Clarity Liberates the Mind
For a long time, dog training available to the public meant basic group classes, surface level obedience, or one size fits all advice that failed to address real world challenges. The focus was on short term compliance, with little attention given to the dog’s mindset, emotional state, or the owner’s confidence and clarity.
Support for owners ended when the session did, leaving many unsure of how to navigate behaviour at home, in public, or under pressure. Recognising the gap was just the start, what followed was a better way forward.
Our approach creates lasting change by building clarity for the dog and capability for the handler. It’s about teaching both sides how to work together through clear expectations, consistent communication, and structure that translates seamlessly into everyday life.
When a dog understands what’s expected and a handler knows how to communicate it, everything changes. We don’t train for blind obedience. We train for clarity, capability, and calm, in the moments that matter most. Our system empowers both ends of the lead to move through the world with purpose and confidence.
ABOUT US
Troy’s foundation in dog training was built early. Raised in a family that bred working-line Rottweilers and ran a professional training business, working with dogs wasn’t a phase, it was part of everyday life. From the beginning, he was hands-on – feeding, cleaning, training, and handling dogs with serious behavioural issues. It wasn’t theory. It was real, practical work that shaped his understanding from the ground up.
At 25, Troy formalised his foundation by completing his Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training through the National Dog Trainers Federation (NDTF) – Australia’s only government-accredited education in dog training and behaviour. Around the same time, he began a mentorship with Kris Kotsopoulos of Von Forell – a turning point that reshaped how he trained. It cut through years of trial and error and brought structure to his approach, reinforcing what worked and stripping away what didn’t. That period cemented the systems and standards that continue to guide his work today.
Troy continues to refine his work through consistent exposure to difficult cases – reactive dogs, anxious and shut down dogs, high-drive working dogs, and those considered too far gone by others. This hands-on, pressure-based work remains the backbone of his approach. In parallel, he invests in his own development through private mentorship with an international trainer and by hosting seminars with respected professionals from overseas. These experiences continue to shape the way he problem-solves, communicates, and builds systems that hold up in everyday environments.
Troy entered the sport of IGP in 2019, drawn to the challenge of building a dog that could perform with precision, power, and control under pressure. In 2021, he titled his first dog, Von Forell Xylon, earning their BH and receiving Judges Choice on the day. That same year, he took on the role of President at the Melbourne Sport Dog Club, where he served until 2024 – overseeing trials, supporting handler development, and helping drive the club’s standards forward. He continues to train and compete with both Von Forell Xylon and his young female, Von Ultimate Chanel, as they prepare for future titles.
While Troy’s foundation lies in working dogs – whether in specialised applications or competitive sport – most of his day to day work is with everyday dog owners.
Many of the clients he works with are simply looking for more direction. They want their dogs to be easier to live with, more settled, and more reliable in everyday situations. For some, that means addressing reactivity or behaviour that feels unpredictable. For others, it’s about improving communication, reducing confusion, and creating more consistency in how they live with their dog.
Core Canine was built to support both the dog and the owner. That means providing coaching that’s direct, easy to apply, and focused on what actually creates lasting change. Troy’s goal is to continue building dogs that are stable, responsive, confident, and capable, and to help owners bring more clarity and harmony into their relationship with their dog.
This isn’t your standard walk and train session or group class at the local park typically seen with the local dog trainer. Core Canine is built for those seeking a higher level of education – something structured, outcome-driven, and grounded in real-world application. It’s for owners who want more than just the basics, and everything that usually gets overlooked.
