Christine Grant, a passionate, wise, empathetic woman, has treasured an innate connection with canines since early childhood. She adores the four-legged creatures and is unable to imagine her life without them.
Born and raised in Leongatha, Victoria, Australia, Christine worked as a disability support worker for many years. In 2000, an opportunity arose that was too good to refuse. Christine, her partner, and two cherished Labradors headed north on a road trip to commence work on a small cattle property in New South Wales.
It was there Christine stumbled upon a cattle dog trial, exhibiting the skills of working dogs and the amazing relationships they shared with their handlers. She was instantly in awe of the clear communication between man and beast, and the physical abilities, beauty and grace of the animals. It was on that exceptional day Christine discovered her calling.
During the inspiring event, Christine met Mick Davis, who would become her mentor, teacher and lifelong friend. Mick was a well known, respected horseman, cattleman, dogman and showman. Rough around the edges and direct, he would tell it like it was. Sadly, he passed away in 2019.
Mick would be gone with his dogs in tow three to four months of the year, travelling throughout New South Wales and Queensland to work as a stockman on cattle properties. Upon his return his twelve dogs were trustingly placed in Christine's care. Possessing the capacity to house them, she happily took the hard-working pooches in to feed, exercise and interact with daily.
During the months Mick was home, he returned the favour by sharing his extensive knowledge. He visited Christine three times a week to collectively train his and (by then), her six beloved dogs with encouragement, but stern harangue. “It was tough at times,” Christine claimed, “but I would do it all again in a heartbeat.”
Over time, additional canines joined Christine's pack and she too, headed up north for three years to work as a jillaroo on rugged cattle properties. She particularly enjoyed handling young cattle; teaching them to be respectful of the dogs, while being guided by them. A perfect example of symbiosis!
In 2007, through a sudden turn of events, Christine, her partner, and her then ten, precious, working collies returned to a farm in South Gippsland, Victoria. Acclimatising wasn't easy. In an attempt to fill a void, Christine sought out a local dog working group in Berrys Creek. At the time, this proved to be the perfect pursuit for herself and her furry friends. The connection shared among the dog enthusiasts, through a love for working dogs, was sincere and nurturing. For over two years Christine thoroughly enjoyed engaging with such a wonderful community, while learning a wealth of information.
In that time frame Christine also successfully completed Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training, offered by the National Dog Trainers Federation in Melbourne. Gaining accreditation as a comprehensive dog trainer, it was at the end of 2008 she excitedly launched her business 'Everydog Behaviour & Training'. She consequently began feeling her way within the industry, working locally, one on one, with dogs and their humans.
By 2010, life had taken another twist and Christine relocated to stunning Venus Bay with five dogs by her side. Sadly, all five companions have since passed on, however a new, adorable friend, Fingers, arrived nine months ago. The two are inseparable, a pleasure to watch, and renowned in the area.
Christine delights in her coastal lifestyle and takes great pride in her dog training venture. She strongly believes teaching dog owners to read their pets' subtle body language so as to understand their communication, is vital towards gaining mutual respect. Christine affirms, “It's not rocket science. If dogs are settled, the relationships between them and their owners flourish. It's about training people to train their dogs.”
Christine, fuelled with passion and expertise, has successfully assisted many breeds of dogs and their human families or individuals to bond on a deeper level. Her unique, kind and intuitive manner with canines is remarkable. For this reason, she is recognised throughout the community and surrounds as the local dog whisperer.
Christine & Fingers.
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