25 Years of CLEAR – 2001–2026

Reflections from founder Oliver Beverly

As CLEAR Dog Training celebrates 25 years helping dogs and their owners across south-east Queensland, founder Oliver Beverly reflects on the early years and the philosophy that shaped the business.

Looking back, I feel enormously proud of what CLEAR achieved and especially pleased to see the business continue with the same professionalism, warmth and commitment to both dogs and their owners.

The number of happy dogs – and even happier households – we’ve been privileged to help is something very special indeed.

A philosophy ahead of its time

Over the years, together with several wonderful helpers, I had the privilege of assisting many hundreds of families with everything from basic puppy training to serious behavioural problems.

One of the most rewarding parts of the business was meeting anxious or frustrated owners and watching them gradually regain confidence while building a genuine relationship with their dogs.

CLEAR became recognised throughout south-east Queensland for its emphasis on modern, force-free training methods before they became widely accepted.

I strongly believed that calmness, consistency and good communication produced far better long-term results than fear or punishment ever could.

The greatest reward

Helping people build calmer, happier relationships with their dogs has always been at the heart of CLEAR Dog Training.

The dog on the treadmill

One unforgettable moment came when an advertising agency contacted CLEAR while producing a television commercial.

They needed a dog that could run confidently on a treadmill.

The problem was – I didn’t know one!

Claude’s starring role

In the end, we invited my daughter’s five-year-old Miniature Schnauzer, Claude, to come and stay with us for a few weeks.

Claude had never even seen a treadmill before, but using clicker training and plenty of patience, within just three weeks he was happily hopping onto the treadmill and trotting along with his tail wagging at speeds of up to 8 kilometres an hour.

On filming day, Claude performed under hot studio lights behind an actress riding a stationary bicycle while reading a book – all part of the “multi-tasking” Cenovis vitamin campaign.

There seemed to be endless retakes and more than an hour of filming, during which Claude behaved like a complete professional.

Three weeks later, when the commercial finally appeared on television, Claude was visible for about 1.25 seconds.

The real punchline? The six human actors in the advertisement were each paid $1,000.

Claude earned $2,000 – making him, briefly, probably the highest-paid dog in Brisbane!

Years later, we happened to walk past that same treadmill. Without hesitation, Claude jumped aboard and calmly began trotting along as though no time had passed at all.

It was an extraordinary reminder of just how powerful positive, reward-based training can be – and how well dogs remember experiences built on trust, confidence and enjoyment.

Some other memorable moments included:

• Watching supposedly “untrainable” dogs become wonderful family companions.
• Owners arriving stressed and exhausted, then leaving smiling and hopeful.
• The countless puppies who graduated from class and later returned with their owners’ next generation of dogs.
• The growing support and trust from Brisbane’s veterinary community, with CLEAR becoming recognised as one of the city’s best-known dog training businesses and receiving referrals from many local veterinarians.

Continuing the legacy

It has been enormously pleasing to see the business continue in such capable hands.

Caroline Strainig has enjoyed success across a wide range of dog sports and, just as importantly, shares the same commitment to helping owners better understand and enjoy their dogs.

As I look back on CLEAR’s first 25 years, I’m proud not only of the dogs we helped, but also of the trust so many owners placed in us.

Helping people build calmer, happier relationships with their dogs has always been at the heart of CLEAR Dog Training, and it’s wonderful to know that continues today.

The Caroline connection

Current owner Caroline Strainig tells how a chance phone call led to meeting Oliver.

Ten years ago, I picked up the phone and contacted CLEAR Dog Training founder Oliver Beverly.

What I read about Oliver’s training philosophy immediately resonated with me. His approach was positive, thoughtful, kind and effective.

It felt a world away from the correction and check-chain methods that were still common at the time.

At the time, I was completing a dog trainer course and simply hoped to observe a few sessions while I continued to learn. Oliver generously welcomed me along.

Watching Oliver work was like watching a masterclass in understanding both dogs and people. He had an uncanny ability to understand what made each dog tick while helping owners see a clear, practical path forward.

Taking the reins

Over the following year, I gradually began conducting some sessions myself.

After receiving positive feedback from the clients I assisted, Oliver offered me the opportunity to continue CLEAR Dog Training when he retired.

Taking over CLEAR Dog Training has proved to be one of the best decisions of my life. I’ll always be incredibly grateful to Oliver for his mentorship, friendship and belief in me.

Here’s to the next 25 years of helping owners and their dogs build calm, happy and rewarding relationships.