GoodBoyAbout Ben
Benjamin McGill, B.C.C.B.
Founder · Board Certified Canine Behaviourist
Aggression is not a character flaw. Fear is not disobedience. Ben’s work begins from the conviction that every difficult behaviour is the visible end of a chain of emotional, environmental and learned processes, and that the chain can be understood.
Where it started
People first. Then dogs.
Before specialising exclusively in canine behaviour, Ben studied Psychological Science at Western Kentucky University and worked in behavioural health, supporting children on the autism spectrum and adolescents receiving treatment for chemical dependency. That work taught him to assess before intervening, to build structure around the individual, and to include the whole family in the change. It remains the foundation of the structured, compassionate model he brings to every dog.
Born and raised in Australia, Ben spent 17 years in the United States helping families with everything from puppy manners to the toughest aggression cases. Now back home in Geelong, he is bringing that experience to Aussie families.
Ben is a Board Certified Canine Behaviourist, serves on the board of the Canine Stroke Council, works as an evaluator for the American Kennel Club and Therapy Dogs United, and is the author of the internationally bestselling book A Is For Aggression. He is invited to speak around the world on aggression, fear, anxiety and complex canine behaviour.
GoodBoy Animal Training is owner-operated, so you always work directly with Ben. The approach is personalised, evidence-based behaviour therapy, never harsh tools, with the goal of calm, confident partnerships between dogs and their people.
- Board Certified Canine Behaviourist
- Psychological Science, WKU
- Behavioural health background
- AKC & TDU Evaluator
- Author, A Is For Aggression
- International speaker
Our philosophy
“Behaviour is information. Not disobedience.”
Every behaviour serves a function. Our role is not simply to stop unwanted behaviour. It is to understand why it occurs. Behaviour changes when understanding comes first.
Credentials
BCCBBoard Certified Canine Behaviourist- ABPsychological ScienceDegree, Western Kentucky University
- 17YearsIncluding behavioural health work with people
TDU & AKCEvaluator for both organisations- AAuthorA Is For Aggression, international bestseller
- 🌐SpeakerInvited to speak around the world
Ben at work
Speaking
Invited to speak around the world
Ben is sought out for speaking engagements on canine behaviour, aggression and rehabilitation. To invite Ben to speak at your event, get in touch.
