About Core Canine

Professional Dog Training in Melbourne

Core Canine provides professional dog training in Melbourne, working with owners who want clear direction, reliable behaviour, and practical results they can live with every day.

While many training services focus on quick demonstrations or generic group classes, Core Canine was built around a different standard, structured training that develops clarity for the dog and capability for the handler.

Behind Core Canine is Troy, whose foundation in dog training began early.

Early Foundations

Troy grew up in a family that bred working-line Rottweilers and operated a professional training business. Working with dogs wasn’t something he discovered later in life, it was part of everyday life from the beginning.

From an early age he was involved in the practical side of the work: feeding, cleaning, training, and handling dogs with serious behavioural challenges. It wasn’t theory or casual exposure. It was hands-on experience that shaped his understanding of behaviour from the ground up.

Formal Education & Mentorship

At 25, Troy formalised this 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. This period brought structure to his approach, reinforcing what worked and removing what didn’t. The systems and standards developed during this time continue to guide his work today.

Continued Development

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 how he problem-solves, communicates, and builds systems that hold up in everyday environments.

Working Dogs & IGP

Troy entered the sport of IGP in 2019, drawn to the challenge of building dogs capable of performing with precision, power, and control under pressure.

In 2021 he titled his first dog, Von Forell Xylon, earning their BH along with Judges Choice on the day.

That same year Troy became President of the Melbourne Sport Dog Club, serving until 2024. During this time he oversaw trials, supported handler development, and helped 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.

Working With Everyday Dog Owners

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.

Our Mission

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.