ABOUT US

	NICOLE BEASLEY started Planet K9 in 1998 when she opened Victoria's first indoor training centre in Lilydale (currently operated by the Victorian Animal Aid).  Nicole has Bachelor Degrees in Science and Applied Science majoring in Animal Behaviour and Nutrition. She now works with over 1500 people and their dogs each year, dealing with a broad range of behavioural problems. For the past 6 years Nicole has been based at The Lost Dogs' Home in North Melbourne and has developed a wealth of experience working with rehomed dogs and their new families. Nicole has trained dogs for stage shows (Animal Trainer, Wagglz, Melbourne Fringe), international (Australian Open, Moomba) and corporate events (numerous) and television (Harry's Practice, TV commercials).  She was a lecturer in animal training at Victoria University. Nicole is the author of the Dog Training and Activities section of the popular book "Walkies" published by Life Be In It, as well as the Schmackos Book Of Dog Tricks. Her pride and joy are her own dogs Hagen & Cosmo (German Shepherds)and her two terriers from The Lost Dogs' Home (Comet & Astro). Nicole personally trains all Planet K9 instructors. Additionally, instructors hold government approved dog training certificates (Delta, Kintala or NDTF). Planet K9 Instructors use a positive reward - based training method.
	DIANA RAYMENT runs Agility, K9 Allsports, Basic manners and post adoption training  classes at Planet K9's training centres in Werribee and North Melbourne. Diana has a Bachelor of Animal Science Degree majoring in genetics and behaviour. She also has an interest in nutrition and works as a Research Assistant in the animal nutrition department of LaTrobe University. Diana worked as a veterinary nurse for 3 years at The Lost Dogs' Home.This work has given her an appreciation of animal welfare and practical experience working with rescue dogs. She is the proud 'mum' of Poncho and Cisco 3 year old dingo crosses and Quinn her teenage rottweiler. Diana enjoys agility and trick training with her  'wonder dogs' and is currently clicker training her horse 'Sophie'.
	MELANIE SCOTT is a nationally accredited dog trainer. She is a certified canine good citizen instructor (Delta Society) and an experienced veterinary nurse. Melanie has 7 years experience as a dog training instructor, teaching dog owners how to train their beloved pets using positive training techniques. She has also been involved in flyball racing (a sport for 'ball crazy ' dogs) since its inception in Australia. Mel has run puppy preschool classes at several veterinary clinics. Her work at The Lost Dogs' Home has developed her interest in working with abandoned and rescued animals. She recenlty adopted a galah and is having a great time rehabilitating and training him.
	NOLA  POLLARD is a nationally accredited dog trainer (NDTF). Nola has a special interest in pet dog and puppy training. She runs basic manners classes for Planet K9. She is also available for in - home training in the Northern suburbs and in  home puppy parties. Nola is the proud mum of Dodge "the best staffy in the world" and JJ a spunky terrier x from The Lost Dogs' Home. Nola is currently working at Planet K9's training centre in Epping.
	ROBYN JACKSON is a highly experienced dog trainer. She is a qualified CGC Instructor who has spent many years instructing obedience and agility classes at Bellarine Dog Activities Club. Robyn has also run several Canine Good Citizen courses for Keilor Obedience Dog Training School. She is a seasoned agility and obedience competitor having earned titles with most of her dogs. Robyn is the proud 'mum' of 2 Jack russells and a blue heeler. She has her own pet minding and dog walking business as well as running classes for Planet K9 in Hoppers Crossing of a Sunday and post adoption training and puppy pre-school at The Lost Dogs' Home on Monday evenings.Robyn is available for in - home training in the western suburbs.
	Angus Bell   Since birth, Angus has been growing up. He continues to rigorously pursue that task, while still finding time to train dogs and their owners for Planet K9 on a part-time basis. Having left the entertainment field in 2006, Angus has had a surprisingly varied career working with animals. In this short time he has been a keeper with the Melbourne Zoo (which saw him maintaining trained behaviours in an Australian Gannet and two Macaws) and a Detector Dog Handler with the Australian Quarantine & Inspection Service, as well as caring for dogs with Seeing Eye Dogs Australia (Vic) and The Lost Dogs Home. On top of his work with animals, Angus has a Diploma in Education. This makes him particularly suited to working with kids who are taking on the responsibility of owning their first dog. Angus, however, likes to think he has a good rapport with kids of any age as well as their canine companions.
	A wonderfully intelligent and energetic silky terrier mix, CRAZY COMET is the cheeky hairy brat of the team! Three years ago Comet was found sad and bedraggled wandering the streets of Melbourne. Fortunately for Comet he was taken to the safety of The Lost Dogs' Home but sadly nobody came to collect him. This fiesty little dog's luck changed when Nicole adopted him into her loving home. Comet is now unrecognizable from his days on the streets. He supervises all of Nicole's classes at The Lost Dogs' Home, has his own playgroup (small paws playgoup) and his very own show. Comet attends schools and public events weekly to promote responsible pet ownership. This spunky little dog works directly with primary school aged children to enrich the bond between children and pets.