Isabella
Owner and Trainer

From an early age, my love for animals was nurtured by my family, growing up alongside our Golden Retrievers and Cocker Spaniel. I was actively involved in regular training classes with the wonderful Rita Lynd, who remains a valued mentor and source of support to this day. With animal-loving parents guiding my path, it was only natural that I developed a deep connection with animals.

However, my journey has not been without its challenges. In my final years of school, I faced significant personal struggles, and my mental health began to decline. It was during this difficult time that Fly, entered my life and changed everything for the better.

Fly was our Queen Bee, the heart and soul of what we do. Her sudden passing in June of ‘24 was a devastating loss, but her memory remains at the core of our work. We cherish the moments we shared with her and are committed to continuing the legacy she left behind through our incredible bond.

At A Bark Above, we are proud to offer a comprehensive range of training services, seamlessly complementing our role as an Assistance Dog Trainer at Care Dogs & Co. Our approach is built on compassion, professionalism, and the most up-to-date, certified knowledge. With a Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training and the distinction of being the first Canine Behaviour Consultant in our state, we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of support to dogs and their owners.

One of our greatest honours came in 2024 when A Bark Above was named the winner of the Small Business Champion Award in the Pet Training Sector. To those who nominated us, we are deeply grateful, and to the panel of judges who recognised our work, we are truly humbled. Being acknowledged at this level is beyond anything we could have imagined.

We look forward to working with you and your canine companion, helping you achieve your goals through our tailored programs and detailed guidance.

Certifications:

  • Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training through AVT.

  • Certified Canine Behaviour Consultant through AVT.

  • Fear Free Certified Professional Animal Trainer.

  • Canine Reactive Behaviour Expert through Canine Principles.

  • Certified in Canine Nutrition and Health through Canine Principles.

  • Care and Coaching of Sensory Impaired Dogs through Canine Principles.

  • Canine Trauma and Rescue Expert through Canine Principles.

  • Grief Coach for Pet Loss Certificate through Certified Excellence.

  • Mental Health First Aid

  • ASIST - Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training

Fly
Queen Bee

Fly came into my life at just four and a half weeks old, and from that moment, we embarked on an incredible journey together. I had dreams of training Fly to run alongside my horse, but after discovering at six months that she had joint issues, those plans shifted. Instead, we focused on creating a well-trained, well-mannered, and socially balanced dog. We attended classes, practiced tirelessly at home, and poured our hearts into becoming the best team we could be.

What started as a goal for a well-behaved dog soon blossomed into something far deeper. Through the journey of training, I discovered a passion I hadn’t anticipated and the profound bond between us. Fly showed me love, loyalty, and hope in ways I never could have imagined, leading us down this exciting path together.

Before she passed, Fly had transitioned into full-time retirement, passing on the lead and treat pouch to her fellow pack members. Fly was not just the best girl by our side; she was a Delta Therapy Dog, a mentor and role model for our puppies, a Festival Friend Support Dog, a caravanning expert, and even a member of a musical production. There was little she didn’t experience, and her life was full of richness and purpose.

The ache of her absence is felt in every corner of our lives, yet we find comfort in knowing that her love and light continue to guide us. Her legacy is woven into the very fabric of who we are, her loyalty, her joy, and the lessons she taught us will never fade. We may no longer see her in the physical world, she remains in our hearts, and the whispers of memories left behind. Fly’s love was a gift we will carry with us always, and though she may have left this world, she will never truly leave us. Forever cherished, forever missed, and forever part of our souls.

Eric

Eric became part of our family in mid-2023 through what was meant to be a temporary foster placement. From the moment he arrived, he fit seamlessly into our lives, and it didn’t take long for us to fall completely in love with him.

Initially, he was a shy, reserved, and nervous boy, carrying the heavy weight of his past. But with time, patience, and love, he began to blossom. Within a few months, he started to embrace his new life, discovering the joys, opportunities, and security that surrounded him. As his confidence grew, so did his personality. Eric revealed himself to be a quirky, spirited, and endlessly entertaining companion.

He quickly became an integral part of our business, mentoring in our classes, charming crowds as a Festival Friend, supporting patients in hospital as a Delta Therapy Dog and showcasing skills as an Agfest demonstration dog. With his intelligence, intuition, and eagerness to learn, he has not only enriched our lives but also expanded our professional development at A Bark Above.

From a timid foster pup to an irreplaceable family member, mentor, and therapy dog, Eric’s transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary. And for us, what began as a foster placement became one of the most beautiful and rewarding decisions we’ve ever made.

Aurora

Allow us to introduce Aurora, the newest member of our family and a true heart healer. Her name signifies the start of a beautiful new chapter and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. Opening my heart to this little treasure was exactly what I needed to begin healing the huge void and pain left behind by Fly’s passing.

Baby Rora is growing and thriving, marking each milestone with grace and excelling in her training. She is truly the perfect addition to our family, and every day she continues to shine brighter with the perfect blend of chaos and kind.

Aurora has brought light and joy into our lives, especially during our darkest moments. Blessed by the Queen Bee herself, she wears a kiss of brown down her cheek as a symbol of honour and affection.

Through sharing the journey of puppyhood with our clients, we’ve gained new insights and perspectives on the services we provide. We are excited to walk alongside you as you navigate the beautiful adventure of raising your own puppy, offering our professional support and guidance every step of the way.