
About Hooked On Hounds
Hooked on Hounds was founded by Nat and Dan who have both been involved with dogs since they were kids.
While working with dogs and their owners we have noticed many people struggling with behavioural issues which are based on a lack of or complete miscommunication between dog and human. Dogs are supposed to be man's best friend, but for many they can be more challenging to live with. Having to worry about going for walks, what encounter is going to trigger reactivity or other simple exercises like having guests over is often making dog ownership a lot more difficult than it has to be.
With our immense passion for dogs and our combined years of experience we are keen to help people reconnect with their best friend and learn to understand each other on a whole new level.
Learning to speak your dogs language and understand its psychology is an important step on the way to success.
In addition to behavioural issues based on reactivity it has come to our attention that many people are enjoying the company of herding breeds as pets. While we know these breeds make amazing companions and are extremely smart and loving we are also aware that they often come with an inbuilt energy level that no afternoon walk can fix.
This is why we have decided to add herding sessions to our program to give those herding dogs in the city an outlet for their energy and owners an additional tool to strengthen their human-canine bond.
Our Team
With our love and passion for all things dog we are hoping to be able to help you connect with your best friend on a deeper level!

Dan
Trainer
Dans passion for dogs started early when teaching his grandfather's Rottweilers all the naughty tricks. After sticking with breeds like Rottweilers and French Bordeaux for Obedience Training he then got hooked on herding breeds and bought his first Kelpie. Now he has developed the start of his own working line of Kelpies and is a successful competitor spending many of his spare weekends at Yard and Utility Trials as well as giving the occasional Three-Sheep Competition a go.
2017 - 2023
East Kurrajong Kelpie Stud
2021-2022
Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine
2021
DogTorque
2023
Hooked On Working Dogs



Nat
Trainer and responsible for keeping everything running smoothly
Nat grew up always wanting her own dog but having to rely on friends and neighbours for her canine fix, walking dogs whenever she could get her hand on one. After moving to a cattle station in Central Queensland she used the opportunity to get into working dogs and ended up with a large team of 16 Kelpies which she educated cattle with. She started her own line of Kelpies specialised to cattle work and spent 7 Years fine tuning and learning all about this amazing breed. Since moving she has downsized her team and is now giving the occasional Trial a go.
2014 - 2021
Tiree Rural Contracting & Working Dogs | Facebook
2023
Certificate in Dog Psychology, Behaviour & Training
2023
Hooked on Working Dogs



Shayne
Trainer

Our Training Methods
As you might have gathered by now, we love dogs and everything involving their wellbeing. This is, why it is normal for us to learn as much as possible about all different training approaches available and assess which way works best for us and the dog in front of us.
We don't limit ourselves to a specific method, but follow an open minded, tailored approach in which we assess every dog individually and work out what makes them tick.
From there we will proceed to formulate a training plan that suits the nature and temperament at hand.
Balanced training? Yep!
Free Shaping? Definitely a great tool!
Work around Lead Pressure? Handy!
Classic Conditioning! Who doesn't!?
Clicker Training? Nice!
Our Canine Team

Click
Reactive Dog Hypnotist, Living Garden Ornament, Lone Wolf, Plays with male Dogs only
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Trick
Mum of the Pack, Loves Everyone, Professional at playing 'Bang', will sell soul for any amount of food

Soda
Super smart, super energetic, super busy. Loves playing tug and will sell her soul for a good cuddle.

Captain
Mum's Boy, Ferocious Guard Dog, Knows he is Cute and will use it to his advantage

Sally
Hypo ADHD kid, loves people, loves sheep, loves dogs, loves food, loves it when you love it when she loves life...

Summer
Has had a rough start to life, but found her forever home with us. Loves Nat, tolerates Dan. Will do anything for food!

Chase
Identifies as a cat. Loves playing fetch with anything you are willing to throw. Super smart and switched on. Gives the best stink eye!
Competitions and Achievements
Dan entered the Sheepdog Trialling World in 2017, while Nat started competing after she moved to NSW in 2021.
Dan - 6 Years of Competiton
2017
Ned
Wellington Yard Dog Trial - 1st Encourage
Mudgee Yard Dog Trial - 2nd Encourage
Rydal Yard Dog Trial - 3rd Encourage
Trick
Harden Yard Dog Trial - 1st Encourage
2020
Trick
Gunnedah Yard Dog Trial - 1st Novice
3rd Improver
Moe
Forbes Yard Dog Trial - 1st Maiden
2nd Novice
2018
Ned
Dubbo Yard Dog Trial - 2nd Novice
Bathurst Yard Dog Trial - 1st Maiden
- 4th Novice
Trick
Hawkesbury Yard Dog Trial - 4th Novice
Illabo Yard Dog Trial - 1st Novice
Rylestone Yard Dog Trial - 2nd Novice
Narromine Yard Dog Trial - 4th Novice
Blaney Yard Dog Trial - 2nd Novice
Soul
Hawkesbury Yard Dog Trial - 2nd Novice
Rydal Yard Dog Trial - 4th Novice
Eugowra Yard Dog Trial - 4th Novice
Narromine Yard Dog Trial - 3rd Maiden
1st Novice
Won Rookie of the Year 2018
2019
Ned
NSW Yard Dog Championship - 3rd Novice
Rylestone Yard Dog Trial - 2nd Novice
Trick
NSW Yard Dog Championship - 5th Novice
Rylestone Yard Dog Trial - 3rd Novice
2nd Open
Soul
Rylestone Yard Dog Trial - 1st Novice
1st Open
2021
- limited trialling due to Covid 19 -
Moe
Gundagai Yard Dog Trial - 2nd Novice
Gundagai Three Sheep Trial - 1st Novice
2022
Moe
Yeoval Yard Dog Trial - 1st Novice
Bonnie
Yass Yard Dog Trial - 3rd Maiden
2023
Trick
Oberon Yard Dog Trial - 3rd Improver
Gundagai Yard Dog Trial - 1st Improver
Moe
Rydal Yard Dog Trial - 4th Open
Oberon Yard Dog Trial - 4th Improver
Gundagai Yard Dog Trial - 4th Improver
Gunning Yard Dog Trial - 2nd Open
Blaney Yard Dog Trial - 3rd Open
Yass Yard Dog Trial - 1st Improver
4th Open
Ultimate Stock Dog Challenge - 11th all Up - 2nd Cattle (93) - Equal 3rd Paddock (90)
Nat - 2 Years of Competiton
2022
Bonnie
Bathurst Yard Dog Trial - 2nd Encourage
2023
Sally
Rydal Yard Dog Trial - 2nd Encourage
Bathurst Yard Dog Trial - 1st Encourage
Scone Yard Dog Trial - 4th Novice
Moe
Southern NSW Yard Dog Championship - 1st Encourage