About Planet K9
At Planet K9, based in Spotswood and Werribee, we offer a variety of fun and engaging dog training classes that both you and your dog will enjoy!
We teach gentle, effective training methods that help improve communication and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. And the best part? Everyone in the household is encouraged to join in on the fun!
Our trainers are not only qualified and highly experienced, but they genuinely love dogs. We’re here to make sure your relationship with your dog is the best it can be. Whether you're in Spotswood, Werribee, or the surrounding areas, we offer group classes and private sessions to fit your needs.
For 25 years, Planet K9 has been empowering people to build loving, joyful relationships with their dogs. All you need to do is book in, and we’ll provide everything you need to create wonderful memories with your dog that will last a lifetime.
Our Trainers
Nicole Beasley
Nicole Beasley is the founder of Planet K9, established over 25 years ago with a vision of helping people better understand their dogs through compassionate, science-based training.
Holding bachelor degrees in Science and Applied Science, majoring in Animal Behaviour, Nicole has worked with thousands of dogs and their families throughout her career. Her approach combines professional expertise with a deep understanding of the emotional bond between people and their dogs, creating training that is effective, supportive and enjoyable for both ends of the lead.
For eight years Nicole was Head Trainer at Australia’s largest animal shelter, where she developed post-adoption training programs and created the shelter’s Behaviour Modification Program, successfully rehabilitating hundreds of rescue dogs for adoption. She has personally fostered more than 100 homeless dogs, giving her extensive experience working with rescue dogs, behavioural challenges and sensitive dogs needing extra support.
Nicole has also trained residential therapy dogs and prepared teams of dogs to perform at major public events including the Australian Open, Moomba and Midsumma Festival. Her passion for the healing connection between humans and dogs has led to the creation of several much-loved community programs including Vets & Dogs and Planet K9 SupPAWt Squad, which bring people and dogs together through connection, enrichment and companionship.
Alongside her work in Australia, Nicole has collaborated with animal welfare organisations in Nepal, helping improve the lives of street dogs and deepening her respect for dogs as resilient and intelligent companions.
Nicole shares her life with a much-loved multi-species family and has a special passion for caring for senior and rescue animals. The legacy of her beloved dogs Hagen and Cosmo, German Shepherds, and Comet, a Silky Terrier, continues to inspire the heart-centered philosophy behind Planet K9.
At Planet K9, Nicole personally mentors all instructors to ensure the team maintains a gentle, reward-based and relationship-focused approach to training. Our team is made up of certified professionals from respected institutions like Delta, Gentle Modern Dog Trainers, and NDTF. Beyond our shared commitment to effective training, we are all great mates who support each other both professionally and personally, creating a positive and collaborative environment.
Our Trainers
Nola Pollard
Nola Pollard is a highly experienced and nationally accredited Pet Dog Trainer, with a deep belief that dogs are cherished family members, and that training is simply an extension of the love and care we provide them.
Nola’s classes are known for being both engaging and enjoyable, offering a positive experience for both dogs and their human companions. She runs basic manners and behaviour modification courses for Planet K9, where her expertise shines in helping dogs and their people build strong, lasting bonds.
With a wealth of experience working with re-homed dogs , Nola is particularly skilled at guiding families through the process of settling in and adjusting to their new pets. She has worked as a Trainer in the behavioural rehabilitation program at a large animal shelter, where she made a significant impact and was a valued member of the team.
In addition to her extensive hands-on experience, Nola is undertaking a Bachelor of Behavioural Science Degree, further enhancing her knowledge and approach to dog training.
Her constant companion is "Ace," a lively, energetic rescued Kelpie who keeps her on her toes.
Our Trainers
Dr Kath Kovacik
Dr Katherine Kovacik's passion for dogs began in her teens when she worked as a kennel attendant at a Seeing Eye Dog School. Since then, she has dedicated her career to understanding dog behavior and finding ways to train dogs in a manner that brings joy to both humans and dogs. Kath received her accreditation from the Gentle Dog Trainers’ Association in the same year she graduated with honors as a veterinarian, and has since worked with animals in various capacities.
In addition to her veterinary and dog training expertise, Kath recently completed a PhD exploring the representation of the human-animal bond in art. Her research delved into why people are drawn to animals in visual media, as well as the role of animals in advertising. Kath has written extensively on the subject of animals in art and canine history, contributing articles to Dogs Life magazine.
Kath is also a published author of eight novels, including Australian Dogs, The Shifting Landscape, and 7 Sisters. She has worked with dogs for television, print media, and corporate events, and has shared her life with many breeds, from Irish Wolfhounds to Borzois and Scottish Deerhounds. Kath continues to train and work with dogs, drawing on her diverse experience and deep understanding of both animal behavior and artistic representation.