Meet The Team

Why did you choose to get into doggy daycare?

I’ve probably always worked better with dogs than people! Eight years ago I worked in the city and dropped off my two German Shepherds to daycare on the way to work. We moved from one centre to another as we noticed the service levels drop off when new owners took over. At the time I noticed there were no centres close to where I lived and saw this as an opportunity.

 

Years later we decided to revisit the opportunity for the Braeside and south east suburban community and that’s how Playful Pups was created.

 

What’s your experience with dogs?

Over the last 30 years I’ve had several German Shepherds and completed lots of different training for them, including Bark Busters. My past shepherds Vixen and Dancer were members of a training group in Moorabbin which they attended regularly.

 

What dogs do you own?

A rescue German Shepherd called Blitzen. He’s my best friend and so great to be around, super loyal and I love him to death… I’ve always owned Shepherds and love how loyal and smart they are.

 

What do you do outside of Playful Pups?

I love playing ball with Blitzen, enjoying food and wine, hanging out with friends, PT training and watching movies.

Why did you choose to work with dogs?

I’ve always loved animals and wanted to work with them in any way possible. I’m endlessly fascinated by their behaviour and psychology. 

 

What is your experience?

I’ve many years’ experience working with dogs and animals – from vet nursing, dog adoptions and zookeeping working with Australian natives. I’ve also more than a decade of experience working as an animal behaviourist, helping to train not only dogs, but cats, birds and all kinds of pets in their homes. 

 

I have a Certificate II in Animal studies specialising in vet nursing, a Certificate III in Captive Animals, a Certificate IV in Companion Animals, Behaviour and Training, and Nutrition Accreditation. I also like to keep up to date, constantly reading and learning about animal/dog behaviour and psychology.

 

What dogs do you own?

Dexter the deaf Dalmatian. Dexter is now retired but once worked as a demo dog, doing obedience demonstrations at schools and events, while doing agility on the weekend. He also helped to desensitize fearful dogs and help them learn to socialise.

 

What do you do outside of Playful Pups?

Outside of PP my focus is on raising my baby son and BMX racing with the Casey Wolves BMX club. 

 

What’s something few people would know about you?

I've been lucky enough over the years to have the experience to train and learn from a wide variety of animals including Dingos, Tasmanian Devils, Koalas and even a Rhino. Koalas remain my favourite animal and I've been lucky enough to be a part in their conservation, breeding programs and care.

Why do you love working with dogs?

I’ve always been a super passionate dog lady, I adore them – they are a lot nicer than most people!

 

I’ve worked in a lot of high-pressure sales positions over the years and I’m now at the stage of life where I want to do something I love, makes me happy and puts a smile on my face – which is working with pooches

 

What’s your experience?

I’ve worked at doggy daycares for almost seven years and have a Certificate in underdog training and behaviour consulting.

 

What animals do you own?

I have two adopted pooches: Pepper is a nine-year-old Schnauzer cross Cavalier. Sammie is a nine-year-old Chihuahua/Jack Russell, and unfortunately has lots of health issues. She’s a very special girl and I am her person – we share a very special bond.

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What’s your favourite dog film?

Best in Show because it’s very close to the truth!

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What are your interests outside of Playful Pups?

I enjoy a very full life with food and wine, mosaic art, boxing, markets, music, the All Blacks, gardening, swimming, the beach, my fur babies and my family.

Why do you love working with dogs?

Dogs just make me happy, they love unconditionally and are so funny sometimes. I love working with dogs as I find I'm always smiling and get free cuddles and kisses all the time.

 

What’s your experience?

I have worked with animals since I was 13, I started horse stud, and I have spent 30 years caring for animals as a stable hand, an animal technician, a zoo keeper and a veterinary nurse. I can't imagine not spending my days with our furry friends. I have a Certificate IV in Animal Technology.

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What animals do you own?

I grew up on a farm with everything from cows, pigs, horses, goats, dogs and cats. Currently, I have a very cheeky Rex Rabbit called Mr Bugsy.

 

What do you like to do outside of Playful Pups?

I love travelling with my family spending as much time as possible at the beach. I also like working on my side hustles!

 

What’s your favourite dog character?

"Red dog" has to be one of my all-time favourite movies, I love how red dog does his own thing and chooses his own master, and touches everyone's hearts.

Why do you love working with dogs?

While Growing up we always had different types of animals in our household. I have always loved being around animals more than people. Coming in to work and seeing the dogs always puts a smile on my face. Let's face it. dogs are the best thing ever. They are loyal and have so much love to give.

 

What’s your experience?

I have had several year's experience working with dogs- from volunteering at the RSPCA for 5 years working in the kennels and assisting the behaviour team when assessing the dog's behaviour or implementing their training plans. While studying I got to experience working ina boarding kennel and on a farm. I have worked as a dog walker for several years but felt I needed a change so went to work at a doggy daycare instead. I have been pet sitting for years as well.

I have a Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services and I also did The Gentle Dog Trainers Association Course. I have done an Introduction to Dog Grooming Skills (Level 1). I love to constantly learn so I like to listen to podcasts or watch webinars on dog behaviour.

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What animals do you own?

Unfortunately, I have no animals at this present time. I lost my dog Coco Bean a few months back. I just look after other people's animals now.

 

What do you like to do outside of Playful Pups?

Outside of Playful Pups I enjoy relaxing with a good book. I love being in nature and enjoy hiking and taking in all the scenery. I also enjoy live music and musicals. On Sundays, I volunteer at Southside Dog School so I can learn from other trainers.

 

What’s your favourite dog character?

Since I was a kid, I have always loved Lady from Lady and the Tramp.

Why do you love working with dogs?

I’ve had a change of career due to the Covid-19 lockdowns and health. I love working with dogs because no matter what mood you're in, they cheer you up immensely and brighten your day. It's a wonderfully happy thing to be individually recognised by each dog and said hello to and they know who you are!

 

What’s your experience?

I’m pursuing TAFE qualifications in Animal Studies. 

 

What animals do you own?

A 12-year-old American Bulldog cross called Max, and two cats, brother and sister Alfie and Sweetie. The cats love playing and snuggling up to their dog brother. 

 

What do you like to do outside of Playful Pups?

I enjoy gardening and have a succulents obsession. I love music and going to gigs. 

 

What’s your favourite dog character?

When my (now 23-year-old) son was little I used to read the Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy books to him. My favourite character was always Hercules Morse, as big as a horse, a nod to my surname!

Why do you love working with dogs?

I love working with dogs because it is always enjoyable and no two dogs are the same.

 

What’s your experience?

I have completed my Animal Studies Certificate II and my Dog Handlers level 1 certificate. I am studying a Certificate III Animal Care Services ( Pet Grooming)

 

What animals do you own?

I own a rescued 10-year-old Beaglier named Dayna and a 4-year-old greyhound named Fox. 

 

What do you like to do outside of Playful Pups?

I love painting and drawing animals and enjoy horse riding and watching sci-fi and horror shows.

 

What’s your favourite dog character?

Shoeshine from the movie Underdog, I grew up watching it and love the story.

Why do you love working with dogs?

I've always loved being around dogs, growing up I always gravitated towards them. They are always happy to see you and make your day instantly better, they never fail to put a smile on your face.

 

What’s your experience?

I have Certificate II in Animal studies, I have worked in a kennel and grown up with dogs.

 

What animals do you own?

Louis the 2-year-old Cavoodle, Sundae the 12-year-old Choc Lab and Sebastian our rescue cat.

 

What do you like to do outside of Playful Pups?

I grew up playing netball so I still play and now coach. Other than that I love to hang out with my dogs, enjoy cocktails with friends, concerts and watching my favourite shows and movies.

 

What’s your favourite dog character?

Winn- Dixie from the movie.  Winn- Dixie, a little girl forms a connection with a stray dog and it brings together a group of strangers, the best!

Why do you love working with dogs?

I love working with dogs because they are always excited to see you when you come in and I love seeing each dog grow and becoming more confident in the pens. I chose to get into this work because I’ve always loved animals and I wanted to do a job I truly enjoyed. 

 

What’s your experience?

I’ve worked in a vet, participated in a Dingo enrichment program at Healesville Zoo and grown up around animals.

 

What animals do you own?

A cheeky toy Cavoodle and a rescue cat.

 

What do you like to do outside of Playful Pups?

I’m studying psychology at University with the hope of becoming a psychologist. Aside from Uni, I enjoy reading, waking my dog, playing tennis and watching Netflix.

 

What’s your favour dog character?

One of my favourite dog characters is Scooby Doo. I grew up watching the movies/show and how could you not love Scooby! 

Why do you love working with dogs?

I had always loved all things hair and all things puppy. Growing up, I always tried to put bows in my dogs hair and dress them up. As I got older, I thought i wanted to be a hairdresser but soon realised there was something missing. So I turned to dog grooming. I fell in love with it and never looked back.

 

What’s your experience?

I have twelve years of grooming experience, and before I started grooming, I went to a dog behavioural course to better understand the ways a dog thinks and behaves. The course has benefited me tremendously. Growing up I also spent alot of time around the Cocker Spaniels and Silky Terriers my grandmother bred and showed.

 

What animals do you own?

I have a very goofy black and white Shih Tzu named Panda. Even though he is a groomers dog, he still refuses to stand while i groom him and loves to play in mud puddles and standing in the rain. I'm also a cat mama, I have two adopted cats named Anubis and Mazikeen.

 

What do you like to do outside of Powder Pups Vanity Room?

I have a very blessed life raising my two energetic boys alongside my sole mate.

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Why do you love working with dogs?

There’s nothing better than getting to know each dogs different personality, their cheeky side, the sweet cuddles and trying to test a boundary while staring me in the eyes slow walking away to do it anyway.

 

What’s your experience?

I’ve had dogs since a young kid but only recently decided to change careers to work with dogs. Completed my Certificate in dog behavior with NDTF in 2021 while doing group class training. I’ve worked in Boarding Kennels for 2 yrs before getting to work at Playful Pups

 

What animals do you own?

Last year we adopted Ash. What breed is he…. We don’t know but he’s basically a big dog with short legs.

 

What do you like to do outside of Playful Pups?

I have a 3 yr old firecracker of a daughter who basically dictates my time. I also love camping and time with friends and family.

What’s your favourite dog character?

Scrappy Doo.

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