We’re excited to announce that bookings are now open for our Charity Pack Walk in support of Mind, the mental health charity!

If you’ve ever asked, “My dog is scared of noises” or wondered “how to stop my dog barking at fireworks”, this post is for you. I’ll walk you through research-led strategies for helping dogs scared of fireworks, plus a detailed how-to for sound desensitisation and what to do if your dog is highly fearful.

Box feeding, also known as The Dopamine Box, is a structured training method designed to improve your dog’s focus, promote calmness, and support behavioural change through controlled feeding and engagement.

This approach uses a box or container as a focal point for feeding - a predictable environment that helps the dog learn to self-regulate, stay calm, and build confidence.

We’re so excited to share that this December, ASCENDK9 will be hosting a special charity pack walk in support of Mind, the mental health charity.

If you’ve ever wondered “how to train a touch command” or “how to train my dog touch”, this step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly how to do it.

At ASCENDK9, we help owners in Harlow, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford, Epping and across Essex use fun, practical training like this to make life with their dogs easier and more enjoyable.

If you’ve ever found yourself searching “how to stop my dog pulling” or “how to teach my dog loose lead”, the way you structure your walks is often the missing piece.

At ASCENDK9, we work with owners across Harlow, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford and the wider Essex area to make walks more enjoyable and purposeful… so here’s how you can start doing the same!

One of the most common questions I hear is: “When should I start training my puppy?” The short answer: as soon as you bring them home - which is typically around 8 weeks of age!

If you’ve ever searched “Will dog training help with separation anxiety?” or worried “My dog barks when I leave”, you’re not alone. Separation anxiety is one of the most common challenges faced by dog owners and while it can feel overwhelming, the right dog training approach can make a huge difference.

We’ve put together our top 5 favourite dog-friendly spots in Bishop’s Stortford where you can practise everything from calm settling to socialisation - all while enjoying great coffee, welcoming atmospheres, and even some tasty dog treats!

In this post, we’ll explore why traditional puppy-only classes might not always be the best fit, how mixing ages benefits your pup’s development, and how our tailored RISE:BASE group obedience class is designed to support dogs of all ages and stages - including puppies.

Training a reactive dog requires more than heel and sit. It requires understanding why your dog feels the need to react, what they're trying to communicate, and how to support them in feeling safer and more in control.

Learn how to confidently advocate for your reactive or nervous dog in public. Practical tips from ASCENDK9 to support real-life training, reduce stress, and build trust with your dog.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to get the most from your sessions by focusing on preparation, presence, and practice - with a special emphasis on decompression, one of the most overlooked yet essential pieces of the training puzzle.

At ASCENDK9, we’ve helped hundreds of dog owners overcome this exact struggle. If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated thinking “but they do it at home!”, this post is for you. We’ll explore why this happens, how to fix it, and what it really takes to build behaviour that holds up anywhere.

Discover why ASCENDK9 is a top-rated dog training service in Harlow, Essex. Real results, 5-star reviews, personalised support & trusted dog training classes.

Training your dog to go to a designated “place” is one of the most practical life skills you can teach. Whether it’s helping them settle at home, creating calmness in exciting environments, or building focus and impulse control, dog place training lays the foundation for a more balanced and responsive companion.

ASCENDK9's virtual sessions are live, personalised training consultations delivered via Zoom. These aren't just calls; they're tailored coaching experiences where we tackle your specific challenges, answer questions, and demonstrate techniques that you can implement right away.

When the British summer finally makes an appearance, it brings sunny skies, BBQs… and a big risk to our companions. Dogs and puppies can struggle in hot weather, and knowing how to keep your dog cool is essential for their health and happiness.

We’ll walk you through the what, how, and why of managing multi-dog households, using proven dog training techniques like crate training, place training, and boundary setting. If you’ve ever asked, “How do I train both dogs without chaos?” - read on.

Vet visits can be overwhelming for many dogs, especially those who are sensitive to handling, new environments, or strangers.