NIKKI KIRWIN

Working dogs have fascinated me for as long as I can remember, but over the last few years, that interest has grown into wanting to understand not just how to handle a working dog, but how to train, understand and build a genuine team.

I grew up in Eswatini, where dogs, horses, wildlife and the bush were huge parts of my life. My German Shepherd, Toffee, was rarely far from my side while I explored extensively on horseback. My love of Africa’s wildlife and wild spaces led me to complete my field guiding qualification straight out of school. I moved to Perth, Australia, in my teens, but that connection to Africa and its wildlife is a constant as I continued my education in tracking, conservation and wildlife management spaces.

I’ve always had an interest in military and operational working dogs and although I didn’t get the opportunity to work directly with dogs during my own military career spanning almost 5 years, I continued learning about their work and training where I could. In 2025, I completed my NQF level 1-4 Dog Handling qualifications in South Africa, which only made me want to learn more. It wasn’t enough to simply know how to handle a working dog, be it tracking, substance detection or protection work, I wanted to understand HOW that dog was trained in the first place.

A good friend introduced me to the GAK9 system through Jeremy Wikner, and I completed my training course with him in Canberra in 2026.

What I love most about trailing is learning to actually read a dog; their language, their small changes and signals, and how to become a cohesive team. I love the freedom the GAK9 system gives dogs to think for themselves; problem solve and genuinely enjoy their work. Seeing the range of breeds that absolutely love trailing also highlights for me just how valuable it is both as a sport and a way of building an even stronger relationship with one’s dog. Giving so much more to the dog than a backyard and walks now and again.

I currently work as a veterinary nurse as well as professional photographer. Vet nursing has given me another perspective on working with dogs and a solid grounding in canine health, welfare and behaviour that I can bring to the dogs and teams I work with.

I’m currently based in Perth, Australia, but also will be working in South Africa. My long-term goal is to return to Africa and work in the anti-poaching and conservation space, ultimately working with operational tracking dogs.

I not only love what this system allows dogs to achieve, but also how much it teaches us handlers to be more aware, observant and trusting of our dogs. I’m looking forward to sharing what I’ve learned and seeing more dogs and handlers in my area discover just how much fun trailing can be.

Nikki Kirwin
Perth, Western Australia
[email protected]
0478414331