The Summit Canine Story

Our Story

Summit Canine was created from a genuine passion for helping dogs and their owners build calmer, more connected lives together. Training should not feel confusing, overwhelming or out of reach. It should feel supportive, structured and achievable.

Summit Canine exists to bridge the gap between where you and your dog are now, and where you want to be, with clarity, consistency and care.

Our Philosophy

At Summit Canine, we believe that lasting behaviour change comes from clear communication, structure and relationship. Training is not about controlling a dog; it is about teaching them how to succeed in real life.

Our training is structured yet adaptable, using balanced techniques that encourage clear communication and a strong handler-dog bond. We shape desired behaviours using food, toys, praise and other forms of reinforcement, and once dogs have a clear understanding we can then hold them accountable with undesirable behaviours. By focusing on engagement, structure, and fulfilment, we help shape dogs into reliable companions that can handle both adventure and relaxation with ease.

Our focus is always on:

  • Building confidence, not fear

  • Creating clarity, not confusion

  • Teaching skills that function in real-world environments

  • Supporting both the dog and the owner through the learning process

Dog with looking up to owner training on field

Meet the Trainer – Natalya

Education, Continued Learning & Associations

Natalya is dedicated to ongoing development and growth in the field of dog training. Over the last few years, she has built a strong foundation of practical, hands-on experience working with a diverse range of dogs. To build on this foundation, Natalya is also undertaking formal study, currently completing her nationally recognised Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training – a step to cement her practical skills and an opportunity to continue learning from leading industry educators.

Education & Professional Development

  • ACM40322 Certificate IV Animal Behaviour & Training - Dog Trainer (currently completing)

  • Participation in professional seminars and workshops on:

    • Obedience and engagement foundations

    • Behaviour modification

    • Power of play and its benefits in building bonds and obedience

    • Use of professional industry tools

    • GRC Dogsports training and trial preparation

    • Managing and dealing with difficult dogs

Professional Memberships & Associations

  • International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) – Associate Member

This combination of hands-on experience, formal education, and professional associations ensures clients benefit from up-to-date, evidence-informed training approaches tailored for real-world success.

Some highlights of our learning journey are showcased below.

Natalya is the driving force behind Summit Canine, grounded in the belief that clear, respectful communication forms the foundation of every strong dog and handler partnership. Her journey into professional training began with Hayda, her spirited Husky x Blue Heeler, whose intensity, intelligence and sensitivity pushed her to look deeper into behaviour, fulfilment and purposeful guidance. Through their ongoing work in GRC Dogsports, she has shaped a training philosophy centred on structure, calm leadership and genuine connection.

Alongside Hayda, the next chapter is unfolding with Brego, her working-line Labrador. Brego is being developed as a sport dog, with strong foundations in engagement, impulse control and structured drive work, progressing toward gundog retrieving and dock diving. Raising and training two very different working breeds gives Natalya daily, hands-on insight into genetics, drive and how to channel natural instincts productively.

Outside of sessions, life revolves around movement and exposure, from bush hikes and lake swims to retrieving drills and structured conditioning. Hayda is currently working toward his SR1 Title in GRC Dogsports, reflecting the core values behind her approach, Gameness, Relationship and Control, while Brego’s sport development continues to expand her practical experience in drive management and performance foundations. Together, their journeys shape the guidance she offers clients, from leash manners and obedience to building capable dogs who integrate confidently into everyday life.

Training Programs - Seminars

Understanding ECollars and Group Socialisation Seminar

Presented by Alex Edwards - Refine Your Canine Dog Training, Melbourne & Josh Moran - Barefoot Dog Trainer, USA

Three people standing close together, smiling, with a black and gray painted wall featuring dogs in the background. The person on the left wears a tan T-shirt with a husky logo, the person in the middle wears glasses and a beige T-shirt, and the person on the right wears a black T-shirt and a blue cap.
A person in a gray hoodie with a dog jumping on a small red platform inside an indoor arena, while another person holds a leash, and others are seated in the background.

Dealing with Difficult Dogs Seminar

Presented by Alex Edwards - Refine Your Canine Dog Training, Melbourne & Josh Moran - Barefoot Dog Trainer, USA

Training Programs - Workshops

Introduction to Scent Detection Workshop

Presented by Alex Edwards - Refine Your Canine Dog Training, Melbourne

Dog sniffing into a white plastic pipe apparatus on the floor with a person standing nearby.

Power of Play Workshop

Presented by Alex Edwards - Refine Your Canine Dog Training, Melbourne

Two people and a dog in a fenced outdoor area with green artificial grass and pictures of dogs on the fence under a clear blue sky.
A woman in a gray hoodie and black leggings standing next to a husky dog on a leash, with artwork of dogs on a fence behind them, outdoors with trees in the background.

Preparing for Trial Success Workshop
With GRC Melbourne

Presented by Alex Edwards - Refine Your Canine Dog Training, Melbourne