Proofing is a critical step in dog and puppy training that takes behaviours beyond the basics and turns them into reliable obedience you can count on in the real world. It means practising a command or skill in a range of environments, situations, and distraction levels so your dog understands that the cue applies everywhere - not just at home.

The Lea Valley offers some of the best dog walks in Essex - but it’s also a powerful training environment filled with real-world distractions. From busy paths and wildlife to dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect place to practice recall, calm behaviour, and responsible dog ownership. In this blog, I share my favourite Lea Valley training spots, why bullet-proof recall is essential before allowing off-lead freedom, and how to use these environments to build confident, reliable dogs.

Displacement behaviours in dogs are often misunderstood and easily overlooked - yet they’re one of the clearest ways your dog communicates stress, uncertainty, or emotional conflict. From sniffing and yawning to scratching and shaking off, these behaviours aren’t random or “bad behaviour”. They’re signs your dog is trying to cope. Understanding what displacement behaviour in dogs looks like - and why it happens - can completely change how you approach training, improve your dog’s confidence, and strengthen your relationship.

Today’s blog is written by Izzy, Owner and Head Groomer at The Canine Parlour in Ealing, West London. Known for her honest, compassionate, and no-filter approach, Izzy specialises in grooming difficult, nervous, reactive, and rescue dogs - and has built a reputation for making even the most challenging cases feel understood and safe.

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!

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.