About Me

Hi, I’m Racheal, Owner of Riverina K9 Services.

I’ve always loved being around animals, and have been lucky enough to have many pets over the years, but my journey to professional pet care started with my first two dogs: ‘Zeus’ and ‘Mate’

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.

This had such a profound impact on me I decided to take the plunge and gain some formal accreditations. I went on to study canine behaviour and training, pet nutrition and canine myofunctional therapy.

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 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 five 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 am committed and passionate about continuing to learn through ongoing study, attending workshops and professional seminars.

I do believe 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 owners to understand and prioritise their pets needs which can only enhance their bond and relationship.

I admire and am influenced by well-known Trainers such as Mike Suttle, Larry Krohn, Tyler Muto, Heather Beck, Jay Jack, Jerry Bradshaw, Pat Nolan, Michael Ellis, Chad Mackin, Bart Bellon, Forrest Micke, Denise Fenzi, Dave Kroyer, Sara Brueske, Meagan Karnes and Susan Garrett. I also enjoy reading works by Patricia McConnell, Pamela Reid, Turid Rugaas, Susanne Clothier and Karen Pryor, to name just a few.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my young daughter Skylar and husband Michael, working with and caring for my own dogs and cats, drysledding (dry-land sledding), long distance running, swimming, reading and gardening.

Below are my qualifications and professional memberships – please note, I stand by the code of 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)

Diploma of Canine Myofunctional Therapy

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)

Certificate of Animal Nutrition

Pet Tech

Certificate in Pet CPR, First Aid & Care

Short Courses

Online Courses Australia – Dog Psychology & Behaviour
Dogs Naturally University (DNU) – Raw Pet Food Nutrition Specialist Certificate
Dogs Naturally University (DNU) – Pet Food Nutrition Specialist Certificate

Professional Memberships

IACP Member

(International Association of Canine Professionals)

PIAA Professional Member

(Pet Industry Association of Australia)

SAENA Practitioner Member

(Small Animal & Equine Naturopathic Association)

ACRA Practitioner Member

(Australian Canine Rehabilitation Association)

HATO Practitioner Member

(Holistic Animal Therapy Organisation)

Insurance

Riverina K9 Services is fully insured for all services, and police checks are available upon request.