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 reward-based, yet adaptable. 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
Meet the Trainer – Natalya
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 Dog Sports, 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 and detection dog, with strong foundations in engagement, impulse control and structured drive work, progressing toward gundog retrieving, dock diving and scent detection. 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 Dog Sports, 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.
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)
Certificate in Dog Psychology, Behaviour & Training (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 Dog Sports training and trial preparation
Managing and dealing with difficult dogs
Professional Memberships & Associations
International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) – Associate Member
Professional Dog Trainers Australia (PDTA) - 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.
Training Programs - Seminars
Kynology Down Under
Science & Modern Dog Training + Reactivity Seminar
October 2026
Presented by Dr Stewart Hillard, USA
UPCOMING
OCTOBER 2026
Understanding ECollars and Group Socialisation Seminar
June 2025
Presented by Alex Edwards - Refine Your Canine Dog Training, Melbourne & Josh Moran - Barefoot Dog Trainer, USA
Dealing with Difficult Dogs Seminar
June 2025
Presented by Alex Edwards - Refine Your Canine Dog Training, Melbourne & Josh Moran - Barefoot Dog Trainer, USA
Training Programs - Workshops
Play & Engagement Workshop
July 2026
Presented by Andrew Boh - Hosted by Pro Dog Training Melbourne VIC
Scent work Foundations Workshop
June 2026
Presented by Victoria - Wyld Dog, Melbourne - June 2026
Preparing for Trial Success Workshop
With GRC Melbourne
November 2025
Presented by Alex Edwards - Refine Your Canine Dog Training, Melbourne
Power of Play Workshop
April 2025
Presented by Alex Edwards - Refine Your Canine Dog Training, Melbourne
Introduction - Scent Detection
August 2024
Presented by Alex Edwards - Refine Your Canine Dog Training, Melbourne
