About Us

At The Dogfather Dog Training, we believe in building lasting connections between people and their dogs through a lifestyle that shares cooperation, consistency, and compassion in our training methods. Led by Mike Burling and supported by our dedicated K9’s, our approach to modern dog training combines proven techniques with a genuine passion for helping dogs and their owners thrive together.

About Michael

Michael Burling turned his passion for training dogs into his purpose when he established The Dogfather Dog Training. By studying and working hands-on with clients and dogs, Mike has developed his skillset over many years, and created a dynamic and systematic training approach. His personal drive and dedication are evident through the results many of his clients achieve, and a retention rate reflecting Michael’s ability to engage with and motivate others to achieve their goals also. From basic to advanced dog training, behaviour modification for serious cases, and specialised services including educational workshops, and assistance / therapy dog training and assessments, Mike’s services extend to specialised contract work for local councils and government agencies, and hosting seminars with other industry dog trainers and professionals from outside of Townsville and abroad, to add educational opportunities for our clients.

Mike is a Nationally Awarded (2014 MDBA – Master Dog Trainers and Associates) Canine Trainer of the Year, and Nationally Accredited/Certified Dog Trainer in Dog Training and Behaviour (NDTF – National Dog Trainers Federation) along with being a graduate of Animal Behaviour Studies, and Level 3 ANKC Obedience Instructor.

His personal passions include a love of Golf, his beautiful Bonsai collection, and spending time with best mate (and daughter) Indi Rose and beloved dogs.

About the K9 Krew

“Helper dogs” are an invaluable asset to our business, and client training programs. Dogs that are struggling to develop social behaviour can be assisted during sessions by our dogs, who we consider role models for our clients’ dogs. Our dogs demonstrate the skills we teach and train, by performing these skills during training sessions, at workshops and events. Over the years some of our K9 Krew have come to us with the same issues that many of our clients are dealing with at the start of their training journey with us. Judo came to us from a less than ideal situation and after many months of training and behaviour modification is now thriving as a valuable part of our team. Ace (of Hearts) is magnificent in appearance and temperament and came to us from a previous client who had taken great care of him, but whose circumstances changed and he required a new home. All dogs in our care are an important part of our lifestyle, family and workplace, and we ensure their needs are fulfilled in the same ways we promote with our clients.

About Our Training Modality

The world of dog training can become a broad discussion of opinions, often based around strong emotions. We believe that “evidence-based training” speaks loudest when showcasing what good dog training should look like. Our training modality, principles and core values are based around the full matrix of motivation, and uses all 4 quadrants of Operant Conditioning. True science-based training should have solid foundations in positive reinforcement as it’s platform. However, terms such as “purely positive” and “force-free” are not what we believe them to actually be, hence why we don’t conform to a one-dimensional approach to dog training.

Like people (our clients), dogs (your dogs) are all different. The most effective and results-driven approach to training people and dogs needs to be flexible in order to prevail. To see the work we do with dogs, please refer to our many videos and Facebook posts we have shared for well over a decade. That’s our best version of evidence-based training.

Ready to see how we can help you and your dog? Explore our training programs to find the right fit.

View Our Programs

Want to find out if we’re the right fit? Get in touch to have a chat with our team!