Behind ASCENDK9
I'm Becky, the founder and trainer behind ASCENDK9, based in Harlow, Essex.
My journey into dog training started with my own rescue dog, Kai. When he came into my life at just 8 months old, he was already his third owner and came with plenty of challenges. He was poorly socialised, had no formal training and was reactive towards other dogs. To be completely honest, there were plenty of times when I wondered if we'd ever get to where I wanted us to be.
I knew I needed to learn more, so I started looking into different training methods, working with professional trainers and spending a huge amount of my own time learning about dog behaviour, learning theory and how dogs actually process and understand the world around them.
The more I learned, the more I realised that good training isn't simply about teaching a dog commands. It's about communication, motivation, understanding behaviour and building a relationship where both dog and owner know how to work together!
Kai's journey completely changed the way I looked at dog training, and eventually led me to turn something I was passionate about into ASCENDK9.
Today, my aim is to help other owners who might be feeling exactly how I once did - frustrated, overwhelmed or unsure where to start. Whether you're dealing with reactivity or other behavioural challenges, working on obedience, or simply want a better relationship with your dog, I want you to leave training feeling more confident and actually understanding why you're doing what you're doing.
Every dog and owner is different, so I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I tailor training around the individual dog, their needs and your goals, while giving you the knowledge and practical skills to continue making progress outside of our sessions.
And because I'm still a dog owner first, I'm always learning too. My own dogs, Kai and Inca, continue to teach me something new, and I think that's one of the best things about working with dogs - there's always more to learn.
ASCENDK9 is ultimately about helping dogs and their owners build a better life together through clearer communication, better understanding and training that works in the real world.
Experience & Certifications
“You don’t understand anything until you learn it more than one way.”
From a young age, I’ve always found spending time with animals incredibly rewarding. Growing up in rural East Sussex, I spent much of my childhood and teenage years learning from family members who ran local dog training classes, competed at Crufts, and worked with gundogs. These early experiences sparked my lifelong passion for dog training and care.
Today, I remain dedicated to helping dogs and their owners build strong, confident relationships. I’m a self-confessed “dog training geek,” with a special interest in the science and research behind canine cognition and animal behaviour. Understanding how dogs process information - and being able to explain to my clients why we use specific techniques or approaches - is a core part of my training philosophy.
I’m committed to continued learning, regularly attending workshops, seminars, and professional courses to stay up to date with the latest in dog training and behaviour. I do this not just because it’s part of my profession, but because I genuinely love it.
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In August 2024 I obtained the NePoPo® Online Silver certification.
NePoPo® is often referred to as 'The Language of Modern Dog Training' where the philosophy is behaviour that is 'Always on Cue with Heart & Soul'. We strive for a connection and effective communication.
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I’m proud to be a Professional Dog Training Instructor with the Guild of Dog Trainers, a respected UK organisation that sets high standards for dog training and supports its members through mentoring, professional development, and a community of experienced trainers.
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I regularly attend seminars, webinars and work closely with other dog trainers and industry professionals to ensure I am continuously learning and expanding my knowledge, skills and experience.
Additional CPD;
Duke University - Dog Emotion and Cognition
University of Edinburgh - Animal Behaviour and Welfare
University of Edinburgh - Animal Welfare in the Clinic
University of Edinburgh - The Truth about Cats and Dogs
Duke University - Introduction to Genetics and Evolution
The College of Animal Welfare - Fear and Anxiety in Dogs and Cats
JRH Academy - Recipe for Reactivity
Raven K9 Monthly Membership
Dog Training and Behaviour Modification Principles - Jose Miguel Pereira Gomes
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I am a certified canine first aider. This was a certification I felt was crucial for not only the safety and well-being of dogs in my care, but for the peace of mind for owners training with ASCENDK9.
I renewed my Dog First Aid certification with Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Dog First Aid Training on 30/11/2025. Valid for 3 years.
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You can feel confident knowing that I am both fully insured via Protectivity Insurance and DBS checked.
This guarantees not only comprehensive coverage during training but ensures a trusted and safe environment when working with me for both you and your dog.
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During 2023 I dedicated my free time to volunteering at a local dog rescue centre. This involved building trust with nervous, reactive dogs through positive reinforcement training, teaching the dogs how to walk calmly on lead and engaging with the dogs through cooperative play and fun training sessions.
I remain an active volunteer for a nationwide dog rescue charity to this day and attend owners homes in order to carry out behavioural assessments for dogs who require rehoming through the charity.
My Personal Dogs
Kaiser / Kai
Kai came into my life in October 2020 at just 8 months old, becoming his third owner. A rehome with a high prey drive and a history of reactivity, his training journey has taught me so much and shaped the way I work today. We've worked through engagement, neutrality, recall and building reliable off-lead freedom, and he's been a huge part of my journey as a trainer.
Inca
Inca is my Belgian Malinois rescue from Bosnia, who joined us in August 2026 at 9 months old. After spending time in a pound, kennels and foster care, she's now learning all about home life, settling, engagement, boundaries and confidence.
She's definitely keeping me on my toes, but I'm excited to see where her journey takes us!
