional punishment and “pack leader” (dominance) based methods and philosophy. Since then, the “pack leader” and dominance-based training philosophy has been debunked. Other studies have proven conclusively that dogs trained using aversive punishment-based techniques (technically called “positive punishment”) develop into more aggressive dogs. In short, avoid using positive punishment at all costs.
The alternative way to train our dogs is to manage consequences in a neutral or positive fashion, without using pain, fear, intimidation, physical force, etc. This modern style of training uses Positive Reinforcement. Mark has joined this philosophy wholeheartedly, which he demonstrated by becoming the first Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Trainer in Australia. He has an absolute refusal to condone check chains, shock or e-collars, physical force, and other similar training tools.
Unfortunately, many people who claim to be “positive” trainers (or “balanced” trainers) still use punishment, force, or outdated dominance methods. There is always a humane alternative when you find the right dog trainer, as this Victoria Stillwell article explains. If anyone tells you to do something to your dog that you aren’t comfortable with, then don’t do it!
Mark welcomes any questions or conversations about his training methods and why he believes this is the only way forward with training our pet dogs, cats, or any other animal!
Teaching & Mentoring
In addition to teaching clients, Mark also helps educate and train other dog trainers and pet care professionals. His teaching and mentoring positions include:
Lecturing vet nursing students at TAFE NSW on dog body language and behaviour
Faculty Advisor for The Victoria Stilwell Academy (VSA) Dog Trainer Online Students
In-person mentor for VSA students in Sydney
Professional Organisations:
Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia, President, former Treasurer
Association of Professional Dog Trainers USA, Professional Member
Ongoing Courses:
Aggression in Dogs Conference (Phoenix, USA, 2024)
Certified Behaviour Adjustment Training Instructor, 2025
Aggression in Dogs Master Course (2020)
School of Canine Science Puppy Lab (2022)
APDT AUS 4-day conference: 2025, 2023, 2021 (online), 2019, 2013
APDT USA 4-day conference: 2022, 2020 (online), 2018, 2016, 2014
First Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Trainer in Australia (2015)
Canine Social & Psychological Development Course (with honours) (2014)
Dangerous Dog Handling and Assessment (2012)