Council Order Training

Practical Behaviour Support for Dogs Under Council Orders in South Australia

If your dog has been issued with a council order — such as a Barking Dog Order, Nuisance Dog Order, Menacing Dog Order, or Dangerous Dog Order — you may be required to work with an approved trainer in Adelaide to address the behaviour concerns and support safer management moving forward.

At Paws & Reward, we provide compassionate, practical behaviour support tailored to both your dog and your family.

As an Accredited Trainer with the Dog and Cat Management Board in South Australia, I offer structured council order training programs designed to meet council requirements while helping owners better understand and support their dog’s behaviour.

Accredited. Experienced. Supportive.
Behaviour concerns can feel overwhelming — especially when councils become involved. My goal is not just to help you meet council requirements, but to provide realistic, achievable strategies that improve safety, reduce stress, and support long-term progress for your dog.

Using reward-based, practical training methods, I work with dogs experiencing a wide range of behavioural challenges, including:

  • Reactivity towards dogs or people

  • Excessive barking

  • Fearful or anxious behaviour

  • Over-arousal and impulsive behaviour

  • Handling and management difficulties

  • Aggression concerns

Every training plan is personalised to your dog, your household, and the specific concerns outlined by council.

How the Process Works

Initial Behaviour Assessment

All council order cases begin with a comprehensive 90-minute assessment.

This session is usually conducted in your home (unless otherwise arranged) and includes:

  • A detailed behavioural history and assessment

  • Discussion of the council order and any relevant documentation

  • Assessment of contributing factors affecting your dog's behaviour

  • Practical management strategies to improve safety and prevent rehearsal of unwanted behaviours

  • Guidance on enrichment, routine and emotional wellbeing

  • Foundation training exercises tailored to your dog's needs

  • Recommendations for additional support where appropriate, including referral to a veterinary behaviour service if indicated

Conducting the first session at home allows your dog to remain in a familiar environment while we begin developing practical strategies that can be implemented immediately.

Following your assessment, you'll receive a personalised written behaviour and training plan outlining management recommendations, training exercises and your next steps.

Investment: $400

Follow-Up Training Sessions

Behaviour change takes time, and every dog progresses at a different pace.

Rather than providing a set number of sessions, follow-up appointments are recommended based on your dog's individual needs, progress and council requirements.

Each 60-minute revisit may take place at your home or at an agreed training location and may include:

  • Reviewing progress

  • Adjusting management and training strategies

  • Troubleshooting challenges

  • Continuing behaviour modification exercises

  • Building owner confidence and practical handling skills

  • Developing long-term management strategies

Investment: $200 per session

Professional Council Report (when required)

Once the agreed training has been completed, a professional written report can be prepared for your local council.

Reports typically include:

  • Training completed

  • Management strategies implemented

  • Behavioural progress observed

  • Current level of risk and remaining concerns

  • Recommendations moving forward

  • Compliance with council training requirements where applicable

Reports are written professionally and reflect the training completed and the dog's progress at the time of assessment.

Investment: $100

“I would like to express my highest recommendation for Lena from Paws and Reward. From my initial correspondence with her, it was evident that Lena possesses a great degree of compassion and kindness. For both her canine clients and their guardians! She approached my dog, Watra with great sensitivity and insight tailoring her methods to address Watra’s individual needs. Her guidance has been invaluable in helping me understand and manage Watra’s behavioural challenges, and the progress we have made is a direct result of her expertise and empathy. Thank you Lena ❤️❤️❤️”

-Karolina