G'Day! I'm Sharon, and I have a lifelong passion for animal welfare and rescue, with a special focus on working breed dogs. With over 30 years of formal dog training experience and considerable success in competitive dog sports, I bring both expertise and heart to everything I do. For more than a decade, I was an obedience instructor with one of the largest dog training clubs in the ACT, before moving to a lovely small acreage in Michelago, NSW.
My experience spans a variety of dog breeds and activities. While I have extensive competition experience with Australian Cattle Dogs and Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs, I've also trained and handled my own Jack Russell Terrier and have successfully trialled my family’s Staffordshire Bull Terriers in obedience and agility.
Animal Rescue
Over the years, my commitment to the well-being of animals led me to establish Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Inc , where I have served as the President and Public Officer. This experience has equipped me with a unique set of skills, including assessing the temperament and behaviour of dogs in challenging environments, undertaking training and rehabilitation, and managing a team of volunteers. My solid understanding of dog behaviour and training, particularly in working dogs, allowed me to make informed decisions about rescue and rehabilitation strategies, engage professional dog behaviorists when necessary, and ensure the responsible rehoming of dogs.
My involvement in rescue work also extends to ensuring the health and wellness of animals, working closely with veterinary professionals and collaborating with like-minded organisations for broader animal welfare objectives. I remain committed beyond initial placement, offering ongoing support to adopters and overseeing logistical arrangements for animal travel.
Dog Training
One of my passions outside of rescue work has been recreational dog training. With over 30 years of experience in formal dog training, I have honed my skills and techniques by attending seminars and training sessions with renowned professionals in the field, both nationally and internationally. My instructional background at the ACT Companion Dog Club, where I held a Silver Badge (10 years), has enabled me to teach handlers of diverse dog breeds and temperaments, emphasising individualised instruction.
My training methodology primarily revolves around motivational training, using positive reinforcement to foster healthy and responsive behaviours in dogs. Through competitive dog sports, I have gained valuable insights into the mental and physical demands on performance and working dogs, helping them excel at Club, State, and National levels. My achievements include training dogs to ANKC Utility Dog Titles and ANKC Master Titles in various Agility events, setting records as the first dog in Australia, across all breeds, to achieve the Agility Dog Master Title. Four of my dogs are featured here: https://auscattledogstitled.com/associate-register/.
My expertise isn't limited to my beloved Australian Cattle Dogs; I've successfully trained and competed with various breeds, including Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs and Jack Russell Terriers. Notably, I've handled non-working breeds such as English Staffordshire Bull Terriers in competitions.
Love Of Other Animals
In addition to my canine expertise, I have owned three rescue cats who all lived long and healthy lives and happily co-existed with my other animals. I am also passionate about horse riding and horse sports. I own and care for three beautiful Appaloosa horses, all of whom were rescued, reflecting my unwavering commitment to animal welfare across different species.
Welcome To Heels Angels
After a lengthy career in IT Sales, I sought a path that aligned more closely with my passions. Finding suitable, high-standard care for my animals during work travels was often a challenge. This need inspired me to create Heels Angels, a service born from my commitment to ensuring animals are well cared for, mentally and physically stimulated, and safely managed.
I hope you join me on the journey.