Who we are…
About Us…
Adaptive K9 is owned and operated by Maggie Scarvell. Maggie first became interested in dog behaviour in her teens and this soon grew into a passion and determination to pursue a career in the field. She has invested herself in learning about behavioural science and developed her ability to apply her understanding by working under experienced trainers to develop her practical skills. Maggie is committed to develop her skills by regularly attending seminars delivered by trainers from Australia and around the world.
Maggie holds a Cert III in Dog Behaviour and Training through the National Dog Trainers Federation and has been working professionally in the dog training industry since 2013. Maggie’s experience includes working with dogs of various ages and breeds, developing obedience, and tackling confidence or behavioural issues. Her keen area of interest is in dogs that find the world a little harder to deal with and in starting puppies on the right track to prevent unwanted behavioural issues as they develop.
Our Training Philosophy
At Adaptive K9, our training philosophy revolves around developing a mutually beneficial and productive relationship between a dog and their owner. We spend time identifying what motivates your dog and building on this in order to create a dog that is invested in their own learning. We believe that introducing a clear communication system in the initial parts of training is vital, as this assists in reducing confusion on the dogs end by ensuring we are speaking the same language.
We maintain a holistic approach by focusing on the everyday needs of the individual dog, as this allows us ensure the training being applied is not hindered by underlying issues that have not been accounted for. This means that your interactions with us will include not only practicing excercises to progress your dogs training but also on understanding your dogs specific biological needs, both mentally and physically.
We believe every dog can make progress and endevour to be as committed to each dog we work with as their owner is.
"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion".
- Taken from a LO done by Too Scrappy
Ongoing Education
As dog training in Australia is an unregulated industry, it is vital that those working within it should seek to continue their education in order to develop their skills and knowledge base into the future. Below are some of the ways Maggie has continued to invest in her education surrounding her area of interest.
Jas Whiting Seminar - July 2023
Jay Jack Play is the Way Seminar - March 2023
Jay Jack Defensive Tactics - March 2023
Dave McKelson Dog Reactivity Workshop - November 2022
Dave McKelson Dog to Dog Workshop - June 2022
The Dogfather Focus On What Matters Seminar - October 2021
Padfoot Conservation K9 Camp - September 2021
Bachelor in Animal Ecology (USC) – Graduated September 2021
Pat Stuart Seminar - June 2021
Dog First Aid Australia - November 2020
Fursafe Pet First Aid Course – September 2019
Precise K9 Engagement & Obedience Workshop – April 2019
Pat Stuart NePoPo Seminar – February 2019
Tyler Muto Australia Tour – July 2017
Andrew Clarke Dangerous Dog Handling Course – 2017
APDT Conferance in Vegas, USA - October 2016
IGC Cert III in Pet Grooming – January 2015
AusGroom Conference - 2014
NDTF Cert III in Dog Behaviour and Training - August 2012