Merlin’s K9 Academy

Merlin’s K9 Academy We offer agility training on competition style equipment as well as life skills, hoopers and heelwor
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With over 30 years of experience in Agility and Obedience training we offer Agility training for fun, fitness and competition. All dogs are welcome, training is carried out in an outdoor paddock complete with a full set of competition style equipment. Other training options also available please contact to discuss your requirements
For more information, contact Carol

We saw the gorgeous 6 month old Axel this afternoon for a refresher on his basic skills as well as having an in depth ch...
04/01/2024

We saw the gorgeous 6 month old Axel this afternoon for a refresher on his basic skills as well as having an in depth chat about muzzles and the new BSL regarding XL bully types.

He tried out our .muzzle.movement size Tolly, we love these muzzles as they provide much needed and required pant room and come in a variety of colours to help remove the stigma around muzzled dogs! We’re seeing far too many dogs being forced into muzzles that are just too small and haven’t had the proper training to acclimatise to them. Massive well done to Axel’s owners for their hard work in muzzle training him!

A reminder that you can get 10% off at The Muzzle Movement using code MERLIN at checkout!



💚Group Agility Sessions 💚Held at Butterton Grange with our agility instructor Tori! Foundation/Beginner groups now FULLN...
03/01/2024

💚Group Agility Sessions 💚

Held at Butterton Grange with our agility instructor Tori!

Foundation/Beginner groups now FULL
Novice/Advanced 2 SPACES LEFT in each

Very limited spaces in each group as regular attendees get priority booking, comment below if you’d like a space and we’ll get all the info sent over! 📲

❗️NEW classes! ❗️All starting next week! Limited spaces left in each class!
03/01/2024

❗️NEW classes! ❗️

All starting next week!

Limited spaces left in each class!

🐶 BRAND NEW PUPPY CLASS DATES 🐶The first puppy class of 2024 is starting next week! We only have a couple of spaces left...
02/01/2024

🐶 BRAND NEW PUPPY CLASS DATES 🐶

The first puppy class of 2024 is starting next week! We only have a couple of spaces left already…😳

Our Practical Puppies course is relaxed and fun, whilst teaching the skills our training team value the most:

❤️ Bond - building your relationship with your new pup!

🫡 Attention - your pups focus on you around various stimulus

🪐 Space - teaching your dog the value for being in your space to build a super strong recall!

💪 Independence - a confident dog is a happy dog! Build up their confidence in new environments

😴 Calm - your dogs ability to settle, at home and out and about!

All of this is taught with using games and play, one of the most successful ways your pup can learn new skills! 🤓

Wednesdays 6-7, £75 for the full 6 weeks! Which includes additional resources and continued support from our training team! 🥰

📲 Get in touch to secure your space, and give your pup the best start! 🤩

31/12/2023

Happy New Year to all our students, two and four legged! We hope everyone has had a good Christmas and wish all the best for the new year!🥂🎆

This is just a snippet into our 2023, we want to thank everyone who has continued to support us and we look forward to an exciting 2024!🥳

We have dates for January training coming out in the next couple of days so keep your eyes peeled! 👀

As of 2024 all our services will be members only, so may sure to get signed up to our FREE membership so you don’t miss out! 🤩

Unfortunately tonight’s celebrations are tinged with the incoming breed specific legislation regarding XL Bully “type” dogs. Our hearts go out to all the dogs in rescue who’s future is now unknown and in danger 💔

We’ll be thinking of all those poor dogs and puppies that will sadly be loosing their lives after midnight tonight for n...
31/12/2023

We’ll be thinking of all those poor dogs and puppies that will sadly be loosing their lives after midnight tonight for no other reason than the way they look.
2024 is starting off as a sad time for dog lovers what ever is your chosen breed at midnight tonight as people celebrate and welcome the New Year please take a moment to to think of these poor souls that didn’t ask to be born a certain type and don’t deserve to die because of it.

Merlin Agility on TourWe’re at Butterton Grange today for an agility workshop with Merlins very own Agility Trainer ,Tor...
23/12/2023

Merlin Agility on Tour

We’re at Butterton Grange today for an agility workshop with Merlins very own Agility Trainer ,Tori, it’s so nice to be able to spend quality training time with my own little Lunatic at a superb Agility venue , with some great Merlin members and our own fantastic trainer .

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 20🎄Luna is a Border Collie owned by our Head Trainer Carol, Carol says “I love this little (...
21/12/2023

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 20🎄

Luna is a Border Collie owned by our Head Trainer Carol, Carol says “I love this little (not so much any more 🙈) dog, she’s always up for an adventure! 💜”

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 19🎄Perry is a spaniel owned by another of one of our longest standing members, Lucy. Lucy ca...
21/12/2023

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 19🎄

Perry is a spaniel owned by another of one of our longest standing members, Lucy. Lucy can be seen at any of our events, lending a hand, and is also part of our Dog Fest Team! She’s in our Magic Mondays Life Skills class with Perry 💚

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 18🎄Dolly is a terrier mix and is one of our longest standing members! Dolly is a very comple...
21/12/2023

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 18🎄

Dolly is a terrier mix and is one of our longest standing members! Dolly is a very complex dog but is insanely smart and picks up anything new so quick! You might recognise her as the star behind some of our naughty elf videos 🤩

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 17🎄River is a Border Collie owned by our Agility Instructor , Tori says “River is a very aff...
21/12/2023

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 17🎄

River is a Border Collie owned by our Agility Instructor , Tori says “River is a very affectionate girl who tries her best at everything she does. She’s overcome a lot of anxieties and is loving every moment of her training!💙”

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 16🎄Lacey is an Australian Shepherd, her owner Dawn says that “Lacey loves doing any kind of ...
21/12/2023

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 16🎄

Lacey is an Australian Shepherd, her owner Dawn says that “Lacey loves doing any kind of training as long as it means she gets treats!”

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 15🎄This is Timmy, a terrier crossbreed. His owner Emily says “He’s a Jekyll & Hyde character...
20/12/2023

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 15🎄

This is Timmy, a terrier crossbreed. His owner Emily says “He’s a Jekyll & Hyde character - either very sedate and careful or a whirlwind. One day we will unlock the Tasmanian devil that we see at home on the agility course! We are making progress. Timmy’s favourite pastimes are sleeping under the duvet, baking himself in the sun and eating 💩. My first Terrier and I adore him.”

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 14🎄Zoe is a spaniel, her owner Catarina says that she’s “Forever enthusiastic, loves her agi...
20/12/2023

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 14🎄

Zoe is a spaniel, her owner Catarina says that she’s “Forever enthusiastic, loves her agility and will give anything a try! However, I suspect cuddling on the sofa is actually her favourite activity....”

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 13🎄Tia is a Labrador owned by our volunteer assistant Ashlee. Ashlee’s mum says “Tia Is Ashl...
20/12/2023

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 13🎄

Tia is a Labrador owned by our volunteer assistant Ashlee. Ashlee’s mum says “Tia Is Ashlees best friend she is always there when she needs her and with Carols help she was able to qualify as her assistant dog. The skills that Carol taught them meant Tia was able to help Ashlee become more independent and with Tia by her side she has been able to do things she could never have done before. The bond they have is incredible ❤️ 😍”

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 12🎄Dexter is a crossbreed with a lot of important things to say! His owner Ann says “My litt...
20/12/2023

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 12🎄

Dexter is a crossbreed with a lot of important things to say! His owner Ann says “My little man Dexter. He’s now nearly 10 years old and still does a bit of agility but his favourite thing to do is sleep on the couch next to me ❤️”

FULLDue to the popularity of our Pre Agility course 🥰(January dates coming soon!), and after a few requests for a progre...
20/12/2023

FULL

Due to the popularity of our Pre Agility course 🥰(January dates coming soon!), and after a few requests for a progression of this course...

we're now introducing Agility foundations, flatwork and fitness! 💪🧠A brand new class focusing on vital skills needed for agility BUT you don't have to be aiming for agility to join this class!🤩

Work on the foundation skills for jumps and contacts as well as build up their focus, body awareness and strength!💪🤓

This is ideal for dogs that have completed our Pre Agility course, or are more advanced in their agility training but looking to revisit those ever important foundation skills!🥳

Now taking names for a January start!📆

Limited spaces left!23rd Foundation/Beginners FULL Foundation/Beginners for dogs just sequencing/meeting equipment - mus...
18/12/2023

Limited spaces left!

23rd Foundation/Beginners FULL

Foundation/Beginners for dogs just sequencing/meeting equipment - must have completed our pre agility course (or the equivalent) and be 10 months or older

Novice/Advanced is for dogs doing most or all equipment, competing or just about to

It’s our Agility Trainer - Tori’s Birthday Today 🎉🎉We’d like to wish her a very Happy Birthday and hope she enjoys her d...
18/12/2023

It’s our Agility Trainer - Tori’s Birthday Today 🎉🎉

We’d like to wish her a very Happy Birthday and hope she enjoys her day off 🐾🐾

15/12/2023

What treats to get your dog this Christmas!🎄🐶

This is just a small selection from the seasonal isle at a local store of a large franchise 🫢 its a shame to see rawhide still so commonly available, especially when the same store was selling “rawhide alternatives” in another isle…🤔

If you want to know more about rawhide, a quick search online will give you plenty of reasons why its just not the best option for your dogs! Especially when there are some great alternatives out there! 🥰

🎄Merlin Members Advent Day 11🎄Sky is a Border Collie, his owner Maureen says “Sky and I only started Agility after lockd...
11/12/2023

🎄Merlin Members Advent Day 11🎄

Sky is a Border Collie, his owner Maureen says “Sky and I only started Agility after lockdown, so just over two years, at a time when I should have been putting my feet up and looking forward to retirement and not running around an arena trying to keep up with a collie who likes to tell me off when I don’t run fast enough, and sometimes does his own course. We had a whole year of Eliminations and me forgetting courses, but gradually thanks to my weekly class and individual lessons, we have both come on in leaps and bounds and my proudest moment was in Summer this year when Sky moved to Novice in Steeplechase. We haven’t yet had a clear in Agility but one day it will come and I will be the proudest person ever. Thank you for your input and patience with us.” 💚

🎄Merlin Members Advent Day 10🎄Rowan is a Poodle x Whippet, her owner Dawn says “Rowan will be two in April. She is still...
11/12/2023

🎄Merlin Members Advent Day 10🎄

Rowan is a Poodle x Whippet, her owner Dawn says “Rowan will be two in April. She is still very much a work in progress! It would probably be quicker to train a squirrel to do agility and then let Rowan chase the squirrel around the course!”🤣

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 9🎄Echo is a Border Collie, her owner Jane says “she’s full of life and doesn’t act her 8 yea...
11/12/2023

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 9🎄

Echo is a Border Collie, her owner Jane says “she’s full of life and doesn’t act her 8 years. Loves her agility and no matter the outcome always has an absolutely fabulous time which is all I ask!
Proudest moment is winning into Grade 5 after 4 years in G4! Now almost G6 which we hope to achieve before retirement.

Anyone who knows her will testify that’s she’s certainly feisty but she is THE MOST loving little girl to live and I wouldn’t swap her for the world ❤️”

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 8🎄(We’re a couple of days behind so bare with whilst we catch up 🙈)This is Percy, a spaniel ...
11/12/2023

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 8🎄
(We’re a couple of days behind so bare with whilst we catch up 🙈)

This is Percy, a spaniel owned by one of our longest standing members Lucy, who says “together we we have lots of fun training!” ❤️

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 7🎄Roxy is Staffordshire Bull Terrier, her owner Rebecca says “Roxy ‘bull dozer’ Roxstar 🤩🤩😂 ...
07/12/2023

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 7🎄

Roxy is Staffordshire Bull Terrier, her owner Rebecca says “Roxy ‘bull dozer’ Roxstar 🤩🤩😂 always enjoys seeing the trainers and dogs at Merlin and learning new tricks and training. Is looking forward to starting agility class next year!
Happy Christmas to you all 🌲🧑‍🎄🤶🐶⛄️”

07/12/2023

The naughty elf found a perfect spot to keep an eye on the dogs today… 🫣👀but Peony wasn’t having any of it! 🫡🤔

She found a new use for the Paws Made Ultimate Paws Pocket Chaser 🙈 and got him down in no time! 💪🏻🥳

Wonder where he’ll be next…🤔🎄

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 6🎄Jenny is Poodle competing in agility, her owner Charlie says “My little princess Jenny. Th...
07/12/2023

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 6🎄

Jenny is Poodle competing in agility, her owner Charlie says “My little princess Jenny. This little girl brings so much joy every day with whatever we are doing. She loves her training and with the help of has gained so much confidence since starting. Although sometimes she has a bit too much sass 🤣 I have had so many good times with this girl. She gives her all in everything she does, we have had amazing walks and experiences, she has wowed me at shows, however the best thing by far is how she brought me and Gemma together. Gemma Spinks I know you fell in love with the Jenny first 🤣😉”

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 5Milo is a Kelpie x Collie, and his owner Steph says “he makes every walk and training sessi...
07/12/2023

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 5

Milo is a Kelpie x Collie, and his owner Steph says “he makes every walk and training session so much fun and unstressful. He never fails to bring a smile to my face at some point during the day 🥰🥰I can't wait to start competing him with Merlin 🤩”

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 4🎄Ginny is a red tri border collie belonging to our agility instructor  Tori says “my favour...
07/12/2023

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 4🎄

Ginny is a red tri border collie belonging to our agility instructor

Tori says “my favourite thing about Ginny is her work ethic! She’s such a hard worker and tries her best in everything, with her signature crazy eyes for added excitement 🙈🧡”

06/12/2023

🧠How to build your dogs confidence!💪🏻

🤔Why is confidence important for your dog?

1️⃣ it helps them to cope in new environments 🚗
2️⃣ makes them settled at home and in the real world 😴
3️⃣ it’s makes them happy! A confident dog is a happy dog! 😄

🤓 Our tips for building your dogs confidence!

1️⃣ a strong body is a strong mind! Teach them how to use their body! 💪🏻
2️⃣ positive new experiences! ☺️
3️⃣ clear boundaries, like their own place to settle with time to chill out 😴

Do you want to see a more in depth video? Let us know in the comments below! ⬇️

04/12/2023

🐑Come with us to check on our livestock on a day off🦙

Our sheep, and their guard alpacas, are now on their winter grazing. But they need to be checked regularly, especially in this weather! 🥶 Join Carol as she checks up on them with her ex-street dog Mary 💚 See below for some livestock safety tips! ‼️

Livestock safety is very important when you’re visiting the countryside with your dog!🐶

It’s vital that you follow these simple steps, to protect your dog and the animals:

1️⃣ always keep your dog on a lead when in fields with livestock

2️⃣ leave all gates as you find them, if open, leave open. If they’re closed, close them again!

3️⃣ if your dog is on a long line or retractable lead, make sure you still have control of them and don’t let them get too close

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 3🎄Next up is the gorgeous  who belongs to Jayde from  💙 who inspired this advent series! Tha...
03/12/2023

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 3🎄

Next up is the gorgeous who belongs to Jayde from 💙 who inspired this advent series! Thank you Jayde!

Jayde says her favourite memory with Merlin is “Being told I’ll be able to enter competitions with my deaf dog after others have written us off! I love that Tori has suggestions for us in every lesson that help Sherlock with him being deaf, rather than him being an after thought 🥰”

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 2🎄For day two we’ve got Sasha, the Rhodesian Ridgeback cross owned by our assistant trainer ...
03/12/2023

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 2🎄

For day two we’ve got Sasha, the Rhodesian Ridgeback cross owned by our assistant trainer Liz! ❤️

Liz says “my favourite memory at Merlin is from one of the Winter Warmer steeplechase shows. First ever clear round, super emotional; hugged Sasha, hugged the judge (Carol) I was crying, she was crying (Carol, just a little tear lol), it was a lot! It wasn’t long after getting some pretty nasty comments about Sasha from other trainers so we all really needed this. Big turning point. xXx”

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 1🎄We’re a couple of days behind, so bare with as we catch up!Between now and Christmas we’ll...
03/12/2023

🎄Merlin Members Advent: Day 1🎄

We’re a couple of days behind, so bare with as we catch up!

Between now and Christmas we’ll be introducing a different member of MK9A and sharing a little bit about them!⛄️

Starting us off… Daisy Chain Summer Gold AKA Daisy Do!🌼

Her owner Ann says “I love training and competing in agility with this dog. You never know how your day is going to go. But good or bad, she is sooo much fun to run!❤️”

Caught in the act this morning 🙈
03/12/2023

Caught in the act this morning 🙈

01/12/2023

🎄Guess who’s back…🎄

There was a knock at the door during Dolly’s lesson this morning…and it’s looking like he’s planning to stick around for a bit 🙈

01/12/2023

One of our Foundation Agility classes sequenced some jumps for the first time on Saturday! 🥳

This class has just finished their 6 week Pre Agility course and are now building on their foundation skills on equipment 🤩 see some of them showing off their new skills in the video! 👏🏻👏🏻

🎄Christmas fun at Merlin!🎄We have some exciting events coming for you and your four legged friends! 🐶📆 Saturday 2nd Dece...
27/11/2023

🎄Christmas fun at Merlin!🎄

We have some exciting events coming for you and your four legged friends! 🐶

📆 Saturday 2nd December
Prepare your pups for Christmas in style at our Puppy Parties! Refreshments for both you and your dog 🥂, a relaxed social focusing on getting our pups used to the excitement of a busy family Christmas!🎄 with tips and advice from our training team!

11am-12:30pm Small Breeds
1pm-2:30pm Medium/Large Breeds

£10 a dog

📆 Saturday 9th December
A children’s Christmas party filled with entertainment, special guests and more! Refreshments for adults and children 🥂🍪

1pm-3pm

£5 per child

Pop us a message to book your festive fun with us! 🥳

📆🥳Our diary is open... including NEW services! See below for more info!⬇️Our Head Trainer Carol has had some availabilit...
20/11/2023

📆🥳Our diary is open... including NEW services! See below for more info!⬇️

Our Head Trainer Carol has had some availability come up for behavioural training, focusing on;

🤩Confidence and anxiety
❗️Reactivity
❤️Rescue dogs
🐶Puppy behaviour
As well as general skills like recall and loose lead walking!

Our Agility Instructor Tori has opened up her diary to take on new clients...for sports dog behaviour training!🤩

Struggling to get your dog to focus around agility?😫 Lacking drive in obedience? 😭Tori has 20 years of competing in dog sports, including Agility and Obedience, with a wide variety of breeds with varying behavioural needs! Any dog, at any level at their chosen sport/s are welcome!

Get in touch to book onto one of our exclusive training packages with our team, there are limited spaces!

14/11/2023

Brand New Class! 🥳

🗓️ Wednesdays 6-7
🏷️ £12 a week, 10% off for Silver and Gold members!

This class will work on boosting your dogs confidence by teaching them coping mechanisms and building their mental stamina!

We’ll focus on skills such as:
😩 Separation Anxiety
🔊 Noise Sensitivity
🧠 Mental Confidence
💪🏻 Physical Confidence
🥳 Play
🤩 and so much more!

Each week will focus on a different skill! 😲

This class will be suitable for nervous and anxious dogs 💚

Address

Kennel Farm, Ashwood Lane
Chester
CH24BX

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

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