Meet Our Team - Expert Dog Behaviourists & Trainers in Canberra, Snowy Monaro, Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle & Hunter Valley
With over 40 years of experience in canine behaviour and training, Ron brings unparalleled expertise to dog owners across Canberra, the Snowy Monaro region, Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle, and the Hunter Valley. Alongside a team of experienced dog trainers and behaviourists with advanced knowledge, Ron combines academic excellence with real-world field research to deliver science-based, results-driven dog training.
Ron, our experienced Dog Behaviourist and Trainer in Canberra, brings over 40 years of dedicated research, study, and hands-on work with Canids, a group that includes wolves, jackals, coyotes, foxes, and, of course, domestic dogs.
At Cause For Paws, our mission is fueled by passion, experience, and a deep commitment to educating pet owners. We focus on building a deeper understanding of your dog's behaviour by using scientific, evidence-based, and respect-driven training methods. Our approach ensures the highest success rates and gives both you and your dog, whether a playful puppy or an adult, a strong foundation for a healthy, lasting relationship.
40+ Years Experience
Nearly four decades of dedicated research and hands-on work with canine behaviour and training.
Academic Excellence
Three advanced degrees from internationally recognized universities:
- ā¢ BeSt - University of Wisconsin
- ā¢ MRes - University of Sussex
- ā¢ MSc - Linkƶping University
Wolf Research
Six years studying grey wolves in their natural environment, providing unique insights into canine behaviour.
Passion-Driven
A lifelong dedication to helping dogs and their owners build respectful, lasting relationships.
Our Team
Ron Baruch
Founder & Head Behaviourist
With over 40 years of experience in canine behaviour and training, Ron brings unparalleled expertise to dog owners across Canberra, the Snowy Monaro region, Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle, and the Hunter Valley. Alongside a team of experienced dog trainers and behaviourists with advanced knowledge, Ron combines academic excellence with real-world field research to deliver science-based, results-driven dog training.
Givago Garcia
Veterinarian & Behaviour Specialist
Givago is a Bachelor-qualified Veterinarian with extensive experience in canine behaviour and training. He began working as a dog trainer while completing his veterinary degree, combining scientific knowledge with practical, hands-on experience from early in his career.
His veterinary background allows him to approach behaviour cases with a deeper understanding of health, stress and canine psychology. Givago works with dogs of all breeds and temperaments, focusing on structured, ethical and evidence-based training methods that create balanced, reliable companions suited to Australian family life.
Maria Turman
Professional Dog Trainer
Maria is a professional Dog Trainer with over three years of practical experience in obedience training and behaviour modification. She is passionate about helping owners build clear communication, structure and confidence with their dogs.
Now continuing her professional journey in Australia, Maria is committed to modern, humane training methods and ongoing professional development. Her approach focuses on practical results, long-term reliability and strengthening the bond between dogs and their families within everyday Australian environments.
Sam
Dog Trainer
Sam is a dedicated dog trainer who brings a unique blend of precision and passion to the Cause for Paws team. With a professional background in aviation engineering, having worked for industry leaders such as Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney, Sam applies the same meticulous attention to detail and problem-solving skills to understanding canine behaviour.
A lifelong dog lover, Sam joined Cause for Paws several months ago and has quickly accelerated his knowledge and practical skills under expert guidance. His calm, analytical approach, combined with a natural intuition for dogs, allows him to connect with them effectively. Sam is deeply committed to helping owners build strong, respectful relationships with their dogs, ensuring every training session is both structured and rewarding.
Sri Sivalingam
Dog Behaviour Trainer
Sri Sivalingam is a Sri Lankanāborn dog behaviour trainer whose journey began on a family farm, growing up among twelve working dogs who shaped his earliest understanding of pack dynamics and canine communication. Guided by intuition, science, and the profound lessons of his beloved German Shepherd Xena, Sri developed a lifelong commitment to helping dogs feel secure, understood, and balanced.
Having followed a Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training in Australia, and drawing on his earlier career as a radio announcer, Sri brings clarity, empathy, and exceptional communication skills to every case. He specialises in behaviour rehabilitation and in building respectful, intuitive partnerships between dogs and their humansāhonouring both the animal's nature and the human's role in the relationship.
Ron's Story - A Life Devoted to Dogs
Early Years
My lifelong connection with dogs started when I was just a young boy. My father trained police and army dogs, preparing them for complex tasks like substance detection, search and rescue missions, criminal tracking, and perimeter protection. From him, I inherited not only knowledge but a deep respect for dogs and their remarkable abilities.
Growing up surrounded by dogs, both professionally and at home, I quickly became fascinated by their intelligence, emotional connection with humans, and unwavering loyalty. They brought joy, stability, and a sense of purpose to my life. Even as a child, I understood why dogs are called man's best friend.
Military Service and Migration to Australia
After several years of service in the army, where I continued working with dogs, I migrated to Australia. Not long after arriving, I adopted a rescue puppy. Then another. They quickly became central to my life, offering companionship and purpose. Their eventual passing, however, brought immense grief. For two years, I couldn't bring myself to adopt again.
That changed when two beautiful dogs entered my life. In their presence, the emotional pain began to fade. My heart healed. I reconnected not just with dogs, but also with memories of my childhood, my father, and the caring training environment that shaped me.
The Birth of Cause For Paws
This emotional shift inspired me to create Cause For Paws. My mission is clear: to offer natural, breed-specific dog training based on respect, understanding, and results. I want to help others experience the same love and loyalty that dogs have given me throughout my life.
Real-World Knowledge and Field Experience
Over the years, I've dedicated myself to studying animal behaviour and social structures, especially in wild canids like wolves. I spent nearly six years in the United States researching grey wolves in their natural environment. That experience, combined with over 40 years of hands-on dog training, helps me understand how dogs communicate, think, and respond.
This depth of knowledge lets me create powerful training strategies that actually work. I don't just train dogs, I teach owners how to build lasting, respectful relationships with their pets.
Why Choose Cause For Paws as Your Dog Behaviourists in Canberra?
Your dog will hopefully be a part of your family for 9 to 16 years or more. Therefore, it's essential to give them the best start possible. By conditioning them to their environment, teaching them how to respond to everyday stimuli, and offering consistent guidance early on, you're setting them up for long-term success.
Moreover, by understanding and addressing even the smallest behavioural needs, you can create a lasting positive impact. It's a small investment that leads to a lifetime of happiness, trust, and balance between you and your dog.
The Result?
You gain your dog's trust and respect, and in return, enjoy the companionship of a well-behaved, socially adjusted, and emotionally balanced dog. As for your dog, they'll thrive in a loving, secure, and forever home, just as nature intended.