Vets and Dogs
Training Dogs. Building Community. Supporting Veterans.
Vets and Dogs is a collaborative program between Planet K9 ,The Spotswood–Kingsville RSL, and RSL Active designed to support the mental, physical, and social wellbeing of defence and service veterans through hands-on dog training — including both basic manners and agility sessions.
This 5-week course offers a safe, inclusive space where veterans can reconnect, gain confidence, and enjoy the many therapeutic benefits of training and working with their own dogs.
What to Expect
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Social Connection
Build friendships, share laughs, and bond over a common love for dogs in a relaxed, veteran-friendly environment. -
Mental Health Support
Reduce stress and symptoms of PTSD through structured activities and calm, consistent interaction with dogs — backed by research in animal-assisted wellbeing. -
Physical Activity
Sessions encourage movement, time outdoors, and healthy routines, supporting overall physical wellness. -
Skill Building
Learn dog handling, communication, and training techniques in a positive, respectful setting that’s accessible to all experience levels.
Program Details
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Location: Planet K9 at Spotswood–Kingsville RSL
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Eligibility: Open to all veterans — any branch, any role, any age. No prior dog training experience needed.
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Bring Your Dog: Participants must attend with their own dog. Dogs should be friendly with people and other dogs.
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Inclusive: All household members are welcome to attend.
Delivered in partnership with RSL Active, this program is about more than training dogs — it's about restoring connection, community, and confidence. Dogs break down barriers, spark conversation, and help form bonds that go beyond words.
Session Dates & Time
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Sunday September 7th
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Time: 11am (45 minute session)
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Course Duration: 5 consecutive weeks
Cost
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The course is free for Veterans. The program is sponsored by RSL Active
Join the wait list if class is full
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This course has limited places so if you miss out please join the waiting list or phone Nicole (Planet K9) on 0405772225 or Peter (SKRSL President) on 0403024023 to join the waitlist.
Commander In Leash
Nala is a happy, waggly, sniffy, and cheeky ex-police sniffer dog who greets everyone with a full-body wag — and she’s proudly stepping into her new role as Class Captain of the Vets and Dogs Course. Nala was purposefully placed with Retired Detective Sergeant Peter Bellion, the first recipient of the Purposeful Placement Program, an initiative launched by the Blue Ribbon Foundation, Protecting the Protectors, and the Victoria Police Dog Squad. The program matches retired police dogs with veterans diagnosed with PTSD, offering companionship and emotional support to those who may not require task-trained therapy dogs but greatly benefit from the bond. Click here to learn more about the Purposeful Placement Program.
Veteran of The Vision
Peter Bellion is the President of the Spotswood Kingsville RSL and a retired Detective Sergeant from the Victoria Police Major Collision Investigation Unit. A survivor of chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Peter attended and investigated more than 2,000 roadside fatalities during his distinguished career. After visiting a class run by Planet K9 at the RSL, Peter conceived the idea for a course specifically designed for veterans and their dogs. He is a passionate advocate for early support and intervention for individuals experiencing trauma, especially first responders. Nala, a beautiful Labrador and trained scent detection dog, has retired early from active duty to become a much-loved companion and service dog to Peter.
Peter explains, “This program brings together everything we stand for — mateship, support, and service. And dogs have a special way of breaking down barriers and building trust.”
Woof Wrangler
Nicole Beasley is a professional dog trainer with 25 years of experience and owner of Planet K9, having trained thousands of dogs and their human families over that time. She is dedicated to creating positive, reward-based training programs that strengthen the bond between dogs and their humans. Nicole brings patience, compassion, and expert knowledge to help dogs of all breeds and backgrounds develop confidence, good manners, and agility skills. As a former Corrections officer Nicole explains, “I know how hard it can be for people to open up. Dogs change that — they break down barriers, create common ground, and make connection feel natural.” Her classes are fun and engaging, making learning enjoyable for both dogs and their humans.
Thank you to our Supporters
Participants have praised the program for its impact on wellbeing and connection:
“It’s been a huge lift for my mental health — the dogs make it easy to relax and join in.”
“The conversations just flow when the dogs are around. It feels natural, not
forced.”
“This program reminded me how much fun community can be. The dogs give us
a reason to laugh and connect.”
“I walked in feeling isolated and walked out feeling part of something again.”
Dr Katherine Kovacic, Planet K9 trainer, added:
“This program is about more than dog training. It’s about restoring connection building confidence, and creating a supportive community for veterans.”