K9ology - Dog Psychology & Training

19/09/2025

Just had to give a shout-out to this gorgeous girl 🥰(and her sister on the right, who’s loving the training treats too 🤣🥰)

This was only her second session, with a holiday in between too, and yet we saw a real shift in her calm behaviour 🙌
There’s still work ahead, but in these early stages we’re looking for progress, not perfection, and we absolutely saw that 👏👏

It’s important to remember that true behaviour modification takes time. We’re not just changing actions, we’re reshaping how a dog thinks and feels about the world and/or triggers around them. That doesn’t happen overnight, especially when anxiety runs deep.

And we won’t use force or fear to get there. Tools like slip leads, grots, or prongs don’t change a dog’s emotional response to a trigger, they just suppress it. Worse, they can escalate anxiety and erode trust 😖

Real change takes patience, perseverance, and a whole lot of understanding 💛

Massive well done to this lovely family, can’t wait to catch up again soon 🙌😊🐾

19/09/2025

Look at this beautiful girl who’s joined the K9ology family for some training 🥰🐾

She’s such a clever little pooch, but like many adolescents, she’s navigating a whirlwind of changes, mentally, emotionally, and hormonally.
We’re supporting her and her fabulous family to build calm, confidence, and clarity during this stage, so she can thrive with the skills she needs for everyday life 💛

Here she is during her session, working beautifully with her family, and afterwards, enjoying that well earned, contented snooze 😴🐾 Nothing like a bit of brain work to bring on the best kind of tired! 😴🥰

Huge well done to them all & can’t wait to catch up again soon to see how things are going 🙌☺️🐾

14/09/2025

Dog Training Classes: What to expect, what we stand for & why we do NOT offer them for reactivity 😊

Our group classes are designed with clear goals in mind, whether it’s puppy foundations, life skills or intermediate training. Each class is structured to support dogs and guardians working on specific tasks in a shared learning environment.

🧠 A Note on Reactivity

We occasionally receive calls or have attendees whose dogs show signs of reactivity. While we understand how challenging this can be, it’s important to clarify: we do not offer reactivity classes. That’s a deliberate choice. We believe reactivity is best addressed through tailored, one to one support, where the dog’s individual needs can be properly understood and met.

💬 What Happens in Class

Sometimes, guardians ask for help with reactivity during a class. While we may offer brief advice when appropriate, this is NOT a substitute for proper behavioural support.

We always recommend 1-1 sessions for reactivity, and we do so for good reason:

• It’s not the help the dog truly needs in our experience, 1-1 help is!
• It disrupts the learning experience for others who’ve paid to attend for specific goals
• It can create confusion about what support has actually been provided

🚫 Quick Fixes Aren’t Ethical Fixes

We’ve seen cases where guardians avoid 1-1 help and later turn to trainers using slip leads, prong/eCollars or aversive methods. These may appear to “solve” the issue, but they don’t. They suppress behaviour through fear, not understanding. That’s not training. That’s harm.

✨ Respect the Space, Respect the Process

When people sign up for a class, they’re joining a shared space with a shared purpose.
Please respect the boundaries of that space, for your dog, for others and for the integrity of ethical training.

14/09/2025

This beautiful, brilliant and delightfully cheeky little superstar graduated from her Puppy Programme this week 🎓🐾💫

A huge round of applause to her and her amazing family 👏☺️
Their dedication, patience and love have truly shone through and the progress speaks for itself 🌟🐶

Massive congratulations to them 🎉🙌
You’ve all done an incredible job and we couldn’t be prouder 🥰✨

14/09/2025

Just a few fun pics from this weekends ‘Pawsitive Pup/Beginner’s’ class 🥰🐾

13/09/2025

I do love these from 🤣

13/09/2025

Looking forward to meeting our new Pawsitive Pup’s/Beginner’s’ today 🥰🐾
Well aim to use the field so do dress accordingly🤞

11/09/2025

All of this! 🙌 Thank you Chel's Tails Canine Coaching

I firmly believe that qualifications in dog training aren’t optional, they’re essential!
They’re a sign of commitment to staying current with the latest research, evolving our understanding of canine behaviour and continuously improving our practice.
When we invest time and energy into learning, we’re not just ticking boxes, we’re demonstrating integrity, professionalism and care. It lets our clients know that we take this work seriously, that we’re informed and that we’re accountable.

Frankly, anyone who dismisses the value of qualifications or refuses to engage in continued learning is a 🚩

To me it suggests a fixed mindset, a lack of transparency and a disregard for the evolving standards of ethical, science based practice. In a field that directly impacts welfare and trust, that’s not just concerning, it’s totally unacceptable!

Please check your trainers, behaviourists, anyone you let bear your dog, thoroughly

I have been thinking about this recently.

The dog training industry is unregulated, the same with dog walking, grooming and physio!

On a personal level I know I wouldn’t want to go to a physio, dentist, doctor or any other professional who wasn’t qualified!!

I wouldn’t take my dog to a groomer or physio unless they had qualifications and had trained in this area, so why is it different for people when it comes to dog trainers??

I used to work in a groomers and even groomed Guy during lockdown, this did not qualify me as a dog groomer!!!

I truly believe qualifications are extremely important! It shows that the person understands how dogs learn, it shows they are committed to doing their best for the dogs and people they work with, they continue to learn ( science changes ) and stay up to date with best methods and information.

I do believe it comes as a package, hands on experience of working with dogs is important and also having a wonderful way of working with the families of these dogs, having understanding, not judging, giving brilliant support, being kind and always professional.

But when it comes down to it, if somebody has no formal backing of learning, this lacks trust that what that person is teaching or recommending is right, could they just be making it up? Watching social media and taking ideas from there or sticking with very outdated and harmful methods?

Please check properly the person you choose to go to for help with your dog, being a part of a recognised body e.g IMDT gives you the confidence that they stick to a code of ethics and continue to educate themselves and learn more.

I have spent many hours over the last 5 years continuing to learn, so that I can give the best advice and support and if something is out of my skill set I will always recommend someone else who can help.

Please do your research, just like you would with any other professional, your dogs deserve it! 🐾

09/09/2025

🚨 Clients on programmes & class attendees - Please check your emails 🚨

All ‘Catch-Ups’, Reports, Class emails and messages have now been sent and answered 💌
Please take a moment to check your inbox and your junk folder too, just in case‼️

✨ A gentle reminder:
All programmes are designed to be completed within a 16-week timeframe, as agreed at the time of booking and as outlined in our Terms & Conditions.
To get the full benefit of your journey, any remaining sessions must be booked and used within this period.

⏳ After 16 weeks, access to sessions and support will conclude so we can continue offering dedicated care to others.
We trust each client to manage their bookings responsibly and in alignment with the programme structure agreed.

Many thanks 😊🐾

09/09/2025

🚨 New classes now online to book‼️

Want to join our ever-popular ‘Pawsitive Pup/Beginner’s’ classes or our BRAND NEW Pawsitive Academy - Life Skills Level 2 🐾 🌟

Here’s the link below to join the fun ⬇️
https://k9ologybookings.as.me/

Reasons to join 🤩

✨ Class sizes are smaller which means you’ll get tailored, 1-1 support if needed.
✨ Led by fully qualified & accredited IMDT trainers.
✨ 100% ethical, science based methods, which means no fear, no force, ever!

Let’s set your pooches up for success with kindness, clarity, and confidence 💛

08/09/2025

Great post & advice here re dog walkers, from Chel's Tails Canine Coaching 😊🐾

Happy National Dog Walkers Appreciation Day 🥳

Today is to recognise all the amazing professional Dog Walkers.

My Journey into Dog Walking began in 2016 in London when a lovely lady called Kim took me on to be a part of her company along side 2 other lovely people.

I had previously studied for 3 years and gained my level 3 in Animal Management and I absolutely loved my job!!

Coming to Cornwall was my chance to set up by myself, having learnt so much from Kim I took the leap!

I walked small groups of 4 and I loved it!
It was not easy though!!

Professional Dog Walking is at times extremely tiring and physically demanding. Walking in all weathers, making sure to match the dogs well, making sure the dogs are safe at all times!!
Plus the upkeep of their vehicles, the amount of shoes they go through! 🤣 doing their accounts, arranging walks with clients, meet and greets and all the other paperwork that comes along with it!

I did this for 5 years and after completing my IMDT training I decided to focus more on that and just offer solo dog walks for dogs who maybe do not suit group settings.
The dogs that you walk become very special to you and you love them like they are your own.

Dog Walking is unfortunately unregulated, just like dog training! So when you are looking to choose a walker for your family member please take your time.
Below is some of the recommendations I would look at before picking

✅ Do lots of research, look at their social media, website, reviews.
✅ Meet more than one
✅ How do they treat their own dog(s)? This is important, look into this
✅ How many dogs do they take on a walk? (This is very important, not just for insurance purposes but for safety!)
✅ Are they insured?
✅ Are the up to date with first aid training?
✅ What methods do they use for working on things like recall?
✅ What leads do they use to walk the dogs? Will they cause your dog discomfort or pain?
✅ Do they understand body language or signs that a dog isn’t comfortable or is stressed
✅ What is their plan in an emergency?
✅ Do the dogs travel safely and legally in the vehicle
✅ How do they match dogs and introduce the dogs to each other?
✅ Where do they walk the dogs?
✅ What is the plan in extreme weather?

These seem a lot of things to think about but this is basic stuff when caring for dogs and safety must come first!
If I was looking for a walker these would be the basics that I would want to know and be happy with.

Like I said this job is not easy and there is a lot for Dog Walkers to manage.

Joining the person on a walk is a great way to see how the walks are put together and how that person manages and interacts with the dogs.

I am very lucky to have met some wonderful walkers locally and would highly recommend.

Having the same ethics as me and a true love for the dogs, I recommend people that I personally know and that I have seen with dogs.

Cornwall Pet Services Shane is amazing and for anyone looking for a kind, genuine and caring walker, he is the man for you and your pup. Shane loves the dogs like his own.

Cornwall Canine Adventures Elle is amazing, her background in rescue work has given her amazing knowledge of behaviour and she has a genuine love for all the dogs in her care, always using kind and positive methods

Star Paws Cornwall Kat is also another amazing lady, also with her background for caring for the dogs in a rescue environment, she understands the behaviour and again the love she has for all the dogs shines through

Take your time when choosing, and when you find the perfect person, remember their job is incredible, but it is also not easy!!!

08/09/2025

I’m receiving a surge of calls from families whose dogs are struggling frustrated, anxious or completely shut down.
And it’s no mystery why. They’ve been given poor advice (if you can even call it that): outdated, dominance based tactics that ignore the dog’s emotional needs and silence their communication 😖😡

This isn’t just ineffective, it’s damaging.
Dogs deserve to be understood, not suppressed!

If someone suggests tethering your dog constantly, crating them for long periods, removing their toys, or using intimidation to “fix” behaviours… please, run a mile. These aren’t solutions, they’re red flags 🚩

It breaks my heart, truly, to see and hear what some dogs are still being subjected to under the guise of “training” 😔

Dogs deserve trust, enrichment and connection, not control through deprivation 😖

I’m flabbergasted by what I’ve been hearing lately. And I won’t stay silent.

Let’s be clear:

• 🧠 Training should build understanding, not obedience through fear.
• 🐾 Toys aren’t luxuries, they’re tools for joy, learning and emotional regulation.
• 🐾 A crate if used should be a safe haven, not a punishment box or something to be overused to shut a dog down.
• 💬 Behaviour is communication! Punishment silences it, it doesn’t solve it.

We’re seeing more and more dogs who can’t self regulate and are so frustrated, their families are now struggling, as they are too, through some of these things mentioned above 😔

If you’re ever unsure, ask yourself:
“Would I treat someone I care about this way?”
Because dogs are family. And they deserve respect, safety, and compassion!

Frankly, some people calling themselves ‘trainers’ need a serious reality check 🤯

Do your homework! Credentials, methods, values - scrutinise it all!
A flashy title, claims of certain things or confident pitch means nothing if their approach lacks ethics or empathy!