It’s not just about meeting dogs and people. It’s about helping your puppy confidently navigate the real world, from loud noises and strange textures, to unexpected situations, equipment, and new environments.

Getting a new puppy is one of the most exciting milestones in any dog lover's life. But too often, the first few weeks are spent reacting to problems rather than preparing for success. The truth is, puppy training doesn't start the day your puppy arrives - it starts the moment you decide to bring one home!

Welcome to the world of cooperative care training - a compassionate and powerful approach to handling and grooming that prioritises communication, consent, and calmness. Discover our free downloadable how-to guide on how you can use cooperative care training for stress-free tooth brushing with your dog.

Welcome to the world of neutral dog walks. Trainer-led group sessions designed to build dog neutrality, confidence, and handler focus. If you’ve ever felt let down by chaotic dog parks or overwhelmed at typical dog training classes, these structured walks might be exactly what you and your dog need.

As a professional dog trainer, I spend a lot of time helping clients solve behavioural puzzles. But there was one piece I didn’t expect to impact my own dog’s behaviour so dramatically: his diet. Like many owners, I started with dry food. It was convenient, easy to portion, and marketed as complete. But deep down, something didn’t feel right. My dog, Kaiser, was struggling with digestion, inconsistent energy, and behavioural fluctuations.

In this blog, I’m sharing my top three favourite places to walk and train dogs in Hertfordshire and Essex. Whether you're deep in the puppy training phase or working on reactivity and focus, these spaces offer the ideal mix of open space, environmental exposure, and safe distance from distractions.

Many owners believe daycare is the best way to keep their dog entertained and socialised while they’re at work. However, not all dogs thrive in this environment, and in many cases, it can do more harm than good. Let’s explore why doggy daycare may not be the ideal solution for your dog’s needs.

In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about muzzle training and conditioning, from why it's important, to how to do it effectively, and where to start. Ready to take control of your dog's behaviour and safety? Let’s dive in!

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.

Discover the benefits of box feeding for dog training! Learn how this versatile method builds focus, resilience, and addresses behavioural challenges while promoting calmness and engagement in 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?

Clear communication is the foundation of effective dog training. One of the most powerful tools you can use is a dog marker word. Understanding what a marker word is in dog training, and how to implement both terminal marker words and continuation markers, can drastically improve your dog’s focus, responsiveness, and learning speed.

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.