Kamalfernandezdogtraining

16/10/2026

Heel work is a whole lot more than walking in a straight line.

There’s movement, power, energy, drive and emotion. There’s the dog’s enthusiasm, their focus, the quality of their movement—and the connection between dog and handler.

The real magic happens when all those pieces of the puzzle come together: travelling in the same direction, matching each other and moving as one.

That’s also what makes heel work so challenging. It’s not just about getting the dog into position; it’s about developing all those elements and helping them work together.

So, what do you love most about heel work? Is it the power, the precision, the movement, the expression—or that feeling of being completely in sync with your dog? Tell me in the comments.

16/10/2026

🐾 Nose Better closes this Sunday!

Nose work can be a brilliant outlet for any dog. It gives them a chance to use their natural talents, build confidence and enjoy a rewarding activity with you. It can also be a valuable part of supporting dogs with behavioural challenges.

Join Nose Better and you’ll get:

* Step-by-step guidance to help you get started with nose work
* Skills that can lead into tracking and other scent-based activities
* Ideas for enriching your dog’s life, whatever their age, breed or background
* A fun way to build confidence and strengthen your relationship with your dog
* Weekly live sessions over four weeks
* Video feedback, so you can share your training and get guidance
* Coaching and support from Kamal Fernandez and Lou Holmes
* Course access indefinitely, so you can revisit the material and work at your own pace

The course is a great fit whether you’re looking for support with behavioural challenges or simply want to give your dog a new, enjoyable activity.

The doors close this Sunday, so sign up now to join at the current price:

https://kamalfernandezonlinetraining.com/nose-better-reframing-reactivity

Let’s get those noses working! 🐶👃

Nose Better Join Now

15/10/2026

THE SWAN EFFECT: EFFORTLESS? THINK AGAIN! 🦢

A swan gliding across the water looks calm, elegant and completely effortless.

But underneath? Those webbed feet are paddling like mad to keep it moving!

Heelwork is just the same. When it’s going well, dog and handler look connected, collected and perfectly in sync. But behind that beautiful picture, there’s a whole lot happening: the dog is maintaining position, responding to changes in pace and direction, staying engaged and making sense of the handler’s movement. And the handler is thinking about timing, clarity, criteria and reinforcement — all at once!

That effortless-looking heelwork doesn’t happen by magic. It’s built one little piece at a time, through practice, patience and a whole lot of thoughtful training.

So, if your heelwork feels more like paddling upstream than gliding along right now, you’re not alone!

What’s the trickiest part of heelwork for you and your dog? Tell me in the comments!

15/10/2026

🚨 LAST CHANCE TO JOIN NOSE BETTER! 🐾

This Sunday, the doors close! ⏰

If you’ve been thinking about making a change, trying something new, or finding a different way forward with your dog, THIS is your opportunity!

Whether you’re struggling with reactivity, finding everyday life challenging, or simply looking for something exciting, enriching and rewarding to do together, Nose Better could be exactly what you and your dog need!

Imagine discovering a whole new way to connect with your dog, giving them an outlet for their natural instincts, building confidence, developing new skills and, most importantly, having FUN together!

🐾 Scentwork
🐾 Tracking
🐾 Mantrailing
🐾 Confidence, connection and enrichment

Over four weeks, Lou Holmes and I will guide you through practical, achievable exercises that can open up a whole new world of possibilities for you and your dog.

And the best bit? You don’t need any previous experience, fancy equipment or a perfectly behaved dog! Just a willingness to try something new.

💥 We start Monday 19th October, and registration closes THIS SUNDAY, 18th October!

Don’t spend another few months wishing things were different. Take that first step towards making them different.

Your dog has an incredible superpower sitting right on the end of their face. Let’s show you how to use it! 🐶👃

👉 JOIN NOSE BETTER NOW!

https://kamalfernandezonlinetraining.com/nose-better-reframing-reactivity

The countdown is on. Don’t miss out!

Nose Better Join Now

14/10/2026

🐾 LET’S TALK HEELWORK! 🔥

If you could fix ONE thing about your heelwork, what would it be? 🤔

Position? Precision? Enthusiasm? Focus? Duration? Or simply making it more FUN?

We all have those little heelwork headaches, and I’d love to know what yours is!

👇 Drop your BIGGEST heelwork struggle in the comments!

Let’s get the conversation going! 🐾

14/10/2026

YOUR DOG HAS A SUPERPOWER. ARE YOU LETTING THEM USE IT? 🐾👃

Imagine having an incredible talent. Something you were literally born to do. Something that makes you feel alive, fulfilled, excited and completely in your element.

Now imagine going through life barely getting the opportunity to use it.

Welcome to the world of the average pet dog!

We spend so much time teaching our dogs how to fit into our world.

Don’t bark. Don’t jump. Don’t chase. Don’t pull. Don’t sniff that. Leave that alone. Come here. Sit there. Be quiet.

And while all those things might be necessary for living harmoniously alongside us, how often do we stop and ask ourselves:

What are we doing to make THEIR world more fulfilling?

Because here’s the thing…

Your dog has an extraordinary superpower.

And it’s right on the end of their face! 👃

A whole world we’re missing!

While we’re busy looking at the world around us, our dogs are experiencing an entirely different universe.

A universe of smells, information, stories and possibilities that we can’t even begin to comprehend.

To us, a patch of grass is just a patch of grass.

To our dogs? It’s an entire social network, full of information about who’s been there, what’s happened and what’s going on.

And the really exciting part?

We can turn that incredible natural ability into something purposeful, rewarding and FUN!

That’s where nose work comes in.

So much more than just sniffing!

When people think about scent work, tracking or mantrailing, they often imagine specialist dogs doing specialist jobs.

Police dogs. Search and rescue dogs. Detection dogs.

But here’s what I absolutely LOVE about nose work.

It’s for EVERY dog!

The excitable adolescent who seems to have forgotten everything they’ve ever been taught.

The reactive dog who finds the outside world overwhelming.

The high-drive sports dog who needs an outlet for all that enthusiasm.

The older dog who might not be as physically active as they once were.

The family pet who simply deserves a more interesting life.

The tiny Chihuahua. The enormous Great Dane. The Border Collie, the Spaniel, the Bulldog and everything in between.

Different dogs. Different personalities. Different needs.

One extraordinary sense that connects them all.

And unlike so many other activities, nose work doesn’t require your dog to be the fastest, the fittest, the most obedient or the most confident.

It simply allows them to be a dog.

What if the answer isn’t MORE exercise?

Here’s something worth thinking about.

How often do we hear that a dog needs more exercise because they’re overexcited, frustrated, destructive or struggling to settle?

So we walk them further. Throw the ball more. Keep them busier.

And sometimes we end up creating an even fitter dog who still doesn’t know how to switch off!

Because physical exercise is only one piece of the puzzle.

Dogs also need opportunities to think, problem-solve, explore, make discoveries and experience success.

Nose work can provide all of those things.

It gives dogs a job.

A purpose.

An opportunity to use their brains and their bodies together.

And perhaps most importantly, an activity in which their natural abilities become an asset rather than something we’re constantly trying to control.

Instead of continually telling your dog what NOT to do, imagine giving them something wonderful that they CAN do!

Confidence, connection and a little bit of magic ✨

One of my favourite things about introducing dogs to nose work is watching the transformation.

The hesitant dog who starts to become a little more adventurous.

The easily distracted dog who discovers the joy of concentrating on a task.

The frustrated dog who learns that persistence can lead to success.

And the owner who suddenly sees their dog in a completely different light.

There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching a dog work something out for themselves.

You see their confidence grow.

You see their enthusiasm.

You see that moment when everything clicks.

And you realise that training doesn’t always have to be about obedience, control or getting everything right.

Sometimes, it’s simply about giving your dog the opportunity to shine.

But my dog has behavioural problems…

Then this might be exactly the kind of activity worth exploring!

Now, I’m not suggesting that nose work is a magical cure for every behavioural challenge. Of course it isn’t.

But I am a huge believer in looking at the WHOLE dog, rather than focusing exclusively on the behaviour we’re trying to change.

We need to think about enrichment, education, exercise, emotional stability and entertainment.

What opportunities does your dog have to succeed?

What makes them feel good?

What activities allow them to express natural behaviours in an appropriate way?

Nose work can become an incredibly valuable part of that bigger picture.

And sometimes, when we start improving the quality of a dog’s everyday life, we begin to see changes in areas we weren’t even directly training.

That’s the power of looking beyond the problem and investing in the dog.

Ready to discover what your dog is capable of?

This is exactly why Lou Holmes and I created the NOSE BETTER ONLINE COURSE! 🐾

We wanted to make the wonderful world of nose work accessible to everyone.

Not just experienced trainers.

Not just competitive handlers.

Not just people with reactive dogs.

EVERYONE who wants to give their dog a more fulfilling, interesting and enjoyable life!

Over four weeks, we’ll introduce you and your dog to a fantastic range of nose work skills, including scent work, tracking and mantrailing, alongside practical exercises to develop focus, impulse control and confidence.

You’ll have access to:

* Four weeks of practical, progressive training.
* Weekly live sessions with Lou and me.
* Train-alongs to help you put the skills into practice.
* A private VIP Facebook community.
* Recordings so you can learn at your own pace.
* Plenty of ideas to keep your dog engaged, enriched and having FUN!

And you don’t need fancy equipment, previous experience or a perfectly behaved dog.

Just a dog with a nose and a willingness to have a go!

The countdown is ON! ⏰

Enrolment closes this Sunday, 18th October, and we kick off on Monday, 19th October!

So if you’ve been sitting on the fence, wondering whether nose work might be something your dog would enjoy, here’s my advice.

GIVE IT A GO!

You might discover a new hobby.

You might discover a completely different side to your dog.

You might even discover that the dog you’ve been struggling to understand has an incredible talent just waiting to be unlocked.

But one thing’s for sure…

Your dog already has the nose.

Let’s give them something brilliant to do with it! 👃🐾

👉 JOIN NOSE BETTER TODAY!

https://kamalfernandezonlinetraining.com/nose-better-reframing-reactivity

Because a fulfilled dog isn’t just a better-trained dog. It’s a dog who’s getting more out of life.

And surely that’s what we all want for our dogs? ❤️

13/10/2026

🐾 NOSE BETTER – SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST SNIFFING! 🐾

Did you know that one of the most rewarding things you can do with your dog is encourage them to use their nose?

In this video, mantrailing expert Lou Holmes is working with a gorgeous Golden Retriever, demonstrating just one of the many exciting skills you can explore with your dog.

Nose work has so many incredible benefits. It can help build confidence, encourage independence, provide mental stimulation, reduce stress and give dogs a wonderful sense of purpose.

But it’s not just about the dog!

It’s also about finding something fun, interesting and rewarding that you can enjoy together, developing new skills, learning to understand your dog better and deepening that all-important connection.

And here’s the really exciting part – nose work is for EVERY dog!

Whether you’re navigating reactivity challenges, looking for ways to enrich your dog’s life, or simply wanting a new activity to enjoy together, there’s something here for you.

That’s exactly why we’ve created the Nose Better Online Course!

Over four weeks, we’ll introduce you to a whole range of exciting nose work skills, including:

🐾 The beginnings of scent discrimination

🐾 The essential skills for mantrailing

🐾 Tracking

🐾 Scentwork and scent-based games

🐾 Practical ways to incorporate nose work into everyday life

You’ll be learning alongside myself and Lou Holmes, with guidance, demonstrations and opportunities to develop your skills throughout the course.

And the best bit? You get to keep access to the course content indefinitely! So you can revisit the lessons, practise at your own pace and continue developing your dog’s skills long after the four weeks have finished.

This isn’t just about teaching your dog to find things. It’s about opening up a whole new world of possibilities, enriching their life and giving you both something genuinely enjoyable to share.

Because whether your dog struggles with reactivity or is already confident and happy, every dog deserves the opportunity to do more of what dogs do best! ❤️

🚨 DOORS CLOSE THIS SUNDAY!

We start on 19th October, so if you’d love to discover just what your dog’s nose is capable of, now’s your chance!

👇 Click the link below to join us on Nose Better!

https://kamalfernandezonlinetraining.com/nose-better-reframing-reactivity

12/10/2026

Great post by Cosford Dog Training about his journey and experience of training dogs…

Why I Don’t Use Aversive Tools to Train My Dogs. It didn't happen overnight and it wasn't a deliberate or conscious choice. I didn't set out to discard aversives. It just sort of happened.

When it comes to training my dogs, I operate a system of dynamic assessment and risk management.
Do I assess every dog in the same way? No, I don’t. Do I expect every dog to respond in an identical manner? Absolutely not.

All my dogs are individuals. They each have different personalities, motivations, strengths, weaknesses and levels of experience. My responsibility is to understand those differences, work with them and make sensible decisions about what I can reasonably expect from each dog in any given situation. I don’t do “One size fits all.”

I don't regard a less-than-perfect performance as justification for introducing positive punishment. That doesn't mean I ignore mistakes, tolerate dangerous behaviour or lower my standards. It simply means I address problems differently. I see failures as a training problem, not an obedience problem. They are not the same thing.

I look at why something went wrong. There are so many reasons why it may have happened.

Was the environment too challenging? Was the dog sufficiently prepared? Had I overestimated its ability? Did I overestimate MY ability? Was there something more rewarding competing for its attention?

Are any of these valid reasons to punish my dog? I chose the environment. I prepared my dog for the exercise. I judged his level of ability. I failed to ensure the motivation I was offering was sufficient. I overestimated my level of skill in a particular situation.

So, when things go wrong in training, as they sometimes do. Then I adjust the training, improve the management and work towards a better outcome. I don’t reach for the aversive tool.

Does this approach work?

Well, over the years I've rehabilitated three of my former Military Working Dogs. All three had previously been trained to detect, pursue and apprehend people. These were not dogs lacking drive, determination or the ability to use aggression. Two out of the three had on occasion took a bite out of me. (They took exception to the harsh methods I employed with them) All three had experienced live bites, on bad people.

And all three were successfully retrained for civilian life, and all could eventually be exercised off lead around people and other dogs. All three lived out their remaining years without a single incident of aggression.

That didn't happen by accident. Nor did it happen overnight. It required patience, experience, consistency, sound judgement and an understanding of each dog's individual strengths, needs and occasionally, limitations.

I often say that the proof of the pudding is in the eating. But in dog training, that's usually a bloody long meal. It means a lifetime at the all you can eat buffet. In all environments and in challenging real-life situations, which are seldom recorded on a mate’s mobile phone for Facebook.

It doesn't mean a two-minute Instagram clip demonstrating an apparently obedient dog after months of increasingly severe corrections. These tell us very little about the quality of the training, the dog's emotional state or how reliably that behaviour will hold up over time.

I don't reject aversive tools because I don't believe in boundaries, discipline or reliable obedience. I believe that discipline starts with me. Not my dog. I reject aversive tools and techniques because I've learned that I can achieve those things without them.

With experience I’ve found that I don't need an e-collar, prong collar or other aversive device to achieve a short cut, or to compensate for a training failure - I need to fully understand the problem and develop a better solution.

My objective has never been simply to produce a dog that obeys. It's to produce a dog that understands, trusts, responds reliably ( all essential in an operational dog) and can enjoy as much freedom as is safely possible.

And if I can achieve that without deliberately causing pain, fear or discomfort, why would I choose otherwise? A well-behaved dog shouldn't have its welfare compromised. It's not either/or.

Cosford Dog Training
Ethics – Education – Experience

12/10/2026

Nosework, tracking and scentwork are some of the most incredible outlets we can offer our dogs! 🐾

And the best part? They’re for EVERY dog!

Whether your dog struggles with reactivity, lacks confidence, needs an outlet for their energy, or is already happy and thriving, using their nose can open up a whole new world of possibilities.

It’s not just about sniffing. It’s about enrichment, fulfilment, confidence, connection and giving our dogs something meaningful to do!

Our 4-week NOSE BETTER online course starts on 19th October, and sign-ups CLOSE THIS SUNDAY! 🚨

If you want to discover just how powerful nosework can be, head over to my page for all the details.

Don’t just change your dog’s behaviour. Change their life for the better, forever! ❤️🐾

11/10/2026

👃🐾 CAN YOU HEAR THAT? Turn the sound up! 🔊

Listen to the deep snuffling of Punch’s nose as he tracks. Watch the almost rhythmic movement as he works his way along, completely absorbed in the scent.

Tracking was genuinely one of the things that saved us when Punch was injured and going through rehabilitation. It allowed me to control his speed and movement whilst providing incredible mental stimulation when his physical exercise was restricted.

And just LISTEN to him! ❤️

You can hear him snorting along the ground, absorbing every bit of scent, hunting for the reinforcement laid along the track.

There’s something I absolutely LOVE about tracking.

It’s almost meditative.

Walking behind a dog, watching them investigate every stride, every change in direction, every tiny piece of information.

It’s almost like they’re having a conversation with you.

They’re telling you who was there, where they went, whether they stopped, what crossed their path or how the scent changed.

You’re watching an animal demonstrate a skill they understand infinitely better than we do.

And I find that absolutely fascinating!

This is why I’m such a huge advocate of nose work. Not just for dogs struggling with reactivity, but for ALL dogs.

It’s enrichment, education, mental stimulation and an opportunity to fulfil their natural instincts. So much more than simply going for a walk or throwing a ball!

🐾 THE NOSE BETTER ONLINE COURSE IS OPEN!

Learn tracking, scentwork, mantrailing and other nose work exercises that can transform how you engage with your dog.

📅 Starting 19th October!

👉 Head to my page to find out more and sign up!

Please note: Punch is wearing a fur saver collar on the dead link (non-tightening), as required by the sport he was training for. It is not being used as a correction tool.