The Back Story..

​

Hi I'm Gemma, from a young age, it was clear that my heart belonged to working with animals - especially dogs. Whether helping friends and family with their pets or becoming the go-to for dog walking and sitting, I’ve always been drawn to understanding and supporting our four legged friends. Through my work on a popular dog sitting/walking site, I saw firsthand how many dogs struggle with basic training, which deepened my desire to learn more and make a meaningful difference.

My own Labrador, Pepper, became my greatest teacher. When she developed a fear of traffic, I realised I needed more than just love and good intentions, I needed knowledge, tools, and strategy. She taught me that dog training isn’t one-size-fits-all, and her unique challenges helped shape my approach to working with dogs in a thoughtful, individualised way.

What began as a personal journey has grown into GemK9 - a service grounded in real experience, structured learning, and a deep respect for dogs and their individuality.

​

The Approach

​​

I specialise in Behaviour Modification, Puppy Training, and Group Classes, working with dogs of all breeds, backgrounds, and behavioural challenges. At GemK9, I don’t offer cookie-cutter advice. Instead, my approach is holistic and detail-oriented, focusing on the individual needs of each dog. I build trust through clear communication, structure, breed-appropriate outlets, and purposeful exercise.

My goal is always to lay strong foundations that help both dogs and their owners succeed in real life, not just during training sessions. I believe that when you truly understand your dog, your relationship naturally strengthens and flourishes.

My training methods are informed by hands-on experience, formal education, and mentorship with respected trainers. I take a balanced approach and advocate for the safe, ethical use of training tools through thoughtful and informed application where appropriate.

Above all, I’m passionate about helping people and their dogs live happier, more harmonious lives together and I bring that dedication into every session.