Presented by Cherie Bekker, De Durdevic, Petra Edwards and Kate Shaw
This panel discussion brings together experienced force-free trainers to explore the building blocks of successful training. Whether you're welcoming a new pet into your family or looking to strengthen your existing training skills, our panellists will share practical, science-based advice that you can start using straight away.
We'll discuss how to teach everyday foundation behaviours, why learning theory matters, how to use markers effectively, fun training ideas for days when the weather keeps you indoors, and what to look for when choosing a professional trainer.
Learning Objectives
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Describe the key foundation skills and training approaches that set animals up for long-term success, regardless of species.
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Explain how learning theory and the effective use of markers support clear communication and successful force-free training.
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Identify the qualities of a knowledgeable, ethical force-free trainer and make informed decisions when seeking professional training support.
About The Presenters
Cherie Bekker has been involved in the pet care and training sector for over 20 years, with experience spanning animal welfare, assistance dogs and companion animal training. She is passionate about empowering people to better understand the animals they share their lives with and build confident, rewarding relationships through personalised, evidence-based coaching and training.
Cherie is currently the Training Coordinator and Senior Instructor at Brisbane Dog Training Club, an approved trainer with mindDog Australia and works with private clients through her own training business. She recently graduated from the Karen Pryor Academy Professional Dog Trainer program and holds a Bachelor of Education and a Certificate III in Animal Studies (Behaviour and Training). Drawing on her background in both education and animal training, Cherie enjoys equipping owners with the knowledge, skills and confidence to achieve their goals while strengthening the bond they share with their pets.
Dejana (Dee-yana) “De” is the owner and lead trainer of Sit Stay Play QLD, established in 2011. She helps dogs and their humans build real-life skills through fun, force-free training that actually works outside the home (not just in the living room). With a background in behaviour and human therapy work, De focuses on practical results, stronger relationships, and creating calm, confident dogs you can actually enjoy taking out in public. She also supports assistance dogs and their handlers through Public Access Testing and beyond, and works alongside a psychologist as an Animal Therapy Assistant. When she’s not training dogs or their humans, you’ll find her deep in her cactus collection, involved with the Cactus and Succulent Society of Queensland, or tending to her two beehives in her much-loved garden.
Contact De https://www.sitstayplayqld.com/
Petra Edwards PhD Certified Applied Animal Behaviourist, Grad. Dip (Psych) BSc (Animal Behaviour) (Hons) Cert IV TAE
Petra is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviourist, with a PhD in dog behaviour and welfare, a BSc (Hons) with a specialisation in animal behaviour and a Graduate Diploma in (human) Psychology. She regularly consults and provides animal handling and animal behaviour training to local government, shelter/ rescue and pet care industries, and currently works in local government in an education and engagement capacity relating to animal management. Petra has over 20 years’ experience in the dog training industry and a keen passion for training, developing and coaching people about pets the they care for.
Contact Petra https://www.petraedwards.com/
Kate Shaw has over 20 years’ experience using positive reinforcement with horses. She is passionate about fear, aggression, and helping people get started using food safely and effectively in training. She also works with dogs, cats, rats and other species. Kate has several rescue horses with traumatic histories, giving her both personal and professional experience of how effective force-free training, combined with species-appropriate care and management is, for even the most severe behaviour challenges. She holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science and serves on the PPGA Committee.
Contact Kate https://shawanimaltraining.com.au/
