Qualifications and experience

Andina Faragher of Thinking Dog has a PhD in molecular biology - which is of no use whatsoever in training dogs, other than in providing her with analytical and clear-thinking skills.

More importantly, Andina has a Certificate IV in Dog Behavioural Training (Canine Good Citizen™) from the Delta Society of Australia, and a four-year Diploma of Advanced Canine Behavioral Sciences (DipACBS) from the Canada-based Companion Animal Sciences Institute. Andina is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (Australia) and is one of the editors of the international Journal of Applied Companion Animal Behavior.

As well as providing one-on-one consultations for dog behaviour problems, Andina has experience in conducting group training classes in pet dog manners using positive reinforcement-based methods (including clicker training). She was previously employed as a dog behavioural trainer by the RSPCA, where she ran life skills classes for puppies and adult dogs (and their owners) and carried out temperament tests on the dogs at the shelter before they were rehomed. Andina continues to volunteer weekly at the RSPCA shelter in Canberra as a ‘Pooch Pal'.