Canine Kindergarten | Love of Dogs Academy

With the generosity and support from our donors, and the expertise of the Canine Kindergarten team at North Narabeen, it looks like For the Love of Dogs will soon have an academy to run programs from... if all goes according to plan, we will be working with the Canine Kindergarten team in our new home in North Narrabeen from 1st June.

We still have a few hoops to jump through, but we are on the cusp of making a giant leap forward in our mission to enrich the lives of dogs and people living with disabilities all at once.

Canine Kindergarten is a well-established doggy daycare and grooming centre with a phenomenal reputation. Due to a change in their owner Maxine’s circumstances, they were going to need to shut their doors, but we have found the perfect collaboration so everyone wins! The Canine Kindergarten team are staying on to continue to provide the exceptional services, so dogs and families will not be impacted at all. We plan to create some smaller spaces, making the daycare environment less intimidating and safer for dogs and participants alike.

We will keep you posted with the final hoop jumping progress, as well as fit-out and Love of Dogs program kickoff timelines. Whether you are a current / future customer, participant or community member, we would love to hear your thoughts. Please click here to have your say. We will add any common queries to our FAQs below so everyone gets a chance to stay informed.

For all current Canine Kindergarten customers... please continue to liaise with Maxine and the team for bookings. We will keep you updated on any changes as we get systems in place.

How often are the walks scheduled?

Walks can be weekly or fortnightly, depending on your availability and your match’s schedule.
How long are the walks?

Walks usually last about an hour. If you need shorter or longer walks, let us know, and we can adjust to what works best for you.
Where do we go on our walks?

We’ll decide the walking route together, starting from your home or a nearby meeting spot. Walks are planned to suit your goals, accessibility needs, and what’s safe and dog-friendly. Routes can include: - A stroll through the neighborhood or a local park. - A stop at a dog-friendly café if you’d like a social break. - A visit to a dog park or venue if you’re looking to meet new people and dogs. Every walk is tailored to make sure it’s enjoyable, comfortable, and meets your preferences.
Can I bring my own dog?

Yes, you can bring your own dog! Please note that we can only have one dog on a walk. This means either you or the volunteer will bring a dog, but not both. If you’d like to bring your dog, staff will conduct an assessment to make sure it’s a good fit for the program.
Do I need to have experience walking dogs?

No prior experience is needed! Staff and volunteers will guide you and ensure you’re comfortable.
Should I bring a support worker?

You can bring a support worker if it helps you feel more comfortable or if you need extra help. Our volunteers can help with things like pushing a wheelchair, but they can’t help with personal care like getting dressed or using the bathroom.
Can I join another program while doing Wag n Walk?

Yes, you can combine Wag n Walk with other programs like Pat n Chat for more social activities or Taster Experience for career exploration.
What happens if I don’t feel comfortable with my match?

We’ll work with you to understand your concerns and, if needed, find a new match that better fits your preferences.
How much does it cost?

All program fees are covered by your NDIS package. If your goals are about having fun and making friends, the fees will come from your core supports. If your goals are about learning skills or getting ready for a job, the fees will come from your capacity building funds. Not on NDIS? Contact us to explore options.