The Kelpie Collective

A 6-week specialist group training program for Kelpies, Collies, Cattle Dogs, and other herding breed mixes in Melbourne's northern suburbs.

— group training for city-living herding breeds

Add me to the wait list!

You've tried everything and your dog is still a handful.

Sound familiar?

You've watched the YouTube videos. You've tried the harness, the gentle leader, the long line. You've worked with a trainer or two. And your Kelpie still loses their mind the moment another dog appears on the horizon.

That's not a training failure. That's a fulfilment problem.

Herding breeds are built to think, stalk, and problem-solve for hours. A 30-minute walk and a ball in the backyard doesn't come close to meeting that need — and the overflow comes out as reactivity, obsessive behaviour, and a dog who can't settle.

Generic obedience classes weren’t designed for this kind of brain.
The Kelpie Collective is.

5
dogs per class

maximum

6
weeks

consecutive

60
mins per session

no filler

Northern suburbs
Mernda to Clifton Hill

& anywhere in between

What you’ll actually learn

Each session builds on the last. There's homework between sessions. By week six, you will be living with a very different dog.

  • We start with the foundations: what actually makes your dog tick and why?

    Learn about how to communicate with your dog and why that matters, what actually motivates them and how to handle their Big Feelings.

    You'll leave with a clear picture of how herding breeds are wired and what makes your specific dog so special.

  • We deep-dive into problem-solving through play and why that is important.

    You’ll learn all about how to use herding games, engaging your dog’s brain and getting them to focus on you.

    Your dog is wired to move, problem-solve and think on their feet. So let’s give them a job to do — one that doesn't involve lunging at cyclists or chasing cats.

  • We don’t waste time on obedience for obedience’s sake. Instead, we focus on lifestyle learning that you’ll actually use.

    Learn how to turn the environment into a reward, not a trigger. Get skills that hold up around real-world distractions. This is where it starts to click.

  • We look at settle skills, relaxation protocols, and the daily routine reset. After all, a dog who can't switch off can't learn.

    We fix that here, and you'll leave with a framework for structuring your dog's day so real rest actually happens.

  • We take the training outside and practise loose leash walking, recall and how to handle unexpected distractions.

    Put your new toolkit together in a context that actually matters.

  • Test your skills and your dog on a pack walk in a new place.

    Celebrate your graduation in style and get an introduction to the Adventure Club — where the real fun begins.

    You and your dog are now ready for more.

We’re not for everyone

(and that is okay)

We’re a great fit if you...

  • share your life with a Kelpie, Collie, Cattle Dog, Aussie Shepherd, or herding breed mix

  • are dealing with a dog who loses their mind around other dogs, bikes, runners, or moving things

  • feel like you have already ‘tried all the things’ and nothing’s really stuck

  • want to understand the why behind your dog’s behaviour, not just shut it down

  • are ready to put the work in between sessions, because progress happens in real life

  • value support, honesty, and zero judgement along the way

  • want practical, real-world skills instead of theory you’ll never actually use

This probably ain’t gonna work if you...

  • expect everything to change after one session

  • have a dog with a serious bite history (reach out first so we can figure out the right support)

  • want someone else to train your dog for you

  • care more about perfect obedience than relationship, trust, and steady progress

  • are chasing overnight results instead of long-term change

  • can’t realistically commit a little time between sessions to practise

  • live outside Melbourne’s northern suburbs

  • have a non-herding breed — Dogs with Big Feelings will probably be the better fit

So…who’s running this show?

Hi, I’m Carolina!

I’m the human behind Dynamo Dogs: a reactive dog nerd and unapologetic Kelpie enthusiast.

Based in Reservoir, I specialise in spicy herding breeds living suburban lives. Hence, I work with the dogs people describe as ‘too much’ — Kelpies, Collies, Cattle Dogs, Aussies, and high-drive mixes who bark, lunge, obsess, overreact, or seem permanently switched on.

Most of their owners are already trying really hard. They just need a clearer framework that actually makes sense for the dog in front of them.

That approach came from living with my own Kelpie, Cricket — a brilliant little chaos monkey who taught me that real progress doesn’t come from tighter control. It comes from understanding your dog, giving their instincts an outlet, and building practical skills that hold up in the real world.

That’s why I created The Kelpie Collective: small-group training designed specifically for city-living herding breeds with big feelings.

Less judgement, less generic obedience, and more honest training that helps both ends of the leash breathe again.

Yep. That’s me and Cricket, the dog that started it all

Real Dogs. Real Results: Client success stories

  • “Raleigh's gone from scared and cautious to confident and curious. We went from feeling anxious every day, to telling each other how lucky we are to have her. Join the Dynamo Dogs fam — you and your dog will love it.”

    Annika & Raleigh the Kelpie cross

  • “My 3-year-old cattle dog Max has shown huge improvement in his confidence and decision making. I've worked with a few trainers in the past but none have shown as much passion and care as Carolina.”

    Tara & Max the red Heeler

  • “Carolina is all about positive reinforcement but doesn't ignore the problematic behaviours that come with an anxious working dog. I felt in good hands and I think my dog Poppy has fallen in love.”

    Bodhi & Poppy the Kelpie

  • Black and tan kelpie sitting on a sidewalk, head tilted, looking straight at the camera

    “Her experience with herding breeds, in particular the urban Kelpie, shines through in both her knowledge and her training. Each session has been an opportunity for growth, connection, fun and learning. I loved how much Wolfie's true self came through and how it's supported our connection”

    Simba & Wolfie the Kelpie

  • "Our spicy boy Fizz-Bean now has confidence and fulfilment, whilst we have the ability to clearly communicate and a deeper bond. Carolina's ability to change tactic to adapt to Fizzy's type of spice was amazing — so amazing we happy cried after walking past a very big scary dog with no meltdown."

    Caitlin, Jona & Fizgig the Border Collie-Kelpie mix

  • "A lot of people say they can handle working dogs in urban environments. Carolina does — and puts that knowledge and skill to work with a passion and generosity that is rare and beautiful to watch."

    Annett & Atticus, Border collie-Heading dog cross

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Poppy and Pixie, kelpie
Jojo.jpg
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Panda, Border Collie
Ruby, red & tan kelpie
Max the red heeler
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Diesel.jpg
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Bluey.jpg
Clyde.jpg

The questions you really want to ask

  • Kelpies, Border Collies, Cattle Dogs, Aussie Shepherds, Shepherds, and any herding breed mix. The program is specifically designed for pet dogs living in the city — not working dogs, not livestock dogs. If your dog is wired to herd and lives in the suburbs, this is for them.

  • Yes — that's exactly who this is for. The program is designed for dogs whose reactivity comes from over-arousal, under-fulfilment, and impulse control issues, which is the root cause for most herding breed reactivity. If you're genuinely unsure whether your dog is a good fit, get in touch before signing up.

  • Maximum 5 dogs.
    That's non-negotiable. Small groups are the only way to do this kind of work properly.

  • Northern suburbs of Melbourne. The exact venue and address will be confirmed with enrolled participants. It's fully fenced, has parking, and is close to parkland for real-world practise.

  • Pricing will be confirmed when enrollment opens. Joining the waitlist doesn't commit you to anything — it just means you hear first and get first access to the limited spots.

  • No.
    The Kelpie Collective is a group program — more affordable, same expertise, different format. If your dog needs more intensive one-on-one support, the Dogs with Big Feelings 1-1 program is still available as a premium option.

  • Graduates are invited to join the Dynamo Dogs Adventure Club, where you can keep building on your dog's skills through structured pack walks, day trips, and more. That's where the real fun starts.

  • Plan for 15–20 minutes of daily practice plus your weekly session and homework.

Only 5 spots per cohort

Get on the waitlist

Waitlist members hear first when enrollment opens and get first access to the limited spots.

You'll get an email from me when spots open — usually 2–3 weeks before the cohort starts. No commitment, no spam.