About Paws in the Paddock

Based in Cawdor, Paws in the Paddock provides nearly six acres of secure, open space dedicated specifically to dogs. We offer more than the traditional daycare services and we’re dedicated to creating environment where dogs can thrive under the supervision of an experienced and certified professional.  

The paddock offers your dog daily socialisation and stimulation, with a variety of animals such as cows, donkeys, sheep, horses, goats, birds, and lizards. Dogs can run freely, roll in dirt, splash in the dam, and investigate scents from our nocturnal visitors like wombats and foxes - providing a rich, engaging environment for your pooch. By having more room to roam, they can create boundaries, correct or be corrected. Remove themselves from any unwanted situations, learn how to communicate and find their place in the pack without feeling overwhelmed or a need to defend them self. We highly encourage the dogs to interact and resolve issues independently, intervening only when necessary. This approach supports the development of their social skills both within and outside the daycare environment. This significantly reduces the potential for reactivity and has contributed to alleviating prior reactive behaviours observed in dogs entering our care.  

At Paws in the Paddock, we focus on obedience skills like name response, recall, sit, and wait. Using the Positive Reinforcement and Negative Reinforcement methods, while also utilizing hands on techniques. This includes possible use of spray bottles/ hose use/ time-outs/ removal of toys/ guidance on commands/ grabbing of collars/ leash use/ etc 

DJ is the founder of Paws in the Paddock and serves as our esteemed pack leader. With a lifelong background of hands-on experience with animals of various types, temperaments and ages, from companion animals and livestock, both young and elderly. DJ brings extensive expertise to her role. With nearly a decade working in the professional animal industry, focusing particularly on canine care and development. DJ holds a Certificate in Animal Studies II and has further obtained qualifications in Dog Behaviour & Communications, Basic Canine Obedience Training, and Canine Nutrition, Allergens, and Wellbeing. Her practical experience includes managing a pet store, overseeing daycare and boarding for over sixty dogs daily, volunteering at animal shelters, and serving as a reliable resource for animal first aid and (rescue). Recognising an opportunity to make a unique contribution to the community and improve the lives of local dogs, DJ confidently established her own business.

DJ began walking and boarding dogs in January 2023, and her client base quickly expanded. Within a year, she started a backyard daycare, which soon outgrew its space. After months of searching for a suitable new location that prioritised dog wellbeing and enrichment, she discovered the paddock and on October 1, 2024, the fun truly began.

Reactivity towards humans will not be permitted.
All dogs must pass the behavioural trial.
At Paws in the Paddock, we understand the line of excitement and aggression is a very fine one in dogs and can be confusing even for them. Just like humans, dogs make mistakes and have bad days. Acting out of character or causing accidental harm will not have a dog removed. Behaviours such as excessive mounting, dominance attempts, lack of interest, hazardous to themselves or others etc, will cause permanent removal.  
Light reactivity towards other dogs such as raising hackles, showing of teeth, barking, minor snapping, are behaviours that can be worked through.  This is where building individual confidence comes in clutch.