Jane Stark

At Side By Side, I believe great training is about more than just teaching behaviours, it’s about building real, trusting relationships between dogs and their people. I bring over 25 years of experience as an educator, along with a strong commitment to evidence-based, force-free dog training.

I hold a Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training from the Delta Institute and I am a professional member of both the Delta Institute and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia (APDT). As well as working and running Side by Side, I also work for a well-known charity organisation conducting group training and one-on-one consultations.

how i work

I take a calm, patient, and practical approach to training. My focus is always on helping both dog and guardian feel confident, supported, and set up for success. Whether you’re navigating everyday manners or more complex issues like reactivity or separation distress, I work with you to understand not just the behaviour, but the emotions driving it.

I’ve worked with a wide range of dogs over the years, including many who have come from rescue backgrounds. These dogs, in particular, have reinforced for me how important time, trust, and relationship-building are in the training process.

a bit more about me

I live with two dogs, Zara, a small, clever rescue dog, and Ollie, a bouncy, young Boxer. My first dog, Boswell, played a huge role in shaping my approach to training. His pawprint is part of the Side By Side logo, a quiet tribute to the lessons he taught me.

As a trainer, I truly value the relationships we build, not just between you and your dog, but also between us. Working together means creating a supportive, open space where questions are welcome, challenges are understood, and progress happens step by step.