Isabella
Owner and Trainer

Animals have always been part of my story. I grew up surrounded by Golden Retrievers and a cheeky Cocker Spaniel, many cats and horses, raised by parents who shared their love for animals with me. I was the child out in the dirt, whispering secrets to dogs and finding calm in their company. As a family we attended training classes with the wonderful Rita Lynd, and she is the one who truly planted the seed. She is also still a very much treasured person in this journey and hs been nothing but supportive and kind.

In my final years of school, my mental health took a hit after bullying and losing one of my closest friends to suicide. Life felt heavy and overwhelming but that’s when Fly came into my world, and everything changed.

Fly wasn’t just a dog. She was my anchor, my reason, and the spark behind everything A Bark Above stands for. Her loss in June 2024 shattered me. But her love still leads the way, she showed me what was possible, not just for me, but for every dog and human trying to find their footing. Her legacy lives in every session, every win, and every life we help change.

We offer more than training, we offer understanding, guidance, and a safe space to grow. Whether through our tailored behaviour programs or our work training assistance dogs with Care Dogs & Co., we lead with empathy and evidence. As Tasmania’s first Canine Behaviour Consultant and Fear Free Certified Professional, holding a Cert IV in Animal Behaviour and Training, I’m proud to raise the bar not just in skills, but in kindness and care.

In 2024, A Bark Above was named Australian Small Business Champion in the Pet Training sector. In 2025, we were honoured as finalists in the Tasmanian Young Achiever Awards for both Small Business and Leadership. We’re beyond grateful, but the true reward is seeing the impact of our work every single day.

We can’t wait to support you and your dog, to guide your journey, and to cheer on every breakthrough.

Certifications:

  • Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training through AVT.

  • Certified Canine Behaviour Consultant through AVT.

  • Fear Free Certified Professional Animal Trainer.

  • Canine Reactive Behaviour Expert through Canine Principles.

  • Certified in Canine Nutrition and Health through Canine Principles.

  • Care and Coaching of Sensory Impaired Dogs through Canine Principles.

  • Canine Trauma and Rescue Expert through Canine Principles.

  • Grief Coach for Pet Loss Certificate through Certified Excellence.

  • Mental Health First Aid

  • ASIST - Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training

Fly
Queen Bee

Fly came into my life at just four and a half weeks old, and from that moment, we embarked on an incredible journey together. I had dreams of training Fly to run alongside my horse, but after discovering at six months that she had joint issues, those plans shifted. Instead, we focused on creating a well-trained, well-mannered, and socially balanced dog. We attended classes, practiced tirelessly at home, and poured our hearts into becoming the best team we could be.

What started as a goal for a well behaved dog soon blossomed into something far deeper. Through the journey of training, I discovered a passion I hadn’t anticipated and the profound bond between us. Fly showed me love, loyalty, and hope in ways I never could have imagined, leading us down this exciting path together.

Before she passed, Fly had transitioned into full-time retirement, passing on the lead and treat pouch to her fellow pack members. Fly was not just the best girl by our side; she was a Delta Therapy Dog, a mentor and role model for our puppies, a Festival Friend Support Dog, a caravanning expert, and even a member of a musical production. There was little she didn’t experience, and her life was full of richness and purpose.

The ache of her absence is felt in every corner of our lives, yet we find comfort in knowing that her love and light continue to guide us. Her legacy is woven into the very fabric of who we are, her loyalty, her joy, and the lessons she taught us will never fade. We may no longer see her in the physical world, she remains in our hearts, and the whispers of memories left behind. Fly’s love was a gift we will carry with us always, and though she may have left this world, she will never truly leave us. Forever cherished, forever missed, and forever part of our souls.

Eric

Eric became part of our family in mid-2023 through what was meant to be a temporary foster placement. From the moment he arrived, he fit seamlessly into our lives, and it didn’t take long for us to fall completely in love with him.

Initially, he was a shy, reserved, and nervous boy, carrying the heavy weight of his past. But with time, patience, and love, he began to blossom. Within a few months, he started to embrace his new life, discovering the joys, opportunities, and security that surrounded him. As his confidence grew, so did his personality. Eric revealed himself to be a quirky, spirited, and endlessly entertaining companion.

He quickly became an integral part of our business, mentoring in our classes, charming crowds as a Festival Friend, supporting patients in hospital as a Delta Therapy Dog and showcasing skills as an Agfest demonstration dog. With his intelligence, intuition, and eagerness to learn, he has not only enriched our lives but also expanded our professional development at A Bark Above.

From a timid foster pup to an irreplaceable family member, mentor, and therapy dog, Eric’s transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary. And for us, what began as a foster placement became one of the most beautiful and rewarding decisions we’ve ever made.

Aurora

Aurora is a whole year into her reign as the perfect blend of chaos and love here at A Bark Above. What began as a healing chapter after losing our beloved Fly has grown into something extraordinary. Aurora didn’t just fill a space, she lit up the whole room.

Her name still represents hope, new beginnings, and all the brilliance that follows darkness… but now she’s carved out her own legacy, one muddy pawprint and cheeky grin at a time.

Over the past 12 months, Aurora has become so much more than our heart healer. She’s our resident whirlwind, our mischief-maker with a mission, and the soul-stirring spark who keeps us laughing, learning, and leaning in. Her training, thriving. Her joy, contagious. Her presence, utterly unforgettable.

With a brown kiss on her cheek, a blessing passed on from the Queen Bee herself. Aurora reminds us daily of where we’ve been and the bright, bold road ahead.

Walking the puppyhood path beside her has given us fresh insight into the emotional rollercoaster that is raising a pup, and it’s made us even more passionate about guiding you through yours, with empathy, evidence, and excitement in equal measure.

Aurora, you are pure light, and we couldn’t imagine this journey without you.

Matty

Meet Matty, our totally toothless, pint-sized heart stealer and quiet iconic legend at A Bark Above.

While his role might be lower key these days, don’t be fooled Matty still brings the magic. As our Lesson One Welcomer, Snack Supervisor, and unapologetic Bed Hoppin’ Superstar, he sets the tone with charm, cuddles, and the occasional cheeky zoom.

He may be the smallest of the crew, but his presence is mighty. With a soft soul, endless warmth, and an expert eye for finding the best nap spots, person with the best treaties and warmest lap, Matty reminds us daily that being tiny doesn’t mean being any less legendary!

Darcy

Lastly meet Darcy, the first little lady that bought love into my life.

With her signature grace and vocal confidence, Darcy takes her dual roles as farm helper and HQ office supervisor very seriously. She keeps the routine ticking, the team grounded, and the vibes calm, all while maintaining the highest standards in foot warming and computer assistance.

Whether she’s overseeing paddock duties or nestled under the desk ensuring everything runs smoothly. Darcy doesn’t always need to bark to be heard but trust us, she absolutely will if needed. Fiercely loyal, wise, and deeply woven into the fabric of our team, she’s a steady soul at the centre of our chaos, keeping it all running with love and the occasional supervisory bark!