Once it was Asian elephants at the Melbourne Zoo.
Now it’s Footscray’s Charlies and Bellas and Maxes and Rubies of the doggy kind who get the attention of animal/pet trainer and behaviour specialist David McKelson.
Before David opened Pro Dog Daycare last year, he worked for 17 years with all kinds of exotic species at the zoo. The final eight of those years he was precinct manager of the Asian elephant section. He says his roles let him learn from worldwide experts about animal behaviour. David now uses that knowledge in a different – yet similar – direction.
“My routine with the elephants was a focused, patient, incremental approach to training and I now apply that with dogs,” David says. “Working with the elephants was inspiring; I saw three successful elephant births from artificial insemination, which was received internationally as a significant achievement. Now I put the same commitment into the dogs we care for and train.”
Following his zoo stint, David completed accreditation as a Certified Dog Trainer/Behaviour Specialist and is a certified instructor.
Team members at Pro Dog are also qualified dog trainers and, with David’s scientific credentials in animal behaviour adding significantly to the skill set, the doggy home-away-from-home is winning two-legged and four-legged fans alike. Designed in consultation with experts, the air-conditioned premises are set up with a focus on allowing healthy socialisation in a fun, safe and controlled way.
After meeting peacekeeper/duty manager, Tony, David’s eight-year-old Pomeranian cross and demo dog Rhea, his German shepherd puppy, visitors can have a chat with David about what works best for them and their pets.
“It’s then I can observe and identify behavioural aspects of a dog, which allows us to tailor a dog’s daycare experience for maximum impact,” David adds.
“For example, we build confidence in poorly socialised dogs to improve their general wellbeing and ability to co-exist with other dogs and humans. Seeing dogs [and clients] benefit hugely from training, and watching dogs form friendships with each other is very rewarding … nearly on par with an elephant birth.”
Pro Dog Daycare and Training, 2D/19-23 Paramount Road, West Footscray. Opens 7.30am-6.30pm Monday-Friday; Saturday private dog training by appointment. Inquiries: 0413 042 811 or www.prodogdaycare.com
