Why Paws And Think?
We’re passionate about creating better connections between people and their dogs through understanding, training, and trust.
Founded by Shelley, a dedicated animal lover with decades of experience in animal behaviour and welfare, our mission is to help dogs and their humans thrive together. With a strong foundation in veterinary nursing, years of hands-on behaviour research, and accredited dog training expertise, Paws And Think is built on knowledge, compassion, and a true love for what we do.
Let’s work together to unlock your dog’s potential and strengthen your canine connection!
Just a Few Of Our Credentials And Memberships in the Dog Training World
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Pet Professional Guild of Australia (PPGA)
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Delta Institute (DI)
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Karen Pryor Academy (KPA)
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Fear Free Pets The School of Canine Science (SOCS)
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Association of Pet Dog Trainers of Australia (APDT)
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Australian Canine Scent Work (ACSW)
All of this continual training is a valuable asset for Paws And Think Dog Training. It keeps me up to date with the changing environments of the industry, ensures that client requirements are met professionally and appropriately, and our amazing companions get the best we can be!
Most Loved Dog Trainer in Sydney's Inner West
Shelley is trained and accredited through:
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Delta Institute with a Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services
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Karen Pryor Academy as a Professional Dog Trainer
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Fear Free Certified Professional as an Animal Trainer
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Behavior+Works in Living and Learning with Animals (Susan Friedman)
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Master Course in Aggression in Dogs (Michael Shikashio)
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L.E.G.S – Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation Group (Kim Brophy)
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Canine Hoopers World trainer (Carrie Ann Selwyn)
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Ace Dog Detective in Free Work (Sarah Fisher)
All of which have given Shelley the vast amount of knowledge and experience to help guardians live peacefully with their companions.
Will she slow down on her learning addiction one day? No - there are more missions and adventures in the pipelines! We continue to work towards our personal interests and passions, gaining more accreditations and specialising in canine behaviour so we can help as many dog families as possible.
Dog Training Cred' and What It Is
It’s important when trying to find the right person, training program or organisation for you and your dog, that you check out the trainer’s credentials and background.
Many trainer’s these days advertise that they are ‘trained’ under a particular course… but did they actually finish or pass the course?
Is the course an officially recognised course?
And can they prove their qualifications?
Make sure that your ‘trained’ trainer actually has the accreditation to back it up, the accreditation means something worthwhile, and the trainer you choose teaches with up to date methods and has a clear understanding of animal behaviour and what makes them tick!
At Paws And Think we are accredited dog trainers and below is more information about my story and how I ended up beginning the adventure with Paws And Think.
From Woofs To Wisdom: A Respect for Animals and Lifelong Learning
My name is Shelley and I graduated from Veterinary Nursing in 1997 in New Zealand. From there I had an amazing opportunity to become an animal behaviour technician for an animal welfare and research agricultural organisation in the Waikato region. I won’t lie… this job was awe-inspiring! I got to study and collect vast amounts of data, samples and knowledge from observing animals and their behaviours in their natural environment,s or in the environments that humans had created for them. All our information and research went into upgrading and developing techniques and procedures to improve the welfare, surroundings and lifestyles for these animals.
I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work for such an organisation… but eventually I needed to spread my wings…
After making my journey to Australia in 2000 and working in various roles around the Inner West of Sydney, in 2005 I found a nice place to snuggle into and made myself comfortable for the next 16 years amongst a team of Veterinary Specialists who specialise in diagnostic imaging, another job I absolutely loved.
The time came where I needed to venture out so I could help more people and dogs, and I discovered I suffer from a strange addiction to continual learning. Once I got my Diploma in Business Management in 2011, I couldn’t stop learning and started my accreditation journey to becoming a qualified dog trainer a few months later to pursue my passion of animal behaviour once more… Paws And Think was launched in 2013.
Meet our Support Team of Dog Training Specialists
A TEAM OF QUALIFIED DOG TRAINING EXPERTS YOU CAN TRUST
Meet Lilly
Lilly has dedicated her life to caring for animals and helping pet owners create strong, trusting bonds with their furry friends.
With a Certificate II in Animal Care (AVT) and a Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training (Delta Institute), she brings expert knowledge and genuine passion to her work.
Through her business, Winnie Petcare and Training, Lilly offers sought-after solo dog walking, training consults, and pet minding services. She specialises in supporting rescue dogs during their first weeks in new homes, focusing on patience, trust, and confidence-building to ensure a smooth transition.
Beyond dogs, Lilly is also a trusted bunny caretaker, providing peace of mind for rabbit owners while they’re away. Her dedication, respect, and love for animals make her invaluable to both her clients and the Paws And Think team. If you’re looking for compassionate, professional care for your pets, Lilly is your go-to!
Meet Sam
Sam brings a warm, friendly energy to our team, backed by years of experience in pet sitting, dog walking, and professional training.
A qualified dog trainer with a Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services (Tafe NSW), Sam specializes in working with dogs of all temperaments.
She’s happiest when surrounded by animals, whether at the dog beach, park, or snuggled on the couch with a furry friend. Committed to your pet’s well-being, Sam provides patient, loving care through her business, Pawsitive Training Solutions.
For expert training, personalised pet sitting, or group and solo dog walking, get in touch!