Unleashing You and Your Dog's Potential

Welcome to K9 Perception

About me

Who am I?.... Well, my name is Kath, my dogs are Ted, Parker and Seven and together we help dogs and their handlers live their best lives together through basic training to fun, motivational sports activities.

All of my dogs have taught me something, from Daisy, a Labrador, to Zara, a Weimaraner, Chihuahua Ted and Labrador Parker. I have dealt with rehoming, puppyhood and separation anxiety to name but a few behavioural issues. My dogs and I have trained in many disciplines together including Gun Dog, Agility, Working Trials and Competition Obedience and I have been lucky enough to compete at Crufts with both Ted and Parker.

I volunteer with Essex Search and Rescue, K9 team.

My dogs have given me a wonderful insight into dog to dog behaviour and each and every one of them has helped shape me into the trainer I am today. I love being able to help others develop their relationship with their dogs, be that as a wonderful companion and pet dog to discovering the excitement and fun to be had in Agility or Gun Dog.

So…. What do we have in common….

We are dog enthusiasts, we are dog fanatics, actually, we just love dogs!.....

……..And this is why we will have fun……..

‘Unleashing you and your dog’s potential’

How exciting!!

Training For Your Dog

Professional , effective and fun for you and dog.

Dog training comes in many forms from basic obedience to high end competition dog sports. All of which have a unique impression on individual people who like to spend time with their furry companion.

Coming from my own experiences in various disciplines of dog training I believe that there is something for everyone out there.

So whether that be walking on lead nicely to the park or asking for them to retrieve a dummy that you left at the start of your walk. You can explore all the training that is on offer to see if there is something you and your dog might like to enjoy together, which you may not have tried before with no pressure of competition but to learn and be interested in dog training that encourages you both to bond on another level, as a team.

After all…. ‘Its just dog training’ …..enjoy

One to One Training

I offer 1:2:1 training sessions across a variety of fields including, but not limited to:

Pet Dog – 1 hour sessions

If you are trying to sort out a specific training or behaviour problem then 1:2:1 training sessions will be able to target what you need. For example -

Lead walking

Basic obedience

Dog social skills

Jumping up

Stealing

Biting

Intermediate or advanced level training

Distraction training

Focus & Attention

Gundog – 1^st session 1 hour, subsequent sessions 30 minutes

The first session gives us the time to discuss what you are wanting to achieve with your dog and allows me to gauge your training requirements moving forward.

Agility – 1^st session / Assessment 30 minutes, subsequent sessions 15 minutes

The slightly longer initial assessment time is necessary for you and your dog to learn about the safe use of the Agility equipment and to start the groundwork needed to ensure this is a fun and interactive sport for you and your dog.

Agility is both a physically and mentally draining sport for your dog and 15 minutes is the optimum length of time for a session.

If you want help with, or are interested in something not listed above, then please give me a call on 07743 779840 to discuss your specific needs.

Agility Training

The majority of dog enthusiasts know what Agility consists of….a few obstacles on a course for handler and dog to run around, through and over. But what you may not know is that this sport is so much fun for both handlers and dogs alike and is great for strengthening you and your dog’s relationship, developing control and it can also help build your dog’s confidence.

To make sure the Agility environment is suitable for your dog and to check their recall is okay you will need a 1:2:1 assessment before starting in a class. This will also give you some of the groundwork needed to support you and your dog in a class plus you get a chance to see if you enjoy it before committing to a course.

Classes are available providing your dog is fit and healthy, has a passable ‘recall’ and ‘wait’ and is over 6 months of age

Gun Dog Training

No Fur, No Feather

When out on a walk does your Gundog love to hunt, retrieve, point or flush?

Wouldn’t it be nice to have control on these behaviours without needing to go on a shoot?

I have always loved to watch Parker out in a field hunting for his ball and using the wind to help him… it’s even more fun to ‘stop’ him mid search and redirect him to another ball that I hid in the other direction. I do question if this is for my fun or his but when we get home in the evening and he is snoring away on his bed, it answers my question.

Teaching your dog to use the instinctive behaviours they were born with and to be a part of the control element with them can only benefit and enhance your relationship together…..it is so much fun and you will soon see what your dog is capable of with some fun and easy to achieve exercises.

I specifically talk about Gundogs in relation to this sport, however, most breeds are capable of and enjoy using their noses and are more than welcome to have a go. Just bear in mind their individual limitations, my Chihuahua Ted loves to retrieve but would he be able to retrieve over a 3ft fence? Would he like to retrieve over a long distance with ditches?

My Gundog classes, training with no birds or rabbits, provide the ideal starting point for all exercises across all levels with the added bonus of being able to train around the distraction of the other dogs in class. With my support and instruction, you will be able to identify what you and your dog need and will be able to evaluate your own training through self-assessment. You and your dog will work towards your own targets at each stage of training, because, like us, dogs learn at different rates.

Course Levels:

Starters : From 6 months of age or dogs brand new to Gundog training

Beginners : 1yr +

Levels 1, 2 & 3 : Adult

Exercises covered:

Heel on lead, Heel off lead
Whistle recall
Stay
Whistle Stop
Retrieve

Call us on 07743 779840 to find out more

Press to Call us

Testimonials

So glad I came across Kath in my bid to train and entertain my very lively Hungarian Vizsla. Kath has been an invaluable source of knowledge. She makes lessons fun whilst instinctively tapping into both dog and handler's needs. I have benefitted from her expertise at gun dog training and agility classes and look forward to continued progress.
by Teresa Knott

If you are looking for expert tuition but at the same time great camaraderie & fun with your dog then look no further than here with Kath. Her advice on dog handling is second to none whilst each week making her class entertaining and different. I would definitely recommend.

by Pauline and Bonnie

I have a Pug x Boston Terrier and have had him from 8 weeks I needed help on how to train him so I went to Kath she taught not only the dog but also myself and my family how to interact and train him to get the best from him.
He is 7 now and is obedient but fun and is a pleasure to have around.
Thank you Kath for all your help

by Steve. Rayleigh

We have used the training services provided by Kath in both individual and group Gun Dog classes. In each scenario Kath provided valuable insights into our dogs understanding of command instructions and focused us to follow clear, concise and repetitive commands. Both Mabel and us as owners have benefited from Kath's patient and comprehensive knowledge. The Gun Dog classes are rewarding and fun, and while we train as a group Kath always manages to provide bespoke feedback and training tips throughout the course.

by Martin and Jill

So.. I wasn't really a natural dog person but - Kath totally transformed my relationship with our new pup Custard - who was quite a tear away and very demanding. Suddenly I was equipped with skills with how to bond with her through training and turn her into the happy and totally reliable dog she is today.

Ps I have been teaching maths for 28years and my best CPD has actually been being taught by Kath and seeing her make learning such fun even when it's tough !

by Sarah

Can’t recommend Kath enough. Her knowledge, depth of understanding, genuine compassion and talent for working and communicating with us and our dogs is clear.
Her enthusiasm is infectious and the dogs adore her.
Kath has taught me many valuable lessons throughout my own endeavours to become the best guardian to my dogs. The one common theme underlying everything: to have fun!

by Sharon and Betty

I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Kath. I have been attending her Agility classes with my Cocker Spaniel for many years. Kath has the ability to make the classes so much fun for both the dogs and their owners. She is relaxed, patient and positive. Her knowledge and understanding of the dogs is second to none and she brings the best out in all of them

by Susan

I have been training with Kath for some years now and have found the classes are both educational and supportive but also great fun. Kath is also available with any behavioural issues and supportive through health issues. I would highly recommend her.

by Michelle, Betty and Riz