Local pooch in running for OZ Top Dog

By Ella Bradford

A working dog from Burpengary East is among seven from Queensland’s in the running for the 2023 OZ Top Dog competition.

The competition celebrates dogs that enhance employee wellbeing and mental health in workplaces.

This year, there were almost 400 entries and all are in the running for the People’s Choice award.

Competition details

The OZ Top Dog competition is run by People2People Recruitment in partnership with global hiring platform Indeed.

Finalists for the Top Office Dog and Top Dog with a Job will be judged by the panel on August 23.

The winners from all categories will be announced online on August 25 just ahead of International Dog Day on August 26.

Each category winner will receive a Top Dog trophy and $1000.

Positive workplace impact

A poll by People2People Recruitment revealed that in 2023 more than three in five employees would be more likely to go to the office if there was a dog.

People2People Recruitment Managing Director Catherine Kennedy says the positive impact dogs have on mental health is remarkable.

“Canines are incredibly perceptive, and they have the amazing ability to elevate mood, improve morale, and strengthen team cohesion. When it comes to workplace wellbeing, dogs are the ultimate co-worker,” Ms Kennedy says.

Queensland finalist

Top Dog with a Job finalist, Chimera is a Kelpie working at Akheron Working Dogs at Burpengary East.

Owner Tanisha Vidale says Chimera helps other dogs with training.

“She helps with dog training at my business Akheron Working Dogs, she helps build the confidence of dogs and socialization with dogs’ reactions,” Tanisha says.

“She helps other dogs with sheep because she’s also a sheep dog, but she also helps owners see what their dogs can achieve.”

Tanisha owns, trains and works five working line Kelpies and aims to provide an avenue for dogs to appropriately express their natural instincts and to work with owners to improve the owner-dog bond.

Where to vote

Voting for the People’s Choice award is open at https://www.people2people.com.au/oztopdog and the award ceremony will be livestreamed across LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.