Meet the Team
Louise Harding
Chief Visionary and Top Dog
Louise is a Master Dog Trainer, Professional Animal Wrangler, Author and owner of Animal Talent. She has trained dogs professionally for more than 20 years and multiple animal species for performance work in the film and television industries both in Australia and New Zealand. Over the years she’s written and implemented instructor training at multiple dog clubs, trained obedience champions of her own and clients, founded a successful sled dog racing club and trained multiple sled dog champions. Louise continues to compete with multiple dogs in obedience and agility.
Her passion is helping humans understand dogs. This passion has led her down many paths including training and support of working guide dogs, assistance dogs and emotional support dogs, running council dangerous dogs programs and educating pet owners on the Companion Animals Act.
Nose to Tail: A Holistic Guide to Training Your Dream Dog, Louise’s first book has been hugely successful. Now in its third edition, it’s collectively described as
“...an absolute must-read...”, “Terrific”,
“...an essential guide to any dog owner…”, “fantastic” and
“...a common-sense approach to training that gets results quickly… stress-free and fun for both the trainer and the dog.”
Her much anticipated NEW series of Nose to Tail Companion Workbooks will be published in the third quarter of 2019.
Louise is a member of AAPTD and DOGS NSW and a proud life member of the Manukau Dog Obedience Club.
Fiona Crain
Director of Dream Fulfilment and Oracle of Inspiration
A powerhouse behind the scenes in organisation and planning, Fiona keeps all the important stuff ticking along. Coordinating events, presentations and marketing and a whole lot more, she helps keep everything on track.
Barb Donaldson
The Voice of Reason and Organiser of Erratic Activity
Barb is our front of house expert. It’s her friendly face that will greet you at morning classes and she’ll be serving you in store at The Empawrium. Barb is our organising queen quietly taking care of the day-to-day business at the training paddock and providing her expertise at special events.
Marion Nicholson
Interpreter of Abstract Concepts and 3D Translator
Marion is our talented designer, turning our ideas into reality. She designs and handcrafts our exclusive range of paracord leads.
Hayley Crain
Head Unicorn Wrangler and Social Media Magician
Turning chaotic thoughts and brainstorms into structured workable plans is no mean feat. Hayley is our go-to girl, taking charge of ‘getting it all documented’ and social media strategy.
Ali and Cat
Chiefs of Real World Creations
Our dynamic duo, the build-it girls. Design, maintain and repair equipment and structures, they do it all.
TESTIMONIALS
“Can't recommend Louise enough .. practical real-life training with a bit of fun. The most understanding knowledgeable animal trainer. Amazing with kids too.”
“Louise is a legend at training dogs (actually to be honest me lol). My baby has done so well with the lessons and what I have learnt.”
“A great training location and trainer - we look forward to going and learn new things every time - thanks, Louise!! Our “giraffe” loves her puppy classes.”
“Our little dog Buttons enjoys his school days...where he sees his friends and Louise and loves his agility course...and learning different things…”
Janice Teefy McDougallMay 2019
“Absolutely brilliant trainer. Has great suggestions and ideas. Highly recommend.”
“Great results from just a few weeks of group classes. Individual advice and achievable goals in a friendly and non-competitive environment. Recommended.”
Absolute professional with so much canine knowledge...Thoroughly recommend Animal Talent for all your dog training needs.”
“Louise helped us remedy behavioural problems with our 10-year-old dog. Millie only began with these problems recently after immigrating here from the UK. Being in an environment that is in vast contrast to the UK; let's say her homeostasis became extremely unbalanced. This led to anxiety and then separation anxiety and behavioural issues. Thank God for Louise!! We can live again and so can our Millie.”
“Louise is a fantastic trainer. I can highly recommend her for all your training needs from puppy to adult dog.”
Experienced, knowledgeable, friendly, positive training methods for dogs and their owners with great outcomes achieved. Happy to recommend Louise & Animal Talent.
Charmaine Bright June 2019
Having been through 3 different trainers and various training classes we were reaching the end of our tether with our rescue Maltese. Louise has helped us so much not just with our Maltese but with all of our dogs. We have learnt so much from her and will be eternally grateful for what she has done for us and our furries! If your looking for a honest, knowledgable, no nonsense trainer then I would highly recommend Louise!
Vivienne Bassett September 2017
I am always amazed by the skill and patience Louise has with the dogs she trains and their owners, she is very thorough and explains in detail the steps to communicate and train your dog. If you are unsure or have a problem Louise is only too happy to explain why your dog isn't responding correctly and gives you the guidance and confidence to continue. I highly recommend Louise and Animal Talent.
Louise helped us remedy behavioural problems with our 10 year old dog. Millie only began with these problems recently after immigrating her from the UK. Being in an environment that is in vast contrast to the UK; lets say her homeostasis became extremely unbalanced. This led to anxiety and then separation anxiety and behavioural issues. Thank God for Louise!! We can live again and so can our Millie.
Marie Milner January 2019
Louise is an amazing trainer for dogs and their owners. We all want our dogs to be happy & safe, attending Louise’s classes has taught me so much on how to achieve this. I definitely feel confident out with my dogs and any situations we may encounter. Happy dogs and a happy human! Highly recommend Animal talent.
This is the best, most fun and longest lasting toy we have had Louise-simply THE BEST and favourite of my two BIG chewers by far. Did I say 20+ toys at least destroyed from 2mins to half hour for the best but snakey is still in purfect condition and used almost daily for 3months so far.
A Holistic Guide to Training Your Dream DogLouise Harding Author, Speaker and Master Dog Trainer
