Events 2026
Developing the Dog
Understanding the Canine Brain and Behaviour from Puppyhood
Development doesn’t start when a puppy comes home. It starts long before birth, shaped by genetics, maternal environment, and early neurobiology in ways that influence behaviour for life.
This seminar takes you through the key neurobiology concepts that underpin learning and development, and explore how stress systems like the HPA axis shape resilience (or vulnerability) over time.
We’ll unpack each developmental window in a dog’s development, and what is actually happening in the brain and body during each stage. You’ll learn to connect early experience with later behaviour problems through real case studies.
The goal is simple: to help you see behaviour through a developmental lens that makes patterns easier to understand, and intervention more targeted.
Topics include:
Neural plasticity, stress, and epigentics
How the mother dog has an impact on puppies
Developmental windows in young dogs
Navigating desexing and vaccinations
When things go wrong
Case studies and more
Hosted by Wonderpaws
Dr. Michelle (BSc, DVM, MANZCVS Veterinary Behaviour) is an experienced, engaging speaker with a passion for making scientific concepts accessible and practical.
Drawing on extensive expertise in both veterinary medicine and dog training, she delivers seminars that combine current research with real world application.
Whether you work in the veterinary or training profession, or simply want to deepen your understanding of canine behaviour, this seminar offers valuable insights you can apply immediately.
Places are limited and this event is expected to sell out, so secure your spot early.
This seminar is aimed at dog professionals (including trainers, kennel staff, groomers), vet professionals (vets, nurses, reception staff), rescue staff and volunteers, and dedicated dog owners.
Event details:
9am-3pm
FOMDAC (Donvale)
Saturday, 12th September 2026
9am to 4pm
Drinks, Snacks & Lunch Provided
Tickets $210
When training cases don’t improve
How to recognise dogs with possible underlying psychological or medical factors
Places are limited and ticket numbers will be capped, so don’t miss out.
This seminar is aimed at dog training professionals
This webinar is designed specifically for dog trainers and is all about helping you recognise when a case may benefit from a collaborative approach.
Date: Wed 5th August
Time: 7-8pm AEST
Online and free to attend.
Whether you're new to training or have years of experience, I hope you'll come along for an evening of practical, evidence-based discussion and plenty of opportunities to ask questions.
Trainers, have you ever had a case where you felt like you were doing everything right... but the dog just wasn't improving?
I've definitely been there.
Sometimes it's a training challenge that requires rethinking. But sometimes there's something deeper preventing that dog from making progress.
In this free webinar, we'll explore some of the veterinary, psychological and medical factors that can contribute to "stuck" cases, including:
• Anxiety disorders and chronic stress
• Pain and other medical conditions
• Arousal and learning
• When behaviour medication might be appropriate
• Red flags that suggest a veterinary referral could help
General Sale
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