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 founded Planet K9 25 years ago with one simple goal: to help people better understand their dogs and reduce the suffering of animals. Over the decades, she has worked with thousands of families, guiding them to build stronger bonds with their dogs and creating programs that make a lasting difference in the lives of both dogs and humans.
Nicole holds bachelor degrees in Science and Applied Science, majoring in Animal Behaviour. This academic foundation shaped her approach to dog training and rehabilitation, grounding her work in a deep understanding of animal learning and behaviour.
For eight years, Nicole served as Head Trainer at Australia’s largest animal shelter, where she developed several pioneering programs. Among them was the post-adoption training program, which supported families through the critical first months with their new dog, greatly reducing return rates to the shelter. She also established and led the Behaviour Modification Program at The Lost Dogs’ Home, successfully rehabilitating hundreds of dogs and preparing them for adoption into loving homes. Personally, Nicole has fostered more than 100 homeless dogs, an experience that has given her profound insight into the challenges dogs and their humans face.
Her expertise extends beyond shelters. Nicole has trained dogs for high-profile events such as the Australian Open and Moomba, showcasing dogs working in harmony before large audiences. She has also trained rescued dogs to become therapy dogs and, for six years, led pet therapy programs in nursing homes with Planet K9’s specially trained therapy dogs.
Nicole’s compassion for animals reaches beyond Australia. She has collaborated with organizations in Nepal, working to improve the lives of street dogs. These experiences deepened her respect for dogs as resilient, free-living teachers of wisdom.
Her own dogs—Hagen and Cosmo, beloved German Shepherds, Comet the terrier mix, and Planet K9’s much-loved “little boss”—remain guiding inspirations in her work, even after their passing. Today, Nicole focuses on adopting and caring for senior dogs, currently sharing her life with a cherished pack of four ranging in age from 15 to 22 years.
At Planet K9, Nicole personally trains every instructor in a gentle, reward-based approach, ensuring a consistent philosophy across her team. The trainers are certified through respected institutions such as Gentle Modern Dog Trainers and NDTF and are members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia Inc and Professional Dog Trainers Australia Inc. More than colleagues, they are long-time friends who support one another professionally and personally, creating a collaborative environment that continually strengthens their skills as trainers.
Nicole’s training style is designed to make learning fun, engaging, and accessible for the whole family. She believes training should always be a positive experience, strengthening the human–dog bond and fostering clear, compassionate communication.
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.
Our Trainers
Danni McCrae
Danni McCrae's interests lie in dog rescue and rehabilitation training, with many years of experience in the field. She founded a large rescue group in Victoria, where she worked tirelessly to give abandoned dogs a second chance at life.
Danni is passionate about seeing rescued dogs thrive in loving, forever homes, knowing that this often requires time, patience, and training. She understands the importance of setting dogs up for success in their new environments and works hard to make that happen.
Danni fills in for trainers at Planet K9 when they’re away, providing support and continuity in classes and one-on-one training sessions. Everyone is always excited to see Danni at Planet K9!
While Danni’s two heart dogs, Jet (a handsome black lab mix) and Gus (a lovable staffy mix), have passed, their memory continues to inspire her work and deep connection with dogs in need.
