If you're a dog owner in Essex or Hertfordshire, chances are you've searched for help with dog training, puppy classes, or finding a reliable dog trainer near you.

At ASCENDK9, based in Harlow, Essex, we do more than just teach obedience - we help you build a relationship with your dog that’s built on trust, engagement, and real-world reliability.

Whether you're just starting out with a new puppy, dealing with specific behavioural challenges, or wanting to elevate your training to the next level, our approach is designed to meet you and your dog exactly where you are.

Here’s what you can expect when you begin your training journey with us, and why it’s about more than just turning up to class.

Your First Private Lesson

Every journey with ASCENDK9 begins with a private lesson. Either in-person or virtual, this allows us to take the time to truly get to know you and your dog - understanding your current goals, what your dog already knows, any behavioural concerns, and what motivates them most.

Why do we put such emphasis on this? Because training isn't one-size-fits-all. Knowing what drives your dog (whether it's food, toys, praise, or play) helps us build a personalised plan that gets results while keeping your dog engaged and enthusiastic. It’s about setting you both up for success right from the start.

📍 Tailored from the first session - every dog starts with a 1:1 so we can meet them exactly where they are.

We’ll Cover:

A baseline of your dog’s obedience and behaviours
Identification of any behavioural challenges
What motivates your dog (and how to use it effectively)
Your goals and lifestyle
Home setup, routines, and boundaries
Equipment recommendations for better handling and communication

The Next Phase: Choosing Your Pathway

Once we’ve completed the initial assessment, we’ll recommend the best next steps for your dog’s training journey. Options may include:

Further private lessons - for personalised coaching, behavioural work, or bespoke progress
Virtual coaching - for remote guidance with regular check-ins
Group class pathways - most clients start in our RISE: Foundation Pathway, which focuses on building engagement and skills for real-life scenarios
More advanced clients may be invited to jump straight into our EDGE: Pathway, which builds off-lead reliability, challenge-based training, and real-world scenarios

No matter the route, you’ll have access to a private client WhatsApp group that includes:

A supportive network of likeminded dog owners

Real-time updates, exclusive discounts, and community discussions

Why Motivation Matters in Dog Training

A motivated dog is a teachable dog. But motivation isn’t just about giving them a treat when they sit. It’s about tapping into what really drives your individual dog.

Understanding motivation helps:

Make training more effective and enjoyable
Prevent burnout or frustration (in both dog and handler)
Create deeper focus and engagement

We’ll show you how to use motivation as your biggest asset during your private lesson and throughout your training journey.

👀 It starts with focus. Training success depends on engagement first - and we build it from day one.

Support Beyond the Session

One of the things that sets ASCENDK9 apart from other dog training classes in Essex and Hertfordshire is how we support our clients outside of lessons.

Here’s what ongoing support looks like:

Follow-up messages after private sessions to check on progress
Open invitation to send videos for critique
Encouragement to ask questions any time
Ongoing advice around equipment, routine, or troubleshooting issues
Guidance on conditioning tools like muzzles, leads, or harnesses

Dog training doesn’t end when the session finishes. I’m here to coach you, but your daily consistency and the structure you implement at home are what create lasting change.

The Importance of Structure and Commitment

Success in dog training - whether you’re in private sessions or attending our puppy classes - comes down to one thing: consistency.

Your dog doesn’t just learn from what happens in a 60-minute lesson. They learn from what happens every day. That’s why part of our training includes helping you build solid structure, routines, and boundaries at home.

I work flexibly with all clients - whether you’re managing time constraints, physical limitations, or a busy household - but there’s always a requirement for daily consistency in training.

🔥 New experiences, supported by familiar faces. We love helping owners explore what their dogs can really do!

The Power of Community: Our Dog Training Network in Essex & Hertfordshire

Training your dog can feel overwhelming - but you’re not alone. Our client community is built to support you through every step of the journey.

Free monthly group walks - a relaxed way to meet other clients, socialise your dog, and practise skills
Collaborative days out - like Barn Hunt, PSA club taster sessions, and other dog sports with trusted professionals
A judgment-free atmosphere where learning is encouraged and support is guaranteed

We’re proud of our tight-knit community. It’s one of the biggest reasons our clients stay long after their first session.

Booking & Progressing: Staying on Track

All clients have access to a private booking link to schedule lessons and classes at their convenience. There are no mandatory session requirements - but regular attendance is strongly recommended for success.

If you’ve had a long break between group classes, we’ll ask you to book a private refresher session. This ensures your dog’s skills are still suitable for the group environment, and it allows us to give 1-to-1 coaching - especially for behavioural issues, which can’t always be addressed in a group setting.

FAQ: What Equipment Might I Need?

Q: Will I need to buy new equipment?
A: Possibly! During your private session, I may recommend different leads, harnesses, long lines, or muzzles depending on your dog's needs and goals. If we do, I’ll also help guide you through proper conditioning so your dog learns to associate equipment with positive experiences.

💬 You’re never alone in training - our client group connects you with support, tips, and exclusive updates.

Question for You: Are You Ready to Commit Outside of Class?

It’s easy to book a class. The real work begins at home.

So ask yourself - are you ready to:

Train consistently between sessions?
Be coachable and open to change?
Set boundaries at home and stick to them?
Stay committed even when life gets busy?

If the answer is yes, you’re going to love working with ASCENDK9.

Why We Do What We Do (And How We Do It Differently)

At ASCENDK9, our goal is to create confident owners and capable dogs. That means:

Personalised, adaptable coaching
A supportive, like-minded dog training community
Strong foundations for real-life obedience
Opportunities to push your skills and try new things

We combine structure and support, results and relationship, coaching and community. If you're in Hertfordshire or Essex and searching for more than just a one-off puppy training class - you’ve found it.

🐾 Community matters. Join our monthly walks and meet other likeminded owners on the same journey.

Ready to start your journey? Whether you're brand new to training or looking to take things to the next level, ASCENDK9 is here to guide you every step of the way.

👉 Reach out now to book your initial private session or ask questions about which pathway is right for you.

Let’s build the dog-human partnership you’ve always wanted.

What to Expect When You Start Dog Training with ASCENDK9