James Davis

ANIMAL BEHAVIOURIST & FOUNDER

James is an animal behaviourist specialising in domestic and working dogs, wild canids and equids, and a human-wildlife conflict management specialist with postgraduate qualifications in Animal Behaviour, Wildlife Health, and Animal Science. He has a keen interest in anthrozoology and paleoanthrozoology, particularly relating to both canids and equids.

James is currently completing a higher research degree (HDR) through The University Of New England looking at the effects of heat stress on the behaviour and performance of working outback muster dogs.

Melissa Davis

SENIOR COACH & DIRECTOR

Melissa has grown up with dogs her whole life and she learns something new from every dog she meets. Her background is working with gun dogs in the UK and since moving to Queensland loves helping people with their pet dogs and expanding her knowledge with working dogs. She is currently studying canine and equine massage therapy and when she has a spare minute, loves spending time with her horse and her dogs.

SIMONE VOYSEY

SENIOR COACH & TEAM LEADER

Simone's drive to building better relationships with pets started close to home after she adopted a rescued dog who had severe dog reactivity due to previous experiences. 

After working through comprehensive Padfoot training with her dog and learning the skills required to help communicate with our pets, she now has a passion for helping others achieve the same connection with their best mates.

ALYSSA JACKSON

SENIOR COACH

After adopting a very energetic, reactive dog Alyssa tried many different training styles before finding the Padfoot Way. Seeing her relationship with her dog continue to grow as they learnt new skills has inspired Alyssa to help others on their dog training journeys. By strengthening the connection between pet and person, the everyday becomes that much more fun.

CHANTELLE SMITH

COACH

Hi, my name is Chantelle. I am originally from Canada if you’re wondering what part of America I’m from. Growing up in a small town on Vancouver Island I had a menagerie of pets. I raised rabbits, ducks and turtles. I had many cats, a gorgeous German Shepherd named Mia, hybrid wolves, Lobo and Timber, and a horse, Reese, as well. I moved to Australia in 2012 and finally got the puppy I always dreamed of last year. After bringing Onyx to Padfoot for my training I was lucky enough to be welcomed to the team. I’m an Early Childhood Educator with a passion for education and connecting with nature. Educating people on how to have a better relationship with their dogs is the next step in my personal journey in education. I look forward to meeting you and your pups!

ERIN WOOLLEY

COACH

Erin is an avid dog lover and is passionate about animal welfare.

She has a background in training and is currently completing a Certificate 3 in Animal Care Services. In her spare time, she volunteers at the dog kennels at SCARS, loves hanging out with her Frenchy Louis, or is down at the beach. Erin’s training experience and her great love for dogs, will ensure you and your pup get a great start to your training journey.

ELYSIA

COACH

Hey! I’m Elysia and my journey started when I got my cattle dog x kelpie 3 years ago, I spent endless hours researching animal behaviour and training activities I could do to help our bond grow stronger together and help her have the best life possible. Joining Padfoot myself helped her and my other pup immensely with dog and human reactivity, exposing them to challenging environments and helping them work through it with engagement and proven training methods. it’s been an honour joining the team and being able to help others understand and work with their dogs to achieve a well-rounded and stress-free dog and human and instil the same hope for your future together as I did with mine! 

HANNAH WOODS

COACH

Hannah has over four years of experience training her own dogs, Layla and Akela, using ethical and positive reinforcement methods that focus on building a dog’s confidence. She is deeply passionate about creating a safe and trusting environment for dogs.

Recently, Hannah has been working with Padfoot to address Akela’s dog reactivity with excellent progress. This journey has inspired her to extend her expertise to help other dog owners struggling with reactivity, aiming to empower them to uncover the confident companions hidden within their own pets. Hannah is committed to supporting pet owners in creating a positive and stress-free training experience, ensuring a happier life for both dogs and their families.

KIRRA THOMAS

COACH

Kirra first came to Padfoot in early 2020 to keep her mum company whilst seeking solutions for their reactive and energetic family dog. From the first session Kirra took over as the handler, gradually passing all of the levels at Padfoot. More than 4 years later Kirra still enjoys training on a Sunday morning. As for their dog, he is much happier and better behaved.

Don’t let Kirra’s tender years fool you - she really knows her stuff!