Kaiser’s journey was filled with moments of doubt, progress, and growth. Muzzling him was one of the tools that helped us navigate those moments safely. In this blog, I’ll explain why, as a dog trainer, I choose to muzzle my dog and how it’s contributed to his transformation.

Reactivity in dogs is often misunderstood, leading to frustration for owners and unnecessary stress for dogs. But reactivity isn’t a one-size-fits-all issue - there’s a spectrum. From mild overstimulation to extreme aggression, understanding where your dog falls on this spectrum is the key to effective training and a better relationship.

Let’s break down what dog reactivity really is, why it happens, and how to manage it.

Picture this: You’re at the park with your dog, and despite your best efforts, they ignore your calls and bolt toward a busy road. Your heart stops. If only there were a way to ensure they listen every time, without fail. That’s where e-collar training comes in.

There are many different training philosophies, but today I want to focus on two approaches: Reward-Based Balanced Training and Compulsion Training.

Crate training is one of the most effective ways to provide structure and security for your dog. Whether you’re crate training your puppy or working on adult dog crate training, the right approach can make all the difference. At ASCENDK9, we’re here to help you understand the crate training benefits and the best way to crate train your dog for success.

Toilet training your puppy is one of the first and most important lessons you’ll teach them. A well-trained puppy will develop good habits early on, reducing accidents and ensuring a cleaner, happier home.

Using box feeding as a training method for article or scent indication provides a controlled environment helping your dog completely focus on the task at hand. The opacity of the box environment minimises distraction making it perfect for introducing a new skill to your dog.

Want a motivated, active, thinking dog? Build your training around these three pillars

In recent years, especially post-pandemic, dog trainers have seen a huge rise in dog reactivity cases. But what exactly is reactivity, and what signs should you look out for as an owner that might indicate you have a reactive dog?

Loose-lead walking is one of the most requested training goals we hear at ASCENDK9, but it’s also one of the hardest for owners to crack.

Let’s break down why this skill is so challenging, how to teach it effectively, and the key habits that prevent your dog from slipping back into bad pulling habits.

Puppy socialisation is one of the most important parts of early puppy training - yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many people assume a “well-socialised” puppy is the one who rushes up to greet every dog and every person. But in reality, the goal is quite different.

Here’s the game-changer: you don’t need to rely solely on treats. You can use your dog’s existential food - the meals they would eat every day - to boost focus, motivation, and results in dog training.