Welcome to KT's K9s
Force Free and Dog Centred
Would you like someone to walk your dog but also work on training?
Does your dog struggle in a traditional group dog walking setting and needs more support?
Let me help!
My solo training walks are designed to meet the unique needs of your dog, providing not only exercise but also training in areas such as recall, lead walking, confidence building, managing overexcitement, and enhancing focus and engagement. Unlike traditional dog walking services, I specialise in integrating professional dog training into every walk. Each session is completely personalised, ensuring your dog gets the one-on-one attention they deserve.
My Ethos
At KT's K9s, I will only use science backed reward based training methods. My approach focuses on rewarding good behaviour, building trust, and fostering a genuine desire in your dog to learn. I strongly believe that training should never involve punishment or fear; instead, it should be an enjoyable experience that strengthens your bond and encourages effective learning. Punishment provides a temporary fix as it does not teach your dog what behaviour they should have done in that situation. Reward based training focuses on understanding your dog and working out why behaviours are occurring to find effective solutions. Dogs trained with force free methods are more likely to retain and generalise their training, leading to better long-term results. The aim is to create a supportive environment where your dog is set up to succeed and are never punished for making mistakes.
About me
My name is Katie Thompson, and I am a lifelong animal lover. I started KT's K9s because I saw many dog owners facing challenges in finding walkers or day cares that truly understood their dog’s unique needs. I grew up with a nervous dog, and my family often struggled to find someone suitable who could manage him and give him the care he required. This inspired me to create KT's K9s, where the focus is on providing personalised, one-on-one walks that are tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
My experience and qualifications
I hold a Master’s degree in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare from the University of Edinburgh. As a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC), I completed extensive coursework, two oral exams, and a practical exam to earn my certification. Over the past two years, I have worked as a dog trainer for a dog charity, gaining hands-on experience with dogs of all ages and breeds.
Testimonials
Katie is enthusiastic, reliable and professional. Her knowledge of training and dog behaviour is exceptional, she knows how to make a dogs day fun, and puts their needs before everything else. My dog can be reactive on walks, but she knows exactly how to handle this and keep him safe and calm. Most importantly, Katie is clearly devoted to animals, and my dog absolutely loves her. I wouldn't trust my pet with anyone else.
Katie has been walking & looking after our dog, Biscuit, for a couple of years and we couldn’t recommend her more highly. Biscuit adores Katie.
Katie is knowledgable, warm and reliable . Her understanding of Biscuit’s behaviour has been excellent and really helped us with managing her reactive behaviour. Katie has taken the time to build a strong relationship with Biscuit so that she can provide the best of walks & care.
Katie always provides Biscuit with the most enjoyable of walks and we know that our doggo is getting best of attention & adventure when out with Katie.