About Heart Dogs Australia

Heart Dogs Australia was created to support individuals in training their own assistance or therapy dogs through a structured, ethical, and practical approach. With over 25 years of experience in the animal industry, including veterinary nursing, behaviour, and training, the program is built on real-world knowledge—not theory alone. Heart Dogs focuses on building strong partnerships between handler and dog, with an emphasis on communication, consistency, and understanding. Every team is different, and training is adapted to suit the individual needs of both the dog and the handler.

Experience you can trust

Heart Dogs Australia is led by Lisa Hansen, Senior Trainer and Program Director. Lisa has worked extensively across veterinary nursing, shelter management, behaviour training, and community education. She has developed structured training programs for therapy and service dogs and has supported many individuals in achieving real-world outcomes with their dogs. Her qualifications include multiple diplomas in canine behaviour, communication, animal-assisted therapy, and educational psychology, supported by certifications in training, nutrition, and behaviour.

Why this matters

This work is deeply personal. Through years of experience working with dogs and people, it has become clear how strongly dogs respond to changes in human wellbeing—often before we fully understand those changes ourselves. That understanding shapes the Heart Dogs approach, focusing not just on training tasks, but on building trust, connection, and reliable support in everyday life.