About K9 Lifestyle

K9 Lifestyle is a Professional Dog Training and Behaviour Consultancy, experienced in handling dogs and humans of all age, breed, size and temperaments; and in all humane human and dog training and behaviour modification techniques.

K9 Lifestyle was founded in 2008 and began with the dream for all guardians of dogs to be aware of the responsibility they have towards caring for dogs, understanding and providing for their physical, mental and emotional needs, and to learn to correctly interpret their behaviour and communicate with them.

K9 Lifestyle Mission Statement: To create mutually rewarding and enriched relationships between humans and canines through awareness, understanding, respect and the establishment of clear channels of communication.

Damian became accredited in 2006 as a Professional Dog Trainer by completing the only Nationally Recognised dog behaviour and training qualification in Australia as listed below.

  • The National Dog Trainers Federation – Certificate III in Dog Behaviour & Training 21574VIC.

Upon graduating the course he was awarded the National Dog Trainers Federation ‘Trainers Award’ and has since gone on to instruct for several of Melbourne’s largest and most successful obedience clubs; not to mention instructing and lecturing for the National Dog Trainers Federation – Certificate III course.

K9 Lifestyle takes a holistic approach that recognises not only the dog's physical, psychological and emotional needs, but that of its owners too! This promotes the individual personality of the dog whilst creating a pleasurable experience; not only for the dog itself, but for those who share their lives with it.

“I listen to clients and find the right training or working solution for them. By developing programs with clients and not simply for clients, I'm able to make a positive difference in people’s lives.”

To be successful in modifying canine behaviour and teaching new skills to both dog and owner, a trainer needs many attributes:

  • Education
  • Understanding
  • Patience
  • Timing
  • Communication skills, both human and canine
  • Experience
  • An open mind
  • Passion
  • A broad range of skills and techniques
  • Confident, assertive and humane handling skills

K9 Lifestyle embodies these attributes!

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"Thank you Damian for your amazing ability to transfer our very playful lab into a very obedient dog. Your very friendly service and professional training manner was outstanding.

More importantly you were able to instruct us on how to maintain Bulla’s obedience training to ensure he received a consistent ‘message’. Being able to control Bulla’s enthusiasm has certainly made walking along the beach a more enjoyable experience and his temperament is exemplary."

- Trent, Jodie and Millie

“After a very embarrassing and frightening hour on the beach one day trying to catch my four month Border Collie Puppy, I felt like I had won the lottery, when gave an enthusiastic  recommendation for Damian. He really helped me see things from Nell’s angle and taught me a number of simple techniques that made a big difference to how well I was able to work with Nell.

Nell is still a very spirited and highly active dog, but now she is very responsive and reliable – an absolute pleasure to take out – whether its having miles of off leash fun on the beach or an on leash walk through local streets and reserves."

– Anne and Nell

Jan Juc

“Not only did Damian’s training of my very excitable Boxer Staffy Cross give me the confidence to handle and enjoy Dodge, but in addition he went above and beyond the professional standards of training and had a personal approach with us. Damian really impressed us with his impeccable training skills, as well as maintaining and respecting Dodge’s spirit and character. I can’t thank you enough Damian and I look forward to continuing our training.”

– Debbie and Dodge

Anglesea

"Thank you Damian for your amazing ability to transfer our very playful lab into a very obedient dog. Your very friendly service and professional training manner was outstanding. More importantly you were able to instruct us on how to maintain Bulla’s obedience training to ensure he received a consistent ‘message’. 

Engaging in your professional service was certainly worth the investment not only for own benefit but more importantly for Bulla who is a very happy, fun loving obedient dog.  We would be more than happy to recommend your professional service. Many thanks for all your assistance."

– Trent, Jodie and Millie

Torquay

I asked for help from K9 Lifestyle for my Great Dane Charlie who had developed a very annoying habit of barking very loudly at the door when outside and wanting to come in. This became particularly problematic when I had guests over or was over at friends houses and wanted him to stay outside.

Damien was friendly, professional and developed an immediate respect with Charlie. Within three weeks (and 2 follow up sessions) this issue has reduced dramatically and I am confident will completely go away with my continued training of him. I would 100% recommend Damien to any one I know having problems with their canine friends."

– Elly

Torquay