History of AUSDOG

John Harkin
Director
Behavioural Consultant/Trainer  

From a very early age, growing up in the country with a dog always by his side, it became apparent John had a special understanding of dogs so it is not surprising that working with dogs became his full time chosen profession. Over the years it was his love and understanding of dogs that led John to develop the Ausdog unique style of training.   

Over the past 30 years John has taught numerous instructors and handlers.  John has trained many thousands of puppies, adolescent and adult dogs in Australia and internationally.

His expertise has taken him to countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and Brunei.  Most of this training involved remedial training of dogs with behavioural problems.  

John also trained instructors and handlers for the Elite Ghurka Canine Unit. These Ghurkas were employed by the Royal Family of Brunei, Darussalam.  

In 1991 John started AUSDOG, where he predominantly focused on the training needs of domestic dogs and families in and around their home environment. Ausdog specialises in remedial training to rectify behavioural problems in adolescent and adult dogs along with better education and understanding for dog owners and their children on how to care for, raise and train their pups in the correct manner to avoid future problems, creating a happy well behaved companion for the whole family to enjoy for many years.    

Ian Bradnock
Director
Behavioural Consultant/Trainer  

In 1992 Ian joined AUSDOG after successfully training his personal dog with John Harkin.
 
It was Ian’s natural abilities that impressed John, and Ian’s eagerness to learn that led him to leave his successful career with the Nissan Motor Company to become a professional dog trainer.
 
Ian was quickly promoted to Training Manager, and over a five year period he travelled internationally with John including taking over the responsibilities of day to day training of domestic dogs and puppies in Melbourne.
 
In 2000 Ian became a partner/Director of AUSDOG THE DOG TRAINER PTY. LTD., and together Ian and John have developed a very successful business that specialises in the remedial and behavioural training needs of companion dogs and their families.

Ian's wealth of knowledge and expertise have become very well known, he is regularly invited as guest speaker on talk back radio to discuss various topics of interest interacting with people who have questions on behavioural problems, training or puppy rearing.