Vraja’s journey with animals began in her early years working in pet shops, where she helped families select the right pet and guided them in proper care, feeding, and grooming. It was here she discovered her passion for animal welfare and education, and that foundation has shaped her lifelong commitment to helping animals live their best lives in the human world.

Her deep connection with dogs began when she adopted Jasper, a 9-year-old rescue miniature poodle whose previous owners had moved into aged care. Jasper became her loyal companion and lived a full, joyful life until the age of 17. That experience sparked a love for poodles that has since been a central thread in her life.

Vraja went on to exhibit two poodles of her own: Denzel, a playful miniature poodle who earned the title of Australian Champion, and Elle, a gentle standard poodle who wasn’t fond of the show ring but loved being by her human’s side. To support her interest in showing and caring for her dogs, Vraja worked as a pet groomer for several years until an injury shifted her focus fully toward training, where she found her true calling.

Over the years, Vraja has worked in boarding kennels, where she gained hands-on experience with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Her responsibilities included everything from feeding and exercising to transporting dogs and maintaining their living spaces. This practical background gave her a strong understanding of canine behaviour and stress signals in a variety of settings.

Today, she lives and trains with Jackson, her miniature poodle and trusted sidekick. The two enjoy practicing non-competitive obedience together, with Vraja focusing on clear communication and mutual respect in their training sessions. She believes that every dog, regardless of breed or background, is capable of being a “good dog” with the right guidance and support.

Vraja is a VSA-Certified Dog Trainer and has pursued additional education through the Karen Pryor Academy, Sharon Bolt Academy, and DogNostics Education. Her certifications include:

Victoria Stilwell Academy – Certified Dog Trainer (CDT)

Karen Pryor Academy – Dog Trainer Comprehensive Course

Sharon Bolt – Dog Trainer Course

DogNostics – Walk This Way Instructor

DogNostics – Be A Tree Presenter (Dog bite prevention for kids)

Australian Red Cross – Pet First Aid

She is also a lifetime member of the Animal Welfare League, where she volunteers on the dog team, helping to support and care for dogs in need.

Through her business, Good Dog in Training, Vraja helps dogs and their guardians build strong, positive relationships rooted in trust, compassion, and communication. She specializes in helping dogs living in apartments and urban environments, focusing on practical skills, enrichment, and emotional well-being.

Her training philosophy is simple and effective: she teaches people how to train their dogs using only force-free, positive reinforcement methods. By tuning into the small signals dogs give, she helps clients understand their dogs’ needs, reduce stress, and create long-lasting behavioural change.

Vraja brings calm, clarity, and kindness to every session, whether she’s working with new puppies, adolescent dogs testing boundaries, or older dogs learning new skills. Her goal is to help every dog feel safe, seen, and supported, so they can truly thrive as well-mannered members of their family and community.