About Me

I’m Keela, founder of Ace Adventures in Darwin. I turn everyday walks into structured, purposeful adventures.

With years spent competing, working in doggy daycares/kennel environments, dog-walking , running my own dog training business in New Zealand, I’ve handled dogs of every breed, temperament, and challenge. I’ve also titled my own working-line German Shepherd in IGP and Protection Sports - proof that I don’t just talk training, I live it.

One thing I’ve learned: not one size fits all. Every dog has different needs, drives, and quirks. That’s why my pack walks, training, and care are tailored to each individual, giving them the structure, freedom, and enrichment they deserve. I believe the learning never stops. I’m constantly expanding my knowledge, as per my experience below:

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Education, Certifications and Membership

  • 2019 – Leerburg: Michael Ellis Three-Day WorkshopIntensive hands-on training focused on engagement, motivation, and advanced obedience.
  • 2019 – IGP Basic Handling (VT)Comprehensive foundation in IGP sport disciplines — tracking, obedience, and protection. Achieved with my GSD.
  • 2020 – Tarheel K9: Controlled Aggression. Specialised coursework in channeling drive and aggression for performance and control.
  • 2021 – Operant Conditioning Seminar (Auckland, New Zealand)Two-day seminar hosted by Pat Stuart, focusing on reinforcement theory, learning science, and behaviour shaping.
  • 2021–2022 – The Canine Paradigm Audio Theory (Pat Stuart & Glenn Cooke)In-depth theoretical study of canine behaviour, learning systems, and modern training philosophy, based on The Canine Paradigm podcast.
  • 2023 – Protection Sports Association (PSA)Earned PDC Title, demonstrating proficiency across protection, obedience, and control phases.
  • 2025 – Tarheel K9: Obedience Theory Advanced study in modern obedience principles, canine cognition, and communication.
  • 2026 – Dog Training and Behaviour Certificate with Steve & Vicky Austin (NSW, Australia) (enrolled)Comprehensive certification consisting of two one-week, in-person courses.Steve and Vicky Austin are internationally respected trainers and behaviourists known for their work in detection, conservation, and scent-based disciplines, and for mentoring professional trainers across Australia and abroad.
  • Leerburg: Puppy Development (8 Weeks–12 Months) — Early learning, socialization, and foundation training for young dogs.

Professional Memberships

  • Professional Member – International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP)
  • Raven K9 Course (Instructor: Emma Louise-Renton) — Focused on puppy development, foundational obedience, and early confidence-building.

Areas of Expertise:

Puppy development • Obedience training • Operant conditioning • Working dog handling • Controlled aggression • Protection sports • Canine behavior and learning theory