Failure to find local positivity-focused dog training group inspires Natalie to set up her own
It was a failure to find a local community-focused dog training group that initially inspired Natalie to set up her own.
Based primarily at Hunslet Methodist Church, NK9 Dog Training offers a positive force-free approach to dog training. This means that training is based on positive reinforcement rather than fear, intimidation or punishment.
Natalie said: “(Dog training) shouldn’t be stressful, it shouldn’t be upsetting, it should be about a lovely relationship that you have for many years.
"It’s about making that relationship the best it can be.”
Natalie believes the best method of training is to reward positive behaviour as much as possible.
She said: “What I always say to people is every time they do something is the more you reward all the good stuff , whether that is just being calm, whether they sit, whether they just engage with you on a walk, the better it becomes.”
NK9 Dog Training offer a range of classes suitable for dogs of all ages, sizes, and abilities. These include life skills classes, reactivity focus skills sessions, and even obstacle course classes. Whether owners want to improve their dogs behaviour or teach them a new trick, they should be able to find a group session or book a 1-1 session with Natalie that will help them.
As well as this, they have recently introduced weekly group dog walking sessions named Wag & Walk. These offer the chance to walk your dog in a safe environment and make new friends.
The sessions offered by NK9 Dog Training are drop-in based making it optional for dog owners to attend as much or as little as they can. Some Natalie noted have been regular attenders of the classes since they began almost a decade ago.
For Natalie, NK9 Dog Training is a “family”. Her aim is that anyone who walks through her doors, whether on two legs or four, can find fun and interactive classes and a welcoming community.
She said: “Sometimes people are scared about attending a group class just worried their dog’s really naughty but when you get there you talk to people and you see actually its going to be alright.
“I enjoy bringing people into the family and seeing them joining in and bringing joy to other people and letting them enjoy the dogs.”
In her own life, out of Natalie’s 23 dogs, her eldest is Bella, a 10 year old Chihuahua, and her youngest is Zola, a one-year-old French Bulldog.
She describes her pets as a “handful” but also a “joy”.
Natalie said: “When people come over they can’t believe all these dogs live here.
“I can’t have children unfortunately so they’re like my babies. They’re my family.”
On why dog’s are man’s best friend, Natalie simply summarised: “they bring you joy and they love you unconditionally.”