Kirstie’s K9’s Walk&Train

08/06/2026

Why Environmental Training Matters 🐾

One of the best ways to understand your dog’s true level of training is to work with them in different environments.

That’s why my Saturday morning training sessions are always held outdoors. While dogs may perform well at home, in the garden, or in a familiar setting, the real test comes when we add distractions, new smells, different surfaces, unfamiliar sights, and everyday sounds.

Many owners are surprised by how differently their dog behaves in a natural environment compared to at home. This isn’t a setback—it’s an opportunity to learn and grow. Training in a variety of locations helps build confidence, improves focus, and shows us how well our dogs can apply their skills in the real world.

A well-trained dog isn’t just one that listens at home—it’s one that can make good choices wherever life takes them. 🐕✨

03/04/2026

A stunning mix of both his mum and dad

28/02/2026

Dog Owners — Please Read 👇

Today during a structured training session with a clients Rhodesian Ridgeback, something happened that really needs talking about.

We were working off-lead in a field. As soon as I spotted another large breed dog approaching, I immediately recalled my dog and put him back on the lead. ( I would have done this with any breed, I don’t want clients dog to practice running over to other dogs)

That action is not random.
It’s communication.

Putting a dog on lead is often a signal that:
• We are training
• We don’t want interaction
• The dog may not want to greet
• The situation needs control
• We are avoiding arousal or conflict

Despite this, the other owner allowed their over-aroused dog to drag them toward us, creating a direct, head-on approach — which is one of the most confrontational ways for dogs to meet.

While being pulled in our direction, they repeatedly asked:
“Is he friendly?”

Here’s the problem:

• A dog being “friendly” does not mean it wants forced interaction
• Lead-to-off-lead greetings create tension and imbalance
• Head-on approaches increase pressure
• Expecting a trained dog to be released to “just play” ignores structure and boundaries
• Allowing a dog to drag you removes control and increases risk

Training requires space.
Neutrality is just as important as socialisation.
Not every dog needs to meet every dog.

If you see someone recall and leash their dog when you appear, please respect that.

- [ ] Create distance.
- [ ] Call your dog back.
- [ ] Give space.

Responsible ownership isn’t about whether a dog is “friendly.”
It’s about control, awareness, and respect for others working their dogs.
Let’s normalise giving each other space.

27/01/2026

27/01/2026

Please feel free to reach out if you think this might be something you need.

20/01/2026

Training dogs in new and unfamiliar environments isn’t always easy, but it’s such an important part of helping them thrive in the big wide world 🐾

As you can see from the photos, it’s not as simple as it looks. Every final behaviour is built in stages. First, paws on the object. Then the whole body. And finally, for this shot, teaching the dog to confidently hold position long enough to get that all-important photo 📸

Progress takes patience, practice, and plenty of rewards 🐶✨

If you would like to give this and many other environmental training tips a go then please don’t hesitate to contact me.

21/12/2025

Bloody awesome