Marvin spent the first two years of his life tethered to a back deck, shut down and terrified of the world. At the same time, I was recovering from a life-changing snowboarding injury. We met during a storm of uncertainty and slowly healed together — one forest walk and swim at a time.

My journey into dog training started not in a classroom, but in the shelter system — as a volunteer, foster carer, undercover advocate, and eventually kennel manager for a last-chance rescue. I've worked with impounded dogs, dogs on death row, and the ones that had been given up on. What I saw again and again was the heartbreaking pattern of rehoming and returns, often after just 1 or 2 nights, and the consequences that followed.

At Waggy Travels, our mission is simple: To stop the cycle of rehoming and reduce the euthanasia rate by supporting dogs and their humans. We specialise in aftercare for adopted dogs, owner support, and practical behavioural training for rescue and complex cases.

We’re not profit-driven, we’re purpose-driven.
We believe every dog deserves a second (or third) chance, and that the human-dog bond can be transformed with time, patience, and understanding.

With years of hands-on experience, industry certifications and our own trained pack of former rescue dogs — including our ambassador dog Snowman — we offer safe, structured programs that build confidence, resilience, and trust. Our training is balanced, instinctual, and always focused on achievable, real-world results. Whether you’ve just adopted a dog or you’re navigating challenges with a long-time companion, we’re here to help.

Like Marvin taught me, it’s never too late to start the adventure.

Amanda,
Founder and Head Dog Trainer of Waggy Travels