Meet the Trainers
Meet Megan - Senior Dog Trainer & Canine Interaction Founder
Force-Free Dog Training Adelaide since 2006
I'm Megan, owner and senior trainer at Canine Interaction. I founded Canine Interaction in 2006 to provide quality, force-free dog training to Adelaide's western and northern suburbs. What started as a passion for helping family dogs has grown into specialised programs including Assistance Dog Training and Animal Assisted Mentoring across South Australia.
My Approach: Force-Free, Family-Focused
I completed my Certificate IV in Dog Behavioural Training through the Delta Society of Australia in 2003 and have continued learning through ongoing courses and international conferences. I use only positive, science-based methods to work with puppies, dogs, and families—setting them up for a lifetime of good behaviour and strong bonds.
My Speciality: The Family Dog
My passion has always been the family dog. I don't just train dogs—I train the whole family. Adults, children, and dogs all learn together, creating harmony in your home from day one.
Whether you're starting with a new puppy or solving behavioural challenges with an older dog, my programs focus on:
✓ Puppy foundation training ✓ Family dynamics and dog integration ✓ Child-safe interactions ✓ Problem-solving for real-life situations
Assistance Dog Training Adelaide
This family-focused approach naturally led me to Assistance Dog Training—one of my greatest professional joys. I work with adults and children across Adelaide to:
- Prepare owner-trained dogs for the Public Access Test (PAT)
- Teach specialised tasks beyond basic obedience (pressure work, comfort behaviours, interruption tasks)
- Support handlers through every stage of their assistance dog journey
As a certified Service Dog Coach through Cooperative Paws, I understand the unique needs of assistance dog partnerships.
Animal Assisted Mentoring Programs
My Animal Assisted Mentoring programs use clients' own dogs to build confidence, social skills, and community participation—particularly for NDIS participants and young people facing challenges.
This work has inspired my biggest dream yet: I've recently purchased land to build a purpose-designed facility for on-site mentoring programs and kids' training camps with a variety of animals. I can't wait to welcome families to this space!
Qualifications & Professional Memberships
Certifications:
- Certificate IV Dog Behavioural Training – Delta Society of Australia (2003)
- Certified Family Dog Mediator – Family Dog Mediation Professional Course
- Service Dog Coach – Cooperative Paws
- Certificate IV Community Services – TAFE SA
- Level 1 Animal Assisted Play Therapy® Training (2022)
Professional Associations:
- APDT (Association of Professional Dog Trainers) Professional Member
- Pet Professional Guild Member
- Family Paws Parent Educator
- The Family Dog & Stop the 77 Licenced Presenter
Clearances:
- Current National Police Check
- Working with Children Check (WWCC)
Experience:
- 20+ years professional dog training experience
- Adelaide-based since 2006
Why Work With Me?
✓ Two decades of experience with Adelaide families
✓ Force-free methods backed by science
✓ Specialist qualifications in assistance dogs and family mediation
✓ Whole-family approach - everyone learns together
✓ Ongoing education - I never stop learning
Whether you need puppy training, assistance dog preparation, or animal assisted support, I'm here to help your family thrive with your dog.
Ready to get started? Contact me today
Meet James - Assistant Dog Trainer
Force-Free Training & Animal Behaviour Specialist
I'm James Bilney, assistant trainer at Canine Interaction. Since joining the team in 2018, I've been training under Megan's mentorship, developing my skills in positive, force-free dog training methods with Adelaide families and their dogs.
My Approach: Education Through Understanding
My passion is helping people truly understand why force-free training works—not just how to do it. When families understand the science and ethics behind positive methods, training becomes meaningful and lasting.
I work with puppies, adult dogs, and families across Adelaide's western and northern suburbs, focusing on:
✓ Force-free training foundations ✓ Explaining the "why" behind each method ✓ Building confident, informed dog owners ✓ Problem-solving with patience and science
My Training Philosophy
Training should be enjoyable for both dogs and people. I believe in:
- Clear communication - making training concepts easy to understand
- Positive methods - building behaviour through reward, not fear
- Ongoing support - I'm here beyond the initial session
- Real-world solutions - practical training for everyday life
Experience & Qualifications
Qualifications:
- Certificate III in Animal Studies
Professional Experience:
- Assistant Trainer, Canine Interaction (2018–present)
- Labs-4-Life (volunteer/staff)
- Adelaide Zoo (volunteer/staff)
- Willaston Veterinary Clinic (volunteer/staff)
Training:
- 7+ years hands-on experience with dogs and animal behaviour
- Mentored by Megan (Certified Family Dog Mediator & Service Dog Coach)
- Ongoing professional development in force-free methods
Clearances:
- Current National Police Check
- Working with Children Check (WWCC)
Beyond Dog Training
When I'm not working with dogs and families, you'll find me:
Discovering new music, Playing online MMOs, Deep-diving into Marvel universe content, Strategising with card games (Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokémon TCG) and Perfecting my 8-ball pool game
My diverse interests remind me that everyone learns differently—whether it's a dog learning recall or a handler learning timing. Meeting people where they are is what makes training successful.
Why Work With Me?
✓ Patient educator - I take time to explain concepts clearly
✓ Force-free commitment - ethical methods, every time
✓ Diverse animal experience - zoo, veterinary, and assistance dog backgrounds
✓ Relatable approach - training should be fun, not stressful
✓ Team support - backed by Megan's 20+ years expertise
Whether you're starting with a new puppy or working through challenges with your dog, I'm here to help you understand your dog better and build a stronger bond.
Ready to start training? Contact us today
Meet Monique - Dog Trainer & Veterinary Nurse
Specialist in Reactive Dogs & Puppy Development
I'm Monique, a passionate dog trainer at Canine Interaction with a unique background in both animal shelter work and veterinary nursing. I love learning everything I can about animals—especially our four-legged canine companions—and sharing that knowledge to help people and their pets live happier, healthier lives together.
My Specialities: Reactivity & Puppy Training
I have a particular passion for working with:
Reactive Dogs Dogs with reactivity towards people or other dogs need patience, understanding, and the right approach. My shelter background taught me to read subtle canine communication and work through fear, frustration, and over-arousal with force-free methods that actually work.
Puppy School Setting puppies up for success from the start is one of my greatest joys. Early socialisation, foundation skills, and building confident young dogs prevents problems before they begin.
My Approach: Knowledge Meets Compassion
My dual background in shelter work and veterinary nursing gives me a unique perspective:
✓ Behavioural expertise from hands-on shelter experience
✓ Medical understanding from veterinary training
✓ Real-world problem-solving with diverse dogs and situations
✓ Compassionate handling for anxious or fearful dogs
I understand dogs from both a behavioural and health perspective—because sometimes reactivity, anxiety, or training challenges have medical components that need addressing too.
Experience & Qualifications
Professional Experience:
- Dog Trainer, Canine Interaction
- Veterinary Nurse
- Animal Shelter Work (behaviour assessment & handling)
- 10+ years in the animal industry
Training Programs Delivered:
- Puppy Preschool classes
- Reactive Rover classes
- One-on-one private training sessions
- Group obedience classes
- Behaviour modification programs
Clearances:
- Current National Police Check
- Working with Children Check (WWCC)
Why Work With Me?
✓ 10+ years hands-on experience with diverse dogs
✓ Reactivity specialist - I understand fearful and frustrated dogs
✓ Shelter background - I've worked with dogs from all walks of life
✓ Veterinary knowledge - I can spot when behaviour has medical causes
✓ Puppy expert - setting foundations for lifelong success
✓ Force-free methods - compassionate, science-based training
✓ Real-world understanding - I know training isn't always perfect
Whether your dog is reactive on walks, you're starting with a new puppy, or you need help with everyday challenges, I'm here to support you with patience, knowledge, and practical solutions.
Ready to get started? Contact us today