Small Dog
Medium Dog
Large Dog
Giant Dog
Puppy
Cat
Bird
Rabbit / Guinea Pig
Nick F.
Specialising in Oodles and low-to-non-shedding breeds
5 repeat guests
20 reviews
Response rate: 100%
Last seen 1 day ago
About Nick
Hello, I'm Nick and together with my partner Kendall and Eddie the Labradoodle we are here to help with your special fur child.
We live in a dog loving, child free, two human, one dog home in Coromandel Valley where your dog is welcome inside and will be treated like one of the family.
We can help with:
* Puppy minding, socialising, play and fun training
* General obedience and trick training
* Teaching good manners and boundaries
* Dog walking and park play
* Doggy day care / companionship (walks and outings included, weather permitting)
* Dog holidays at our home (walks and outings included, weather permitting)
Most of the time during the week it will just be Nick (and Eddie) as Kendall works full time.
As a couple we have over 15 years experience in dog companionship. Nick has a keen interest in dog training and play, whilst Kendall heads up the cuddles and catering departments.
We are currently owned by Eddie the labradoodle. Previously it was by Chester the Cavoodle and Zach the Maltese (Kendall's family dog).
Eddie is super friendly, well trained, fully vaccinated and loves to interact with other dogs. He's our right hand dog for k9 fun and puppy socialising, and is a great role model for other dogs given his good manners and fun array of tricks.
Our favourite breeds to work with are low-to-non-shedding dog breeds like "Oodles" (Labradoodles, Groodles, Cavoodles, Spoodles, Schnoodles, Borderdoodles, Moodles etc) and pedigree breeds like Poodles, Lagottos, Schnauzers, Portuguese Water Dogs, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, Westies, Scotty Dogs, Maltese Terriers, Bichon Frise, Havanese, Bedlington Terriers and the like.
We will also happily work with all Spaniels, Retrievers, Shepherds / Working breeds, and most other pure and mixed breeds. However due to the propensity of these breeds to shed fur, adult dogs may not be available for dog holidays. It will depend on the dog and the decision will be made at our discretion.
Sorry… Staffies, Amstaffs, Mastiffs, Bull Terriers, Bull Arabs, Akitas or related breeds are unavailable for dog holidays or doggy day care. We are also unavailable to help with aggressive dogs and drooling / slobbery dogs.
Nick really enjoys dog training and can help to reinforce and solidify your dog's existing training and to help your dog learn some fun new tricks as relevant.
A reliable recall and walking nicely on lead are probably the ultimate achievements for many dog owners and something that we should be able to help you with. But bear in mind that you will also need to work consistently with your dog to solidify these things.
Just let us know what you are working on, aiming towards or hoping for and we will do our very best whilst with your dog.
We reward and reinforce good dog manners
Good dog manners to us include:
* Four paws on the floor for rewards, pats and praise (not jumping up on people)
* Waiting for humans to go through doors or gates first (not barging out before people)
* Staying in the car until permission is given to exit (not barging out when the door is opened)
* Taking food gently (not snatching)
* Waiting to be fed (not rushing at food)
* Giving toys / objects from their mouth when asked
* Allowing easy lead attachment (not running away when trying to put on the lead)
* Walking nicely and not pulling on the lead
Puppy minding, socialisation, play, fun training and manners a speciality (all breeds)
8 to 16 weeks of age (8 to 12 weeks in particular) is a super important time for puppy socialisation and learning that should not be underestimated. Puppies apparently learn more in this period of time than in any other time in their life. If your puppy is in this age bracket, now is the time to socialise and start training in a rewarding, fun, patient, caring and safe manner. We would love to help you with this and they will have our undivided attention whilst in our care. When it comes to socialisation and training, puppy pre-school alone is not enough.
In the first couple of weeks of puppy ownership, it's particularly important not to leave them alone for too long. If you cannot take time off work during this time, we can look after your puppy at our home. We can also visit your puppy at your place and/or pick them up for some safe out and about socialising, training and play.
The behaviours that we think are the most important for puppies at this stage to learn are sit, drop, name awareness and learning to come when called, wait/stay, watch/look, give, touch (nose to hand), yes (as a bridge to confirm a behaviour), no/uh-uh and four paws on the floor. Anything else is icing on the cake.
We can do some crate training with your puppy if that is something you would like help with. It can be a great way to fast track toilet training.
You can teach an older dog new tricks
Ideally training should start sooner rather than later when a dog is still a puppy but this is obviously not possible in many instances (eg a rescue or rehomed dog, or a late blooming owner). It is never too late to start, and with rewards, patience and love you can teach older dogs new tricks and behaviours.
Chaperone for Formal training classes
If you don't have the time to do so, we can take your dog to puppy pre-school and formal obedience classes and work with your dog throughout the classes - and also with extra sessions in between to solidify the training. You pay for any third party fees and equipment plus our services.
Get your children involved in dog training and play
Nick can also help your children to teach your dog some tricks and to help them to reinforce existing training and play for some fun, rewarding, non-screen-time, child-dog bonding. Nick has a valid "working with children check" in South Australia.
Please note: we will walk, socialise, train and look after almost all breeds of friendly dogs
Whilst we specialise in Oodles and low-to-non-shedding breeds for home stays at our place, we will happily walk, socialise, train and look after almost all breeds of friendly dogs. Puppies of any breed are always welcome in our home.
Dog walking and park play
We will come and pick your dog up from your place and take them for walks around the local suburbs and to favourite parks, ovals and other spaces nearby, so that they have their senses stimulated and burn lots of energy. We will endeavour to mix things up to keep your dog interested and will happily work at their pace.
Dog Holidays at our home: Our casa, your dog's casa
Your dog will have a wonderful holiday with us while you go on your break. They will be included in all dog friendly activities that we do as a family and will get plenty of fresh air and exercise. Lots of treats, pats, play and praise will be given to make your dog feel happy, included and part of our pack as they stay with us.
Oral and ear medication is no problemo
We have experience in giving oral medication and do so with tasty treats. Our boy Eddie has Addison's disease which is controlled daily with oral medication (don’t worry its not catchy - his body cannot produce enough hormones to keep his body's electrolytes in balance). Our previous dog Chester had a heart issue called Cardio Myopathy which was also managed with oral medication. We also have experience in using ear drops and rinses (eg Epi-Otic) for ear infections and prevention. If your dog needs oral or ear medication, we should be able to help. We are also located two minutes from the Coromandel Valley Vet should your dog need medical attention.
Special dietary requirements happily catered for
We are more than happy to accommodate special dietary requirements such as grain free, lactose free, low fat, vegan, breed specific, age specific etc. Please advise at the time of enquiry so that we know to chat about it with you at the Meet & Greet or drop off.
We're dog peeps through and through
Dogs are wonderful, precious creatures and we love spending time with them and enriching their lives through play, training, care and outings.
Rest assured that your dog will be well cared for, well socialised, and most importantly will be treated like one of the family with plenty of love, respect and play. Think new smells, fun games, plenty of pats and a wonderful time for your beautiful pet(s).
If your dog is friendly, loves pats and having fun, and is food and/or play motivated, we are going to have a super time together....
We live in a dog loving, child free, two human, one dog home in Coromandel Valley where your dog is welcome inside and will be treated like one of the family.
We can help with:
* Puppy minding, socialising, play and fun training
* General obedience and trick training
* Teaching good manners and boundaries
* Dog walking and park play
* Doggy day care / companionship (walks and outings included, weather permitting)
* Dog holidays at our home (walks and outings included, weather permitting)
Most of the time during the week it will just be Nick (and Eddie) as Kendall works full time.
As a couple we have over 15 years experience in dog companionship. Nick has a keen interest in dog training and play, whilst Kendall heads up the cuddles and catering departments.
We are currently owned by Eddie the labradoodle. Previously it was by Chester the Cavoodle and Zach the Maltese (Kendall's family dog).
Eddie is super friendly, well trained, fully vaccinated and loves to interact with other dogs. He's our right hand dog for k9 fun and puppy socialising, and is a great role model for other dogs given his good manners and fun array of tricks.
Our favourite breeds to work with are low-to-non-shedding dog breeds like "Oodles" (Labradoodles, Groodles, Cavoodles, Spoodles, Schnoodles, Borderdoodles, Moodles etc) and pedigree breeds like Poodles, Lagottos, Schnauzers, Portuguese Water Dogs, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, Westies, Scotty Dogs, Maltese Terriers, Bichon Frise, Havanese, Bedlington Terriers and the like.
We will also happily work with all Spaniels, Retrievers, Shepherds / Working breeds, and most other pure and mixed breeds. However due to the propensity of these breeds to shed fur, adult dogs may not be available for dog holidays. It will depend on the dog and the decision will be made at our discretion.
Sorry… Staffies, Amstaffs, Mastiffs, Bull Terriers, Bull Arabs, Akitas or related breeds are unavailable for dog holidays or doggy day care. We are also unavailable to help with aggressive dogs and drooling / slobbery dogs.
Nick really enjoys dog training and can help to reinforce and solidify your dog's existing training and to help your dog learn some fun new tricks as relevant.
A reliable recall and walking nicely on lead are probably the ultimate achievements for many dog owners and something that we should be able to help you with. But bear in mind that you will also need to work consistently with your dog to solidify these things.
Just let us know what you are working on, aiming towards or hoping for and we will do our very best whilst with your dog.
We reward and reinforce good dog manners
Good dog manners to us include:
* Four paws on the floor for rewards, pats and praise (not jumping up on people)
* Waiting for humans to go through doors or gates first (not barging out before people)
* Staying in the car until permission is given to exit (not barging out when the door is opened)
* Taking food gently (not snatching)
* Waiting to be fed (not rushing at food)
* Giving toys / objects from their mouth when asked
* Allowing easy lead attachment (not running away when trying to put on the lead)
* Walking nicely and not pulling on the lead
Puppy minding, socialisation, play, fun training and manners a speciality (all breeds)
8 to 16 weeks of age (8 to 12 weeks in particular) is a super important time for puppy socialisation and learning that should not be underestimated. Puppies apparently learn more in this period of time than in any other time in their life. If your puppy is in this age bracket, now is the time to socialise and start training in a rewarding, fun, patient, caring and safe manner. We would love to help you with this and they will have our undivided attention whilst in our care. When it comes to socialisation and training, puppy pre-school alone is not enough.
In the first couple of weeks of puppy ownership, it's particularly important not to leave them alone for too long. If you cannot take time off work during this time, we can look after your puppy at our home. We can also visit your puppy at your place and/or pick them up for some safe out and about socialising, training and play.
The behaviours that we think are the most important for puppies at this stage to learn are sit, drop, name awareness and learning to come when called, wait/stay, watch/look, give, touch (nose to hand), yes (as a bridge to confirm a behaviour), no/uh-uh and four paws on the floor. Anything else is icing on the cake.
We can do some crate training with your puppy if that is something you would like help with. It can be a great way to fast track toilet training.
You can teach an older dog new tricks
Ideally training should start sooner rather than later when a dog is still a puppy but this is obviously not possible in many instances (eg a rescue or rehomed dog, or a late blooming owner). It is never too late to start, and with rewards, patience and love you can teach older dogs new tricks and behaviours.
Chaperone for Formal training classes
If you don't have the time to do so, we can take your dog to puppy pre-school and formal obedience classes and work with your dog throughout the classes - and also with extra sessions in between to solidify the training. You pay for any third party fees and equipment plus our services.
Get your children involved in dog training and play
Nick can also help your children to teach your dog some tricks and to help them to reinforce existing training and play for some fun, rewarding, non-screen-time, child-dog bonding. Nick has a valid "working with children check" in South Australia.
Please note: we will walk, socialise, train and look after almost all breeds of friendly dogs
Whilst we specialise in Oodles and low-to-non-shedding breeds for home stays at our place, we will happily walk, socialise, train and look after almost all breeds of friendly dogs. Puppies of any breed are always welcome in our home.
Dog walking and park play
We will come and pick your dog up from your place and take them for walks around the local suburbs and to favourite parks, ovals and other spaces nearby, so that they have their senses stimulated and burn lots of energy. We will endeavour to mix things up to keep your dog interested and will happily work at their pace.
Dog Holidays at our home: Our casa, your dog's casa
Your dog will have a wonderful holiday with us while you go on your break. They will be included in all dog friendly activities that we do as a family and will get plenty of fresh air and exercise. Lots of treats, pats, play and praise will be given to make your dog feel happy, included and part of our pack as they stay with us.
Oral and ear medication is no problemo
We have experience in giving oral medication and do so with tasty treats. Our boy Eddie has Addison's disease which is controlled daily with oral medication (don’t worry its not catchy - his body cannot produce enough hormones to keep his body's electrolytes in balance). Our previous dog Chester had a heart issue called Cardio Myopathy which was also managed with oral medication. We also have experience in using ear drops and rinses (eg Epi-Otic) for ear infections and prevention. If your dog needs oral or ear medication, we should be able to help. We are also located two minutes from the Coromandel Valley Vet should your dog need medical attention.
Special dietary requirements happily catered for
We are more than happy to accommodate special dietary requirements such as grain free, lactose free, low fat, vegan, breed specific, age specific etc. Please advise at the time of enquiry so that we know to chat about it with you at the Meet & Greet or drop off.
We're dog peeps through and through
Dogs are wonderful, precious creatures and we love spending time with them and enriching their lives through play, training, care and outings.
Rest assured that your dog will be well cared for, well socialised, and most importantly will be treated like one of the family with plenty of love, respect and play. Think new smells, fun games, plenty of pats and a wonderful time for your beautiful pet(s).
If your dog is friendly, loves pats and having fun, and is food and/or play motivated, we are going to have a super time together....
Children at home
Owns pets
Police Check
Pets Accepted
Nick's Home
Type: House
Large backyard
Fenced backyard
Household
Pets sleep indoors
Pets sleep outdoors
Policy
Cancellation: Moderate
A full refund will be offered to Pet Owners if they cancel up until 7 days before the booking at 12 noon. After which Pet Owners will be charged 50% of the total booking value.
Accepts last-minute bookings
Accepts long-term bookings
Reviews & Testimonials
20 reviews
Leean K.
Pet Hosting - Apr 20, 2021
Can’t recommend highly enough! This is the second time our labradoodle pup has stayed with Nick and we truly value the comfort that comes knowing that our dog is safe and well cared for whilst we away...including awesome action shots of fun times!! …
Kia W.
Pet Hosting - Mar 8, 2021
Nick and Kendall were amazing hosts for our 2 Labradoodles Teddy and Luna. They went above and beyond to give our beloved fur children their very own holiday while we were away. Nick kept us in the loop with all of their adventures and we could not have been happier and more assured that our loved ones were in the right hands and having the best time with their new friends Nick, Kendall and Eddie!…
Laura C.
Pet Hosting - Feb 21, 2021
When looking for a sitter I was very picky as it’s like giving your child to a stranger. I chose Nick and Kendall because of their reviews and repeat clients as well as their very in depth description about what they offer. You can tell they love what they do. Bailey was treated like a member of their family and was so very spoilt and well looked after. We got photo updates too! Highly recommend!!…
Leean K.
Pet Hosting - Jan 10, 2021
Going away we needed care for our 6 mth old labradoodle.Consistently professional, knowledgeable and kind.Always clear thoughtful communication from initial inquiry and throughout duration of stay with lots of photos and updates. Highly recommend. …
Service & Rates
Overnight Pet Services
Pet Hosting
At Sitter's Home
$ 75 / night
Pet Sitting
At Pet's Home
not offered
Daytime Pet Services
Pet Day Care
$ 54 / day
House Visiting
$ 38 / visit
Dog Walking
$ 36 / walk
Dog Grooming
not offered
Dog Training
$ 97 / session
Transport
Pick Up - Drop Off
$ 25 / journey
Emergency
Transport
Transport
Available
More Sitters like Nick
