The story behind SOS Dogs
As a child, Jo would watch her Dad train the family dogs to work on their farm, soaking it all in. She loved working with all the farm animals and learning the foundations of animal behaviour, but her true passion has always been dogs. For Jo, nothing beats that unconditional love and true companionship you receive from your dog.
Since her days growing up on the farm, Jo has spent nearly two decades helping families all over Australia, working to help them achieve a happy, well behaved, social dog.
Jo is the founder of SOS Dogs, and couldn't be more passionate about the services we provide.
Graduate Cesar Millan’s Dog Psychology Centre - Certificate 1 and 2 in dog behaviour
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Graduate National Dog Training Federation - Certificate 3 in Dog Behaviour & Training
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Duke University USA - Graduate in Dog Emotion and Cognition
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University of Edinburgh - Graduate in Animal Behaviour and Welfare
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Specialist Training K9Lifeline USA - Dealing with Difficult Dogs
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Jason Vasconi USA – Certificate in Large Group Off Lead Socialisation
Graduate Cesar Millan’s Dog Psychology Centre - Certificate 1 and 2 in dog behaviour | Graduate National Dog Training Federation - Certificate 3 in Dog Behaviour & Training | Duke University USA - Graduate in Dog Emotion and Cognition | University of Edinburgh - Graduate in Animal Behaviour and Welfare | Specialist Training K9Lifeline USA - Dealing with Difficult Dogs | Jason Vasconi USA – Certificate in Large Group Off Lead Socialisation
The SOS Dogs method
We believe in taking a balanced approach to dog training. Simply put, balanced dog training means a mix of positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement. To SOS Dogs it means this:
We positively reinforce desired behaviours - like praising a puppy or dog for sitting calmly with a gentle pat.
We remove the reinforcers for inappropriate behaviours - no patting or treats while a dog is jumping or whining.
We can also interrupt inappropriate behaviours - for example, physically blocking a dog that jumps up with your hand or a lead.
We address what drives the behaviour - the dog's emotional state, how the household runs, and the routine and structure the dog lives with.
We do not use e-collars, pinch collars, prong collars or shock collars. Used incorrectly these tools can be detrimental to a dog's behaviour, and they are complicated for families to use well - so we achieve the desired behaviour without them.
Our Team
Jo Brooks
Jo has spent nearly two decades helping families across Australia raise happy, well-behaved and socially confident dogs. She holds numerous certifications, including Certificates I, II and III in Dog Behaviour and Training. She has also studied Animal Behaviour and Welfare through the University of Edinburgh, completed courses in dog cognition and emotion through Duke University, and undertaken training in animal behaviour at the Cesar Millan Dog Psychology Centre. In addition, Jo has trained with K9 Lifeline and completed the NDTF course. Jo continues to invest in her education, not only to stay at the forefront of the field, but because she is truly passionate about helping dogs and their people thrive. She believes every dog has a unique talent, and with the right guidance, that talent can shine. Jo is proud to have her own Labrador Retrievers working alongside her in the business, helping to train and support dogs in need. For Jo, nothing compares to the unconditional love and companionship we receive from our dogs. They bring so much happiness into our lives, and she believes they deserve a great life in return.
Founder, Senior Dog Behaviourist & Top Dog
Zac Frank
Zac began his journey in dog behaviour in 2020 with his first puppy. After booking a puppy consultation with Jo, the experience quickly sparked his passion for understanding dogs and their behaviour. In 2022, Zac joined the SOS Dogs team and has been studying and mentoring under Jo ever since, continuing to build his knowledge and hands-on experience with dogs and their families. He holds a Certificate I in Dog Behaviour and Training from the Cesar Millan Dog Psychology Centre. As the supervisor of SOS Dogs' private daycare, Zac plays a key role in creating a safe, structured, and enriching environment for every dog in his care. He also works closely with families through in-home behaviour consultations. Zac's Labradoodle, Huxley, also works in the business helping the quieter more sensitive dogs flourish with his calm, gentle nature. For Zac, there's nothing more rewarding than helping owners and their dogs overcome behavioural challenges and thrive. He is particularly fascinated by canine communication and loves observing the subtle interactions and conversations that take place between dogs.
Dog Behaviourist and Daycare Supervisor
The four-legged team
JAFFA
Our 13-year-old chocolate Labrador and experienced puppy trainer. Although now retired, Jaffa still loves to gently help new puppies learn how to grow into calm, well-mannered members of the community.
ZETA
Our 5-year-old chocolate Labrador with many talents. Zeta is an excellent puppy trainer, helps support anxious dogs, and teaches dogs how to socialise appropriately while building confidence.
MOCHA
Our beautiful 16-year-old chocolate Labrador, who sadly passed away in May 2026. Mocha was a brilliant trainer and educator who helped hundreds of dogs throughout her career. Her legacy lives on in the work we do every day, and she will be forever missed.
Credentials and Experience
2014
2014 Cesar Millan's DPC (Dog Psychology Centre) "Dog Whisperer" Cesar Millan. Certificate 1 in dog behaviour
2015 Training in Utah, K9 Lifeline with Cesar's head trainer Heather Beck. Certificate in Dealing with Difficult Dog
2015
2016
Cesar Millan's DPC (Dog Psychology Centre). Certificate 2 in Dog Behaviour & Training
2019
Training in USA, Templeton with Cheri Lucas, world renowned dog behaviourist - one of the stars of the Dog Whisperer and Cesar's Asian Recruit. Certificate in dog training and behaviour mentoring program
Certificate 3 in Dog Behaviour & Training (NDTF). 2022 Private Shadow Program, K9 Lifeline USA with Heather Beck. Teach Calm & Guide workshop, USA with Jason Vasconi & Heather Beck
2022
Cesar Millan's DPC (Dog Psychology Centre). Refresher course, Certificate 1 in dog behaviour
2024
2025
Duke University USA - Certificate in Dog Cognition and Emotion. Member of the IACP (International Association of Canine Professionals)
"Dogs bring so much happiness into our lives - they deserve a great life in return."
— Jo Brooks, Founder