You’re never alone at Sankiri
Lorraine welcomes you to Sankiri Dog Training
At Sankiri, no dog is turned away. We’ve built our reputation on our willingness and ability to handle the most difficult cases, accepting dogs that other places have given up on.
We’ve trained blind, deaf and disabled dogs. Elderly rescues and pedigree pups. Traumatised, anxious, defensive, aggressive, reactive, destructive and plain silly – every kind of dog, displaying every kind of behaviour, has a place at Sankiri.
If you take the most challenging pooch, and peel away the behavioural layers, there’s usually a really nice dog underneath just trying to get out. I’ve seen this so many times. My mission is to help you push past the frustrations, and liberate your inner dog.
Despite my own formal training, dogs have been my real teacher. They’ve taught me everything I need to know. I’ve worked with countless dogs over the years, yet every dog is different, requiring an individual approach.
At Sankiri, we work with the unique needs of your dog. While they receive the special attention they deserve, you can build the confidence you need to gain real mastery over your best friend.
All I need from you, the owner, is a genuine commitment to learn and a willingness to do what’s necessary to help your dog. If you’re prepared to put in the hard yards, you will experience success!
It’s the Sankiri way.
Why it matters so much to me
I have so much to thank my brother for. Through him, I discovered I had a powerful connection with dogs, and an ability to influence their behaviour.
It was Raymond who made me realise my potential to improve the lives of dogs and their owners.
Sankiri is named after his two beloved greyhounds, Sandy (his favourite) and Kiri Success. While Raymond’s life was cut tragically short, his legacy is reflected in my own career.
I started Sankiri Dog Training in 2004, and never looked back. Since then, I’ve spent my days training, boarding and rescuing dogs, always looking for better ways to understand their needs and help them fit in with their human families.
It’s been the steepest possible learning curve!
I set up my own group, Sankiri Dog Rescue, to help dogs stuck in the system or destined for death row. I’m so grateful for this experience. These dogs would live with me for up to two years. During this time, I would gain their trust, train them, and help them become part of our family. Then they were ready to find loving, forever homes of their own.
Through this work, I saw the best and worst of human behaviour, and the true capacity of dogs to adapt, change and love – when given the right guidance.
Lorraine McLennan
with Sankiri training dogs Kaluka and Marlu
(Founder and principal trainer)
These are the insights I want to pass on to you, so you can bring out your pet’s true colours, and find that wonderful ‘inner dog’ just waiting to greet you.
Why not call for a chat? We are always happy to listen and advise.
Please note:
I am an accredited dog trainer through Alpha Dog Training and Lifestyle Canine Research & Development Group, ongoing since August 2004.
Meet the Team
At Sankiri, we work as a close-knit team, putting our heads together to problem-solve and work out the best solutions for every dog and owner.
You will find us welcoming, down to earth and non-judgemental, with a sense of humour thrown in!
Rob Harper
- What attracted you to dog training?
I have always loved dogs and grown up with them. In the Royal Australian Army, aged 19, I was given the opportunity to work as a dog handler with explosive detection dogs. I loved this job, and it sparked my interest in dog training. That was 23 years ago, and I have been training and working with dogs in some capacity ever since. I love that there is always more to learn, and the dogs I have worked with give so much back.
- What are the best parts of your job?
Getting a dog into training and being able to improve its behaviour. This gives the dog and its owner a better quality of life, and can potentially save a life. This kind of outcome continues to drive me on the journey, giving me purpose and a real sense of achievement. It’s a great feeling, knowing you have changed the lives of dogs and their owners for the better. - What’s the most important thing you’ve learned at Sankiri?
Working at Sankiri has really helped develop my communication skills with the human owners. Also, being from a background where I mainly worked with large breeds, I’ve been given the opportunity to develop my skills working with smaller breeds and companion dogs. - What are your strengths?
I would definitely say my strengths are patience, staying cool, calm and collected under pressure. I also have expertise working with ‘tough’ dogs, aggression cases and puppy development. - Who are the special dogs in your life?
I have two dogs, a German Shepherd girl named Freya and a Sarplaninac boy named Ragnar. They are my babies and close to my side whenever possible.
Rob with Ragnar
Casey Male
- What attracted you to dog training?
My love for animals. I've always wanted to work in the animal industry and help people at the same time, so training was the perfect fit. I have been loving every minute of it. - What are the best parts of your job?
The best part of my job is getting to be around the dogs and like-minded people, and seeing them succeed. It’s great when all the hard work they put in pays off. - What’s the most important thing you’ve learned at Sankiri?
The most important thing I've learned is that, with hard work and dedication, the right training can help improve any problem behaviours a dog may have. - What are your strengths?
My friendly personality, and willingness to help dogs and their owners achieve their goals. - Who are the special dogs in your life?
The special dog in my life is my border collie, Brody, who has been my companion for ten years now.
Casey with Marlu
Rebecca Nixon
- What attracted you to dog training?
I’ve been around dogs all my life and always wanted to work with animals. Something about dogs just draws me in! I want to help people too, so this is the perfect match, helping people to help their dogs. - What are the best parts of your job?
I love seeing clients achieve their goals. Watching dogs and people work side by side, and really engaging, is an amazing thing.
- What’s the most important thing you’ve learned at Sankiri?
I’ve learned we are here to train the owner, not the dog; you don’t need treats or lures to build the bond; and dogs are smart enough to pick things up very quickly. I have Autism, so finding new ways to engage with people and support them in their training is a huge step! I’m so happy to be part of the Sankiri family and appreciate the warm welcome I’ve received.
- What are your strengths?
Empathy and sympathy. Being kind and caring. I understand what it’s like to lose a beloved family dog, and the challenges of taking on a new one. Whether it’s a rescue, foster or from a breeder, every dog is unique. In this line of work, it’s essential to accept every challenge and work steadily to find a solution.
- Who are the special dogs in your life?
My three special boys! Shamus, (Rainbow Baby), Border Collie X, showed me not all dogs are scary, while Toby (Rainbow Baby), Border Collie X, showed me that best friends sometimes come with four legs and a tail. My current ball of energy, Gus (Border Collie), has helped me find new reserves of patience and resilience.
Rebecca with Gus
Travis Williamson
- What attracted you to dog training?
To help stop misunderstood dogs from going back into shelters. - What are the best parts of your job?
Gaining the trust of a dog that just needs some help. - What’s the most important thing you’ve learned at Sankiri?
How to remain calm, no matter what issues the dog is experiencing, as well as gaining a better understanding as to why a dog is the way they are. - What are your strengths?
Being able to help people and dogs who may be stressed and overwhelmed, also showing owners they really are capable of understanding and controlling their dog. - Who are the special dogs in your life?
My original boys Buddy (Jack Russell x Pug) and Tyrone (Beagle) who are still with me today, my old boy Dobby (Great Dane, sadly no longer with us) and my newest best mate Sparky (Staffie x Boxer/Bullmastiff)!
Travis with Sparky
All enquiries phone our friendly Sankiri Team
mb: 0401 634 392.
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