About Us - Eclipse Dog Training Sunshine Coast

Hi, I'm Jessica! I am a qualified dog trainer and scientist. 

I have studied and trained with a wide range of organisations, universities, and professionals since 2005. My university qualifications include a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science & Biology, and a Diploma of Social Studies (Psychology & Counselling). I worked as a marine biologist for 15 years and co-authored three peer-reviewed research papers about dolphins and sea otters.

In 2020 I completed the Certificate III in Dog Behaviour & Training with NDTF. My dog training knowledge and skills has skyrocketed since 2023, when I was accepted into 2x world champion Ivan Balabanov's elite Training Without Conflict Professional Certification course in the USA. The Training Without Conflict approach is unique and I'm the only person in SE QLD who has attended this rigorous course and follow-up workshops. It is especially effective for working breed dogs, dogs who aren't food motivated, and severe behavioural problems like the ones in my videos (click here to view).

My training approach focuses on supporting you in building a healthier relationship between you and your dog. You learn how to meet your dog's needs as a unique individual and channel & control their instincts through games you play together. This ethos goes much deeper, and as a result tends to be more effective, than the common 'rewards and punishments', 'positive only', and 'make yourself the alpha' dog training methods.

In other words, I guide you and your dog with empathy and common sense, honouring what you both need as unique individuals. My training philosophy and techniques are simple and straightforward, so you can better understand your dog and watch them learn during our very first lesson. I understand what it's like to struggle, and eventually succeed, with your dog. I rehabilitated my dog's aggression issues after years of failed efforts. Having a dog with chronic pain has also equipped me with the skills to identify potential issues like back pain, which is a common undiagnosed ailment in dogs that can affect their behaviour.

It's important that you get the results you want from your dog training experience. Read my client testimonials and Google reviews at the bottom of this page for more information. Video evidence of my training results is available on my social media and on my website for the following issues: reactivity, obedience, and car chasing.

Sharing life with a dog can be a great joy. I look forward to helping you and your dog thrive together! 

Jade - 2 yrs old, Working line German Shepherd from police dog & sports bloodlines. We do sports including mantrailing, scent work, and sheep herding. She can be a calm influence in sessions with clients, but she delights in being the exciting distraction!

Nandi - 15 yrs old, mixed breed. We've been sharing our lives for over 14 years. Working through her reactivity/aggression set me on the path of becoming a dog trainer. Her calm presence helps with training my clients' dogs. We also compete in the sport of scent work.