Auntie Dez

Welcome to our new segment of Interview with the Auntie! Learn all about the staff members at Wooftopia and why they love working with your dogs. Our first Auntie Interview is with, of course, Auntie Dez!

How long have you worked at Wooftopia? What is your position?

Forever/Owner

What is your favourite thing about working at Wooftopia?

Seeing the difference that structured and safe socialization can make for a dog’s confidence and also snuggling. I also love helping dogs who haven’t succeeded in other social settings and teaching them how to have fun.

What is your favourite dog breed? Why?

I can’t pick a favourite breed, I guess I love a mutt!

In your opinion, what is the best tip you would give to dog owners?

Be confident with your dog! Ignore fearful behaviour and reward when they are being confident. The more comfortable and confident you are with your dog, the more comfortable and confident your dog will become.

What are you most passionate about in regards to dogs?

I am passionate about rehabbing dogs that have fear and/or aggression issues. I love helping a dog gain confidence and start to enjoy life no matter what background they may have come from.

What was your first pet?

My first pet was a Border Collie/Husky X named Max.

What kind of pets do you have?

Kali (5 year old husky/lab X): Kali is a rehab dog who helps dogs overcome their issues. She is also a big goofball.

Nanu (6ish cattle dog/husky/heinz 57): She is sassy and loves to play rough. She is always the boss.

Harvey (13ish Heinz 57, spaniel maybe?): Bites humans and loves to pee on all the things.

Timber (6ish German Shepherd X): Loves to run and explore on a hike, needs to live with other dogs but doesn’t necessarily care for them that much…

Sunomono and Toro (8 month old rats): Su loves to snuggle and Toro loves to explore.

Bread and Butter (1.5 year old rats): Bread loves to snuggle and is working on her tricks and Butter likes to eat all the snacks.

What is your favourite thing to do with your pet(s)?

I love to teach my dogs new things and they love to learn! Agility, Rally Obedience or acting classes, we are always trying something new to work those brains ad continue to build our bond.

What are the other Aunties saying?

“I love working with Dez and I learn so much from her. She has helped me so much with my confidence when working with my own reactive dog. She has so much knowledge to share and is very passionate about each dog that comes through our doors.” -Auntie Emily

“I met Auntie Dez at our assessment in November 2015, and since then she has done every single thing she can to help Jax and Zira – whether it was helping us with reactivity, anxiety, fear or low confidence that we were experiencing in our dogs. I enjoy working with her because she’s an amazing resource, providing guidance and humour each day!” -Auntie Ashton

“I met auntie Dez when I fell in love with a “problem dog”, and she helped me every step along the way, teaching me how I can better our life together and his life in general. I love working with her because she’s a good person who does everything she can to make a difference to all the dogs and owners she meets!” -Auntie Leesa

“I can’t even remember where Auntie Dez and I first met. All I know now is that she is an amazing boss and an even better friend! We have worked together since August 2016 and she is an extremely kind, loyal, and trustworthy person. I can’t thank her enough for all the support she has given me throughout our career together! She has taught me more about training in the past year then I have learnt in the entire time I have been working with dogs! All she strives for is to help others in every way possible. I hope one day I can be as incredible as she is! Thank you Auntie Dez for believing in myself and Benson! We owe our success to you!” -Auntie Melissa

“I just met Auntie Dez this year when I started at Wooftopia in January. She treats every dog like it were her own and goes above and beyond on a daily basis. I love working with her because of the positivity she brings into the workplace and her commitment to the dogs she works with. I learn things from her on a daily basis and can’t thank her enough for the opportunity to work at such a great establishment!” -Auntie Trista

I hope you enjoyed “meeting” Auntie Dez! Stay tuned for more Interviews with the Auntie in the near future.

Keep those tails waggin’ and those kisses coming!

Auntie Emily