Meet the Team: Matt

As a Behaviour Assessor, Matt works with greyhounds at every stage of their journey through the program, helping them build confidence, develop new skills and prepare for life as much loved family pets. Whether he's assessing newly arrived greyhounds, working one on one with dogs in GAP's behavioural rehabilitation program, supporting the Prison Foster Program or collecting welfare dogs, every day brings something different.

Before joining GAP five years ago, Matt spent 15 years working with the Australian Border Force Detector Dog Program, where he developed extensive experience in canine behaviour and training. After exploring a few different career paths, he knew he wanted to return to working with dogs, and GAP was the perfect fit.

While most of his career had been spent with Labradors, it didn't take long for greyhounds to win him over. Their affectionate personalities, gentle nature and unmistakably soft ears have made him a firm fan of the breed.

We caught up with Matt to learn more about his role, the greyhounds who have left a lasting impression and the unforgettable zoomies that earned him one very impressive bruise!

What's your name and what's your role at GAP?

My name is Matt. I'm a Behaviour Assessor at GAP and I've been here for five years.

What does a typical day (or week) look like for you?

There really isn't a typical day, which is one of the things I love most about this job. I could be assessing greyhounds, training dogs in our behavioural rehabilitation program, visiting a prison as part of our Prison Foster Program or collecting welfare dogs.

What first brought you to GAP?

I worked for the Australian Border Force Detector Dog Program for 15 years. After I left, I had a few different jobs but really wanted to get back to working with dogs in a behavioural capacity.

Did you know much about greyhounds before working here? Has that changed?

Not a lot. I'd spent most of my working life around Labradors, so greyhounds were quite a change!

What's your favourite thing about greyhounds as a breed?

They can be incredibly affectionate, they love to lean on people and they have such soft ears.

Do you have a greyhound (or other pet) of your own?

I don't have a greyhound, but I do have five dogs, three working line English Springer Spaniels, a Pugalier and a Maltese cross Chihuahua.

I also have two cats, two blue tongue lizards, four geckoes, seven chooks, two ducks and some fish.

And two teenage kids, who are much more complicated than pets!

Is there a particular greyhound, past or present, who's left a mark on you?

Lucy Loo was a sweet, puppy like little girl with eye issues. I generally prefer the not so typical greyhounds. I like them to have a lot more personality.

What's the most rewarding part of your job?

Seeing dogs successfully complete our behavioural rehabilitation program and become ready to find loving homes.

What's a funny, surprising or heartwarming moment you've had on the job?

We were assessing a particularly playful greyhound and I made the mistake of hyping him up. He got the zoomies, raced around the yard a few times and then slammed straight into my shin. I had the biggest bruise for about a week afterwards!

What's one thing you wish more people knew about greyhounds or the adoption process?

Greyhounds can be incredibly sweet and easygoing dogs, but it's also important not to underestimate prey drive. Understanding each dog's individual needs helps set them up for success in their new home.

Coffee or tea? Morning person or night owl?

Red Bull! It depends on the day.

If you were a greyhound, what would your name be and why?

Roy Boy. Go the mighty Lions!

Anything else you'd love to share with the GAP community?

The true heroes of this organisation are our helper dogs and cats. Without them, it would be impossible to assess the greyhounds.

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