Scott McGuinness

Hi, I’m Scott – and I guess you could say I’ve had a bit of an eclectic journey to get where I am today! Before diving into the world of dogs, I worked across a mix of industries including graphic design, the oil industry, and even gaming and hospitality. But everything changed when I started working – and eventually supervising – one of Adelaide’s first and largest dog daycare facilities. That’s where my real passion began.

The real turning point for me, though, was Kato – my Siberian Husky and the inspiration behind our logo. He was the spark that ignited my love for dog communication, training, and improving the lives of our four-legged friends. Fast forward to today, and my home is shared with a lively pack of six dogs – including two Pomeranians, two Huskies, a deaf Border Collie, and Jussi the Tibetan Mastiff – as well as three cats, lizards, and birds. It’s a bit of a zoo, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What drives me is helping people build confidence with their dogs – getting out, being active, and really understanding how they think. When you can see the world from your dog’s perspective, it transforms your relationship with them. In today’s world, our dogs face a lot of challenges – socialisation, development, and enrichment aren’t always easy. But with the right guidance, we can create a much better environment for them.

I’m qualified in Dog Behaviour & Training, Work, Health & Safety, and Training & Assessment. My family and I are also proud owners of Hedgegrove Pet Retreat and Windamere Pet Retreat, which we’ve been running for over 10 years. Owning and managing these retreats has allowed me to stay deeply connected to the companion animal industry and continue expanding my experience every day. Many of our clients choose to board their pets with us because they know they’re leaving them with someone they trust.

You’ll often find me in the thick of things – whether it’s running our popular ‘Canine Carnivale’ class, helping the team with more complex behavioural cases, or delivering safety workshops for councils, vet clinics, and boarding facilities.

And now? I’m a new dad too – trying to balance the joys (and chaos!) of fatherhood with running a business and caring for animals. Life’s full, but it’s exactly where I want to be.