About Me
Hi, I’m Racheal, Owner of Riverina K9 Services.
As I was exposed to the fascinating world of how dogs think, feel, learn and respond, I became increasingly interested in the mechanics behind effectively working with dogs, both to acquire new skills and modify existing behaviours
My studies through the National Dog Trainers Federation, the National College of Traditional Medicine, and the Holistic Animal Therapy Organisation have provided me with the skills and knowledge to turn my passion surrounding pet behaviour and health into a full-time occupation, for which I am so grateful.
I live and breathe the philosophies I share with my clients – with five dogs and four cats of my own, my professional training is complemented by the constant learning I gain from my pets on a daily basis.
A life with pets is so much more about the journey than the destination, and there is a lot of fun and bonding to be enjoyed along the way. To me every animal is an individual, which makes for some very interesting challenges and continued professional growth in my line of work. I love the fact that I learn something new with each client, and my skills are constantly being honed and refined as no circumstance is ever the same. I consider having worked in the pet industry around dog’s past to present an absolute privilege. I am committed and passionate about continuing to learn through ongoing reading, study, attending workshops and professional seminars that support further evolution both in my knowledge and skill set. Things are forever changing within this industry as we learn more about the world around us, animals and ourselves. I truly believe a proactive approach towards learning and keeping an open mind is an important aspect of doing my job well now and into the future.
I believe whole-heartedly caring for a pet is a commitment, and one you must take on understanding clearly what will be required of you. I get immense satisfaction from working with pets and their guardians and watching their relationship literally transform for the better and strengthen each time I see them.
I’m passionate about nurturing a dog’s true potential, and empowering their humans to understand and prioritise their pets needs which can only enhance their bond and relationship as well as the dog’s quality of life.
I admire and am influenced by a range of well-known professionals within the industry that embrace a broad range of methodologies and philosophies. These include Mike Suttle, Pat Stuart, Ivan Balabanof, Larry Krohn, Tyler Muto, Heather Beck, Jay Jack, Jerry Bradshaw, Pat Nolan, Michael Ellis, Chad Mackin, Bart Bellon, Forrest Micke, Grisha Stewart, Stacy Barnett, Shade Whitesel, Denise Fenzi, Dave Kroyer, Sara Brueske, Meagan Karnes, Michael Shikashio and Susan Garrett. I also enjoy reading works by Patricia McConnell, Pamela Reid, Turid Rugaas, Susanne Clothier and Karen Pryor, to name only a few.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my three children Skylar, Asher, Tate and husband Michael as well as working with and caring for my own dogs and cats. I proudly prioritize nurturing and teaching my children the importance of healthy respect, clear communication and how to demonstrate true care for all living things. Having many pets around us, this is central to our daily lives and something that is a privilege to be a part of.
My passion for working with dogs originated directly from being a very committed pet guardian myself, wanting the absolute best (or better) for my dogs. I find myself rarely unaccompanied by a furry companion for one reason or another. You will find my own personal dog’s also star in many of our demonstration and instructional videos within the Riverina K9 Academy.
Below are my qualifications and professional memberships – please note, I stand by the code of conduct and ethics for each of the professional associations I’m part of, and follow their rules and regulations as part of my recognised accreditations.
My qualifications
National Dog Training Federation (NDTF)
Cert III Dog Behaviour & Training
Additional elective units completed:
- Assistance Dogs Training
- Substance Detection Training
- Complex Skills
- Class Instruction
National College of Traditional Medicine (NCTM)
Awarded Certificate of excellence in Canine Anatomy & Physiology
The Australian College of Eastern Medicine
Certified in Dry Needling for Animals
Holistic Animal Therapy Organisation (HATO)
Pet Tech
Certificate in Pet CPR, First Aid & Care
Other Courses, Seminars & Workshops
- Online Courses Australia (OCA) – Dog Psychology & Behaviour
- Dogs Naturally University (DNU) – Raw Pet Food Nutrition Specialist Certificate
- Dogs Naturally University (DNU) – Pet Food Nutrition Specialist Certificate
- Aggression in Dogs Master Course – Michael Shikashio
- NePoPo Workshop – Pat Stuart/Operant Canine (2021)
- Push and Pull of Motivation & NePoPo long story short- Pat Stuart/Operant Canine
- Herm Sprenger Prong Collar Knowledge Certificate – IACP/ Herm Sprenger
- The Lemonade Summit (2020)
- Heart Dog International Wellbeing Summit (2022)
- Dog Nutrition Summit (2022)
- Tate Online Animal Training – Various specialty courses
- Training Without Conflict (TWC) / Ivan Balabanof – Various specialty courses
- Fenzi Dog Sport Academy – Various specialty courses
- Leerburg University – Various specialty courses
- International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants Foundation (IAABC) – Various specialty courses
- Out of Control Dog Summit (2023)
- Michael Ellis Seminar (Melbourne, 2023)
- White card – General Construction Induction Training
- Working with Children (WWCC)
Professional Memberships
CIVT Animal Health Professional Member
(College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies)
Membership ID# 6SPIXQSWA5
Insurance & Formal Checks
Riverina K9 Services is fully insured for all services available. We can supply evidence of up-to-date police checks, working with children checks and white card credentials upon request.
