Our Team
WHO WE ARE
Meet Our Trainers
Every member of the team has undergone extensive training education and has a history of great results. At Positive K9 Training, you have access to knowledgeable trainers who are looking forward to helping you with your pet.
I’m proud of my team and I’m confident this is the best dog training available in Melbourne.
You can learn more about myself and each of our trainers by clicking on the names below. Want to speak to us about your dog? You’ll find our contact details below – we’re looking forward to hearing from you.
Chris Loverseed
Owner & Head Trainer
OUR TRAINERS
Meet the Team
Melissa Goldsworthy
1. How did you get started with dog training?
I’ve had dog’s my entire life but didn’t really get into dog training until a few years ago. My passion for dogs and wanting to be a better dog owner led me to find the NDTF course for Dog Behaviour and Training. I fell in love with it (after realising I’d been doing everything wrong haha!) and never looked back. Luckily Chris and the PK9 team welcomed me with open arms after my training, and it’s such a privilege being able to work with such an amazingly talented group of people.
2. What have you done professionally and personally with dogs? Both paid and voluntarily
As well as working at Positive K9, I’m currently training for my ANKC Obedience and Rally titles. I also compete in ANKC conformation showing. I’ve volunteered at Save-a-Dog Scheme to help less fortunate dogs find their forever homes, as well as fostering for Pawfect Pals Animal Rescue. I believe every dog should have the opportunity to live their best life, and it’s something I’m very passionate about.
3. What dog training education have you undertaken? Also what seminars have you attended?
I’ve completed my Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training at the National Dog Trainers Foundation (NDTF). Seminars I’ve attended include Phil Triantafillou’s – Structured Play Workshop, Brad Griggs’- Recall Masterclass, STSK9- Heeling Styles Class, as well as many Leerburg online courses.
4. What aspects of dog training and behaviour do you have particular interest in?
I love behaviour modification. There’s nothing better than helping owners and their dogs work through issues so that they can have a fulfilling and enjoyable relationship. I really love working with reactive dogs and dogs with complex behavioural issues. These are the ones that get my brain ticking.
5. What do you enjoy most about working with dogs?
I really love the way working with dogs brings you into the present moment. When working with them you have to connect (for the most part) in a non-verbal manner. That means you’re watching their body language, as well as your own, and using all of your senses to bring the best out of them. If you’re not present, you’ll miss those golden opportunities.
I also delight in the sheer joy that dogs bring to life. It’s infectious sharing a goofy smile with a happy dog.
6. Tell us a bit about your own dogs – Age, breed, what you enjoy doing with them? What they most enjoy.
My youngest dog Kannon is a 17 month old Australian Shepherd. He loves life to the fullest and doesn’t know the meaning of the word rest. He loves to work and play in equal amounts. We’re competing in various ANKC titles as well as conformation showing, but more than anything we love exploring new places together. Pippi is my 15-year-old Maltese x Shih Tzu. Life is slowing down for my beautiful girl, so a great day for her consists of many peaceful naps in the sunshine, short walks and a dive into the snuffle mat.
Miguel
1. How did you get started with dog training?
Like many trainers, I started out as someone who had a difficult dog & started looking into ways I could help him then long story short I became a Positive K9 Training & found a passion for it very quickly.
2. What have you done professionally and personally with dogs? Both paid and voluntarily
While the bulk of my trainer experience is from my near 17 years in the fitness industry as a strength coach, I started shadowing with Positive K9 Training at the end of 2019 & officially came on board as a trainer at the end of 2021.
Since the start of 2022 I also took on a role with PK9 Online.
3. What dog training education have you undertaken? Also what seminars have you attended?
– Currently NDTF’s Certificate III in Dog Training.
– Dick Staal’s Online Training School
– Leerburg Online
4. What aspects of dog training and behaviour do you have particular interest in?
– Behavioural modification
– Obedience
– Scent detection
– Helping clients raise confident, well-adjusted dogs & puppies
– Improving client-dog relationships
5. What do you enjoy most about working with dogs?
Seeing the flip from clients ‘just wanting to fix their dog’s issues’ to ‘what else can I do to help my dog live a better life?’
While I don’t take behavioural issues & the problems that can come from them lightly, there’s a significant difference, for the better, in owners who have that relatively slight change in mindset.
6. Tell us a bit about your own dogs – Age, breed, what you enjoy doing with them? What they most enjoy.
Buddy is a 4 years old American Staffordshire Terrier & while he’s my heart dog, he’s also very much the reason I became a trainer.
We enjoy scent detection, obedience &, of course, being a bull breed, lots of tug play.
Abi
1. How did you get started with dog training?
Growing up I wasn’t lucky enough to have my own dog but always had a passion for animals and training. I would borrow friends and families dogs and teach them anything and everything I could think of from agility and obedience to party tricks, I’d try it all! Fast forward to finally getting my own dog as an adult, I was able to really get stuck into training and became committed to turning my passion into a career.
2. What have you done professionally and personally with dogs? Both paid and voluntarily
I first began working with dogs across multiple doggy daycare facilities in Townsville. From there I moved to the Gold Coast which allowed me to further my experience, however, this time in boarding kennel environment.
I began training with Positive K9 through their online platform, from there the stars aligned and I made the move down to Melbourne to officially join the team.
I currently am working towards titles in scent detection and competition obedience with my Labrador, Stevie as well as trick dog titles with Goose, my Golden Retriever.
3. What dog training education have you undertaken? Also what seminars have you attended?
– Cert 111 in Dog training and behaviour with National Dog Trainers Federation
– Scent Detection Seminar with Michael Burling
-Former student at Craig Murray Detection dog school
4. What aspects of dog training and behaviour do you have particular interest in?
I love scent detection and seeing its effect on building dogs confidence and building a partnership built on trust, with their handler. It is such an inclusive sport and brilliant for people who want to get involved and just have a go!
Building confidence and resilience in dogs and their owners is something else I really enjoy. Either from the very beginning with puppies or helping re-gain that confidence in an older dog.
I also love obedience and its ability to build the foundations in order for people to truly live their best lives with their dogs. Weather that be have them chill out at a cafe or just simply to be able to go for a leisurely walk without pulling their owners arm off!
5. What do you enjoy most about working with dogs?
I most enjoy the fact that it never feels like work. Every day I feel so blessed to be able to fulfil that little 8 year old girls dreams of working with dogs every single day!
6. Tell us a bit about your own dogs – Age, breed, what you enjoy doing with them? What they most enjoy.
Stevie Elora- female- 1.5 years- Labrador X Happiest girl on the planet
Stevie loves life and everything in it. She loves waking up in the morning knowing it’s time to start the day. She loves rolling in the muddiest puddle she can find, and being a typical Labrador, she LOVES her food! We love training scent detection and obedience together and going on off leash adventures.
Goose- male- 3 years- Golden Retriever X Angel boy
Goose loves his people and is an un-official therapy dog in our house. He is sweet and sensitive and everyone who meets him falls in love with him. We dabble in a bit of everything together, from agility to scent detection, tricks and more. He is the ultimate cafe dog but is at his happiest when he’s doing zoomies at the beach.
Renee
“Only expect from your dog what you are willing to put in; it takes two to train!”
I grew up being an avid dog lover and owner, meaning the first chance I got to bring home my own dog, I did. Well, wasn’t she a handful! Throughout investing the time in training my own dog I realised it was something I had a knack for it and enjoyed it immensely.
How did you get started with dog training?
I grew up being an avid dog lover and owner, meaning the first chance I got to bring home my own dog, I did. Well, wasn’t she a handful! Throughout investing the time in training my own dog I realised it was something I had a knack for it and enjoyed it immensely.
What have you done professionally and personally with dogs?
I started working with animals 5 years ago as a Veterinary Nurse, throughout this time I also studied a certificate III in dog training and Behaviour through NDTF (National Dog Trainers Federation). In my time within the industry I have also graduated hundreds of puppies through puppy school, worked as a canine hydrotherapist and taken part in conformation showing, weight pull, lure coursing, back packing and of course training competition obedience with Chris.
What dog training education have you undertaken? Also what seminars have you attended?
-Australian Veterinary Behavioural Services Puppy School seminar.
-Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training – National Dog Trainers Federation
-Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
What aspects of dog training and behaviour do you have particular interest in?
– I have a strong interest in Behaviour Modification, I enjoy watching dogs that have gone astray along the tracks be reintegrated back into society and enjoying a social and happy life.
-PUPPIES! I love socialising and habituating puppies; the first months of their life set the precedence for the future you will have with them.
What do you enjoy most about working with dogs?
I adore that dogs are so fearlessly loyal, give them the basic care they require and they will give back their entire world.
I also love the culture at PK9 – there is so much emphasis on the relationship you have with your dog, and enjoying training together, rather than the dog complying because they’re too scared to make a mistake.
Tell us a bit about your own dogs – Age, breed, what you enjoy doing with them? What they most enjoy.
Mercy is my 4 year old American Staffordshire Terrier, being the first dog we brought into our home and being super excitable she used to be quiet a menace, after years of attending obedience training twice a week, Mercy has acquired a taste for the finer things in life, like sleeping till all hours of the afternoon, chewing toys and occupier treats, and snuggling. When Mercy does leave bed, you’ll find her swimming, playing with her younger sister Tala, enjoying a hike, or competing in dog sports such as backpacking, weight pull and lure coursing. Although if Doggy high jump was an Olympic sport, Mercy would be a 5 time gold medallist.
Tala is my 2.5 year old American Staffordshire Terrier, she is the polar opposite of Mercy, and by the polar opposite of Mercy, I mean she really enjoys Obedience training and being the goodest girl. Tala is the is a smart little girl, who often is one step ahead of me, to help her keep calm and level headed we are constantly training both Obedience and Nose work, along with plenty of enrichment to keep her busy mind occupied. Tala’s guilty pleasures are Swimming for hours and trying to beat up her big sister Mercy, her dream job would be preforming for WWE. Tala competes in Conformation showing all across Australia, Lure coursing, Weight Pull and Backpacking, we also have aspirations of gaining Rally Obedience and Nose work titles in the future.
Both girls will often be seen representing their breed at most Melbourne Dog expos.
What are your best two pieces of advice you can give to dog owners?
– Dogs don’t understand superficial spoiling, stop loving them with fancy clothes collars and the likes, and spoil them the species appropriate way; through providing them with a great diet, health care, enrichment, training, play and species appropriate outlets.
– Only expect from your dog what you are willing to put in; it takes two to train!
Nicki
“I love ‘problem children’ & watching them & their owners getting it!”
How did you get started with dog training?
I got started training with my German Shepard puppy Bella at Vets on Parker in 2013 and Chris was the trainer.
What have you done professionally and personally with dogs?
All my training and involvement with dogs has been done with Positive K9 Training, I first started training with my GSD Bella and my interest grew from there.
What aspects of dog training and behaviour do you have particular interest in?
I am most interested in obedience. I prefer a dog that is well behaved, rather than one that does tricks.
What do you enjoy most about working with dogs?
I love “problem children” & watching them & their owners “getting it”!
Tell us a bit about your own dogs- Age, breed, what you enjoy doing with them?
Bella is an almost 4yo GSD, she is my baby girl. I love just spending time with her either at home or out & about. She is so smart & easily trained. She has a wonderful personality & makes me laugh every single day! Yes she loves to run around at the park chasing balls, going for walks or just snuggling on the couch/bed.
What are your best two pieces of advice you can give to dog owners?
a) Breathe/Relax. It took me a long time to understand that. The dog doesn’t always know what you want. Don’t get frustrated. If you do, STOP TRAINING & RELAX. Dogs feel the tension.
b) Be Consistent…..you can’t correct sometimes & not others. eg Don’t give him/her an old shoe to chew on & not expect them to chew up you $200 Nikes. They don’t know what is expensive & what isn’t. Give them their own dog toys.
Chris Loverseed
I love seeing the results that we get for people and their dogs!
I have a balanced approach when it comes to working with dogs. As long as I can remember, I could be found with a dog and lead in hand. I have had a lifelong interest in the way dogs act, and have constantly wanted to bring the best out of every pet.
MORE ABOUT CHRIS LOVERSEED
National Dog Trainers Federation Qualification
I hold a nationally recognised dog behaviour and training qualification from the National Dog Trainers Federation (NDTF Dog Training and Behaviour Certification Course).
Additional units completed: Assistance Dogs Training, Substance Detection Training, Complex Skills and Tricks, Class Instruction.
Although knowing and understanding theory is needed and has given me a great edge, there is no replacement for hands on learning and making mistakes which you can admit to and grow from.
Every year thousands of dog owners young and old are faced with the headache of helping their pet adapt to their daily lifestyle. Though there are hundreds of different methods that are used to assist your pet in finding his or her place in your life, you cannot be expected to take on this challenge alone.
I have been fortunate in working with and learning from many industry leaders whom gained greater knowledge. I have also formed many great working relationships with Vets, Breeders, pet shops and other great dog trainers in Melbourne and around the world.
I have received comprehensive education in canine behaviour and training and regularly attend industry seminars to further develop my understanding of K9 behaviour.
Birte
“Make sure that you and your furry friend are always enjoying training.”
Originally from Germany, Birte was inspired at a young age by watching a neighbour train German Shepherds as police dogs. Extensive training education and teaching experience in both Germany and Australia make Birte a real asset to the Positive K9 Training team.
How did you get started with dog training?
I grew up in a small village in Germany and my neighbor used to train police dogs. He was still very dedicated to train his own dog when he retired. I was fascinated watching him and his dog Arko. He gave me some tips and tricks how to train my first dog Eddy.
What have you done professionally and personally with dogs?
Both paid and voluntarily. I have trained my dogs at obedience classes in Germany and Australia, work part time as an Animal Attendant at a doggy day care center and do volunteer work as an Animal Behaviour Trainer at the RSPCA.
What dog training education have you undertaken? Also what seminars have you attended?
– NDTF Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training (NDTF – National Dog Trainers Federation)
– Currently studying Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services (Delta Society)
– Training With Clarity Seminar (The K9 Company)
– First Aid for dogs (Doggy and Moggy)
– First Aid for Humans (St John Ambulance Australia)
– Online Seminar ‘Animal Behaviour and Welfare’ (University of Edinburgh)
What aspects of dog training and behaviour do you have particular interest in?
I have a special interest in supporting rescue dogs. They can be a little bit more challenging than getting a puppy but they all deserve a second chance. And there are also some really interesting dog sports like Agility, Tracking and Endurance.
What do you enjoy most about working with dogs?
That I am one of the lucky ones getting paid for my hobby 🙂
Tell us a bit about your own dogs?
I have adopted my first dog Ellie from the RSPCA Peninsula in March 2013. She is a crazy Kelpie x Staffy and loves to offer behaviours, that’s why it is so much fun to teach her tricks. Her hobbies are rolling in dog poo and sleeping.
My second dog Joey became part of our family in July 2013. We have adopted him from the Australian Animal Protection Society in Keysborough. I think he is a little bit of everything (but was ‘advertised’ as a Kelpie x). He was actually the reason why I decided to do the NDTF course as he had some issues I had to work on and I wanted to do it right from the beginning. Now he is a really happy boy that loves nothing more than his ball and some big cuddles!
What are your best two pieces of advice you can give to dog owners?
– Be fair to your dog, ‘yes’ is so much more important than ‘no’.
– Make sure that you and your furry friend are always enjoying training. Keep it fun and interesting for you and your dog and never train your dog when you are stressed or in a bad mood.
Jo
“I am interested in all aspects of dog behaviour and particularly love any form of training/activity which involves dogs using their natural senses, instincts and abilities, such as scent detection and agility.”
How did you get started with dog training?
Growing up I would watch a famous English dog trainer, Barbara Woodhouse on the TV – from then on I was hooked!
What have you done professionally and personally with dogs?
Both paid and voluntarily – I’ve attended traditional dog obedience classes with my own dogs since the age of 15 and have always been facinated with the species. My dog Peppa and I enjoyed being members of the Dog Agility Club of Victoria for a while and over the last 5 years I have volunteered as a dog walker at Pets Haven in Woodend and Animal Aid, Coldstream.
What dog training education have you undertaken? Also what seminars have you attended?
– Amichien Bonding Foundation course & NDTF Cert III Dog Training & Behaviour
– Training With Clarity Seminar (The K9 Company)
– Dog Behaviour Seminar; Animal Aid, Coldstream
What aspects of dog training and behaviour do you have particular interest in?
I am interested in all aspects of dog behaviour and particularly love any form of training/activity which involves dogs using their natural senses, instincts and abilities, such as scent detection and agility.
What do you enjoy most about working with dogs?
Hard question… everything!
Tell us a bit about your own dogs?
Peppa – 8 year old Border Collie x Kelpie. I adopted peppa from Pets Haven animal shelter, Woodend when she was approx 7 months old. Peppa is VERY ball motivated and loves doing aglilty, and swimming in the creek.
Woody – 7 year old Labrador X, adopted 2 years ago from Forever Friends rescue. Woody loves anything which means he gets to be the centre of attention, playing with Peppa and riding his skateboard!
What are your best two pieces of advice you can give to dog owners?
– Be calm, clear and consistent when communicating with your dog – and remember often words are not necessary – dogs mainly read your energy and body language.
– Do not under estimate the benefits of keeping your dog mentally stimulated.
– Exercise is great but dogs brains need a work out too!
Sandy
“Rescue dogs are my soft spot, I really enjoy the opportunity to be able to rehabilitate a dog that we really have very little background on. I’m interested in all aspects as it is a full package that moulds to each dog.”
How did you get started with dog training?
I’ve always grown up with dogs and trained the family dog. I didn’t get serious about it until I adopted siblings from the pound and knew I would have my work cut out for me!
What have you done professionally and personally with dogs?
I have instructed classes locally, however most of my experience comes from helping foster dogs with their rehabilitation in various rescues, including my own rescue group. I have also attended training classes personally with my dogs, I also enjoy attending dog sports with my dogs including dock jumping and nose works (scent work).
What dog training education have you undertaken? Also what seminars have you attended?
Completed the NDTF Cert III in Dog Behaviour and Training
K9 Noseworks Seminar – Chews
Foster Carer Seminar – Trish Harris
Lets Play Tricks 3 day workshop – Julija Kinghorn & Amanda Murcott
What aspects of dog training and behaviour do you have particular interest in?
Rescue dogs are my soft spot, I really enjoy the opportunity to be able to rehabilitate a dog that we really have very little background on. I’m interested in all aspects as it is a full package that moulds to each dog.
What do you enjoy most about working with dogs?
What’s not to like? I’m one of the lucky one’s that gets to work with these amazing animals.
Tell us a bit about your own dogs- Age, breed, what you enjoy doing with them etc? What they most enjoy…
I have 3 dogs – Sammy & Buca, they are my rescue babies and were saved from Mildura pound at 4 weeks of age Christmas 2011, they will be 5 this October. They are Border Collie x Kelpie x Lab. These guys are super fun, I love playing frisbee with them both, I like to call Buca my obedience dog and Sammy my tricks dog. These 2 love nothing more than a game of chasey in the yard!
My third dog is 6.5 and a wolfhound x called Ollie, Ollie is totally obsessed with his ball. So we have plenty of ball time with him!!!!
What are your best two pieces of advice you can give to dog owners?
Your dog is continual work in process right through from the day you get them until they leave us!
Mental stimulation is key it will keep your dog out of trouble.
Geraldine
Max (Makoto)
“I love being surrounded by lots of dogs and doggie people and talking about dogs as much as I want!”
How did you get started with dog training.
I grew up with animals, such as gold fish, turtles, birds, frogs and so on. I wasn’t allowed to have any mammals when I was living with my parents but I’ve kept reading books about dogs since I was a young child. When I got my own place, I started dog training with my dogs seriously. I had tried several dog training classes and technics and then I met Chris in 2015.
What have you done professionally and personally with dogs? Both paid and voluntarily.
I have attended local dog classes with my dogs and then PK9.
I’m volunteering at Blue Cross Animal Society as a dog trainer.
What dog training education have you undertaken? Also what seminars have you attended?
NDTF Cert lll in Dog Behaviour & Training
Pet First Aid at Essendon Vet Clinic
K9 Nose work seminar
Dog aggression seminar at Under Dog
What aspects of dog training and behaviour do you have particular interest in?
I have a particular interest in solid dog obedience in a fun way for both, dogs and humans. Interested in learning & reading dogs’ body language. Some dog activities with using their super abilities, like scent detection, retrieving and so on. Dealing with reactive dogs
What do you enjoy most about working with dogs?
I love being surrounded by lots of dogs and doggie people and talking about dogs as much as I want!
Eildon: a middle-aged Golden-retriever × Labrador. He is very friendly with other dogs and humans (sometimes, too friendly). Eildon enjoys retrieving, learning new tricks, long walk and swimming. He taught me how amazing dogs are and I decided to become a dog trainer.
Keely: a young-adult Stuffy × Australian stumpy-tail cattle dog × Bull Terrier×…whatever. She is a calm, easy going girl. She loves interactions with humans (not really with other dogs) and warm sunlight. She is reactive with cats so we are working on it (getting less reactive).
What are your best two pieces of advice you can give to dog owners?
1. If you want your dog to be calm, you have to be a calm person first .
2. Brush your dogs teeth every day.
Michelle Cooper
1. How did you get started with dog training?
I started to look into dog training as a career path as it’s something I really enjoy doing with my two dogs! When the opportunity came up to study and work with PK9 I was excited to jump on board!
2. What have you done professionally and personally with dogs? Both paid and voluntarily
I’ve been training my two in obedience and lifestyle skills since they both first arrived home. I started off in basic obedience and was really drawn to more precision obedience as I made my way through the levels with Finn!
So I’m now training Oxana in IGP and Competition Obedience.
3. What dog training education have you undertaken? Also what seminars have you attended?
NDTF Certificate 3 In Dog Training and Behavior.
4. What aspects of dog training and behaviour do you have particular interest in?
I have a particular interest in aggressive behaviour and how to manage it. I’m also an avid reader of animal psychology as well.
5. What do you enjoy most about working with dogs?
I love developing them from a puppy! I’ve really enjoyed starting puppy school as this is their first step into training. It’s cool to see little shy week one puppies bursting with confidence by week two!
6. Tell us a bit about your own dogs – Age, breed, what you enjoy doing with them? What they most enjoy.
Finn: 4yr Groodle
Finn’s my certified good boi, who loves training/learning new skills, hydro therapy, the beach and is always happy! He always gives so much energy and excitement in his training!
Oxsana: 1yr GSD
I’m currently training in IGP with her and am loving learning alongside her with all three phases of the sport. My end goal is to compete with her a get a few titles under our belt in IGP!
Emily
1. How did you get started with dog training?
We have had dogs for as long as I could remember, it was only natural that I would have a dog when I moved out of home. I fell in love with dog training when I saw how much fun my dog Mya was having when we trained together and it was blossomed from there!
2. What have you done professionally and personally with dogs? Both paid and voluntarily
I began at Pk9 as a client, then progressed to the check in desk, to shadowing classes, now to running Pk9 puppy school. I also volunteer for Australian Search and Rescue K9, I think dogs using their nose is really cool!
3. What dog training education have you undertaken? Also what seminars have you attended?
I have done the NDTF dog training certification, watching essentially ALL the Leerburg, Michael Ellis & Ivan Balabanov videos + was an OG subscriber to Pk9 Online!
4. What aspects of dog training and behaviour do you have particular interest in?
I particularly enjoy scent detection!
5. What do you enjoy most about working with dogs?
I LOVE puppies! I love the idea that I can help mould a puppy by teaching their pawrents how to set them up for success.
6. Tell us a bit about your own dogs – Age, breed, what you enjoy doing with them? What they most enjoy.
I have 2 dogs, Mya & Atlas. Mya is a Rottweiler X, 3yo, is super food oriented and loves a trick training session, she also loves chasing rabbits. Atlas is a German Shepherd, 2yo, will do anything for a toy! He enjoys scent work & swimming!
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Where To From Here
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Servicing Melbourne’s East & Mornington Peninsula
Our dog trainers provide in-home training throughout Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs, the Dandenongs and the Mornington Peninsula. The map below shows our service areas and you can find the full list of suburbs we service below the map
