Our Team
At K9ET, we’re more than just trainers we’re a team of dog lovers who are passionate about helping pups (and their humans) thrive. Each of us brings something unique, but we all share the same belief: training should be kind, positive, and fun.
Meet Michael - Founder and Trainer
Our dedicated founder and lead trainer here at K9ET. With his wealth of qualifications and extensive experience, Michael brings a unique blend of expertise and compassion to every training session.
My Dog Training Background
I’ve had dogs in my life for as long as I can remember... everything from Dachshunds and Terriers to Labradors, Alaskan Malamutes and Golden Retrievers. My formal training journey began over eight years ago when I started volunteering with Guide Dogs Victoria. My roles there gave me hands-on experience in puppy development, behaviour, handling and positive-reinforcement training.
In September 2023, I launched K9ET to create a training space that is supportive, ethical and focused on helping dogs and their humans thrive together.
Why I Love Working With Dogs
Dogs bring a kind of unconditional love that’s hard to describe. They want to please, they want to learn, they want to play and they want nothing more than to feel safe and connected to their humans. Helping to build that bond is what I enjoy most.
My Favourite Training Success Story
One story that always stays with me is Ruby. She spent the first three years of her life isolated in a backyard with no exercise, no socialisation and very little human interaction. After she was rescued by Sander and Malou, they reached out to me for help with some significant behavioural issues.
Through patience, consistency and reward-based training, Ruby started to transform. She completed our Foundation Skills course and has been part of our Intermediate Skills group for over a year now. Watching her grow into a confident, happy dog has been one of my most rewarding experiences.
One Tip I’d Give to Every Dog Owner
"Always choose positive reinforcement. Reward-based training builds trust, strengthens communication and helps dogs learn with confidence instead of fear."
Fun Fact About Me
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I can remember every dog’s name from my classes… but not always their owners’... 🙊
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I stop to say hello to every dog I see 👋
Certificates
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Working With Children’s Certificate
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National Police Check
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Pet First Aid (RSPCA)
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$20,000,000 Public Liability Insurance
Qualifications and Experience
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Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training (through the National Dog Trainers Federation)
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Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training (through the Delta Institute) - currently studying
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Certified Dog Training Instructor (through Dog Trainers Australia)
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Previously instructed with leading Dog Training Schools in Melbourne and Gippsland.
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Experienced Puppy Trainer, Puppy Enrichment Group Leader, Puppy Raiser & Peer Support Person for Guide Dogs Victoria
Meet Sofia - Trainer
As a dog trainer at K9ET, it’s very important for me to understand the reason behind each behaviour. My goal is never to suppress behaviours, but to address the root cause and teach alternatives. I combine reward-based training, physical exercise, and play as the bonding glue between dogs and their people. My purpose as a trainer is to help dogs and humans understand each other better and build strong, secure relationships.
What’s your favourite part of seeing dogs progress?
My favourite part is that “lightbulb moment” - when a dog who’s been stuck or unsure finally understands what they’re being asked to do.
What’s one challenge you love helping owners with?
I love helping owners develop their observation skills so they can better understand what their dog is trying to say.
What do you think makes K9ET different?
At K9ET, we’re always learning and evolving as a team. We share knowledge, challenge ideas, and stay up to date so we can offer our clients the best possible support.
Fun fact about you?
I can develop separation anxiety toward a dog I’ve been looking after! 💕
Qualifications and Experience
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Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training (through the Delta Institute) - currently studying
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Canine Conditioning and Fitness with Northeast K9 Conditioning - currently studying
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Certificate in Grooming
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Dog daycare attendant
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Behaviour Trainer at Lort Smith
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Bachelor of Cultural Studies with Honours
Meet Josh - Trainer
I have worked in the dog daycare industry for 4 years and have always been passionate about dogs and how they learn. I was lucky enough to work alongside Michael at my previous daycare, and what stood out to me was his genuine passion and love for dogs. When he asked me to join him in being a part of K9ET, I was honoured! What better way to increase my love and understanding of dogs than to work alongside someone with such experience as Michael. My hope is that one day I can use these skills to train not just owners and their pups but staff in the daycare industry in how to use positive reinforcement to make the experience even more rewarding and enjoyable for all involved.
What do you love about positive reinforcement training?
Positive reinforcement is the most modern way of teaching dogs and is ethically superior to traditional dominance or fear-based training. What I love most about positive reinforcement training is that through cooperation between owner and dog, learning occurs, and that bond that is already there is strengthened as both sides learn to understand each other better- and it can be fun for both sides!
As positive reinforcement trainers, we aren’t “forcing” dogs to do things and punishing them for not doing them, we are asking them to do something and rewarding them for doing it. As my dad always says: “you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar”.
Do you have a go-to reward for dogs?
What I have learned from my experience is that every dog has a different taste, and some prefer play over treats or a combination of both. Others still love an old fashioned “good dog” and a pat or a hug. My go to reward is love and an understanding of what they like! If they love raw chicken, then I will carry raw chicken (and a glove!). If they love to play tug with a special toy, then that is what I will use to reward them.
What’s the most rewarding moment you’ve had so far?
Every day that I am part of training is so rewarding; it is so hard to pick one most rewarding moment. But, if I must pick one, it would be assisting a mother train her son in how to do the training she herself was learning, as part of a Foundations Skills class. Seeing the pride on her face as her son learned a new skill and the bond between mother, son and dog strengthen left me smiling for weeks.
Fun fact about you?
Being a person with autism, it is funny just how much better I am at understanding dogs than people. At times, I sometimes forget to interact with people because of how long I spend around dogs! 🐶🐶🐶
Qualifications and Experience
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Pet Guru Knowing Dogs 101 and Knowing Dogs 202
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RSPCA Pet First Aid Certificate
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Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training (through the Delta Institute) - currently studying
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Dog Training Provisional Member PPGA (current)
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4 years experience as a Senior Animal Attendant at doggy daycare
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7 years with the Royal Australian Naval Cadets youth organisation achieving rank of Cadet Chief Petty Officer
Meet Olivia - Trainee Trainer & Marketing Coordinator
After studying business at university, I decided to trade the corporate cubicle for something a little more tail-wagging. Since then, I’ve gained hands-on experience in both doggy daycares and in-home settings with private clients. I’m currently participating in shadowing opportunities to complete the training hours needed to become IAABC-CDBC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants – Certified Dog Behavior Consultant) certified. At K9ET, I’ve been able to combine my background in business and creative side for our social media and marketing to simultaneously grow our online presence while developing my education and skills in positive, reward-based training.
Advice for first-time pet parents or those just starting their dog training journey?
It’s never too late to start; knowledge really is power! And honestly, your dog is so ready to learn with you. Show up, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself a little along the way.
And remember, there are no dumb questions; we all start somewhere. The more you learn
together, the stronger your bond will become.
Favorite dog myth to dispel?
“Old dogs can’t learn new tricks” absolutely not true!!! Just like us, dogs can learn at any stage of life. With the right guidance, a bit of patience, and some well-earned treats, they can surprise you in the best way. I am a firm believer that learning does not have an age limit for anyone.
Favorite type of dog?
I grew up with Boxers, so those goofballs will always have a special place in my heart. But I’m definitely a big dog person, I plan to get a Great Dane one day .. soon, I hope (when I have the space to match the dog 🤞😅). That said, I also have such a soft spot for all senior pups, they’re just the sweetest souls.
Fun fact about you?
I can tell you which country *most* dog breeds originate from, I’m a slight history enthusiast 🤓
Qualifications and Experience
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IAABC Foundation: Canine Social Behavior Course & Aggression + Anxiety Mentorship
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E-Training for Dogs: Dog Behavior Diploma – Canine Behavior Consultant Certification (currently studying)
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Pet First Aid and CPR Certified
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Ohio University: Bachelor of Business Administration with Honors (Entrepreneurship and Management + Strategic Leadership)
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Dog daycare attendant - present
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In-home pet care via Rover (madpaws) with a 5-star client rating and repeat bookings
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3 years as a full-time canine caregiver abroad (Paris, France)