Ok, so this is new, and well out of my comfort zone. But I thought why not. My name is Kathryn (or Kat), and for the past 6 months my house has been home to a lovely dog named Jess. She had a rough 3 or 4 years, but I'm determined to make up for them. I have just completed the course thingo and it mentioned to write on the community page. Jess started at Walkys academy 2 days ago and I can already see a difference in her walking, I know that is more to do with her new lead than because of me. There's loads of things I have no idea how to do, but in time I'll work on, and help Jess with them too. I think that's enough for an introduction, no one will want to read all the bad n boring bits. Kat 🐾

There’s something pretty special about a morning spent walking with good people, great dogs, and a coffee in hand. 🌊🐶 Whether your dog is just starting their training journey, already smashing it, or you simply want to meet like-minded dog owners, this walk is for you. No pressure. No judgement. Just a community of people who love getting out with their dogs and learning together. 💙 📍 Meet us at Penny Whistlers Café 🕗 8:00am 🚶 We’ll head around the Kiama Lighthouse and back, then stick around for a coffee and a chat afterwards. Bring your family, bring your friends, and of course bring your dog! Everyone is welcome. 🙌 Every person who joins us helps us move one step closer to our mission of saving 10,000 dogs from unnecessary behavioural euthanasia by building stronger relationships between dogs and their people. 🐾 See you there!

Catch up with myself and @Matthew Marsh as we answer your most asked questions! and make sure to comment any questions you have to make sure we discuss them next week!

Boxers were originally bred as working and hunting dogs, used to hold large game and later as military, police and protection dogs. They're energetic, powerful and thrive when they have a purpose and close interaction with their people. A fulfilled Boxer isn't just physically exercised, they need both their mind and body challenged. What a Boxer Needs to Feel Fulfilled 🧠 Working With Their Handler *(Highest Priority)* * Engagement games * Heel work * Recall training * Obedience * Target training * Structured play 👃 Scent Work * Find It games * Scent detection * Tracking * Hidden toy searches * Food trails 💪 Physical Challenges * Flirt pole * Tug with rules * Hiking * Agility * Obstacle courses * Sprint games 🧩 Problem Solving * Puzzle feeders * Shaping exercises * Trick training * Interactive enrichment * Food puzzles 🤝 Social Fulfilment * Training with the family * Calm social outings * Confidence-building experiences * Controlled dog interactions * Learning to settle around distractions ### 🌿 Exploration * Sniff walks * Bush walks * New environments * Confidence obstacles * Different surfaces and terrains Things to Avoid ❌ Endless ball throwing without structure. ❌ Relying on physical exercise alone. ❌ Allowing rough, uncontrolled play to become the norm. ❌ Long periods without mental stimulation or interaction. ❌ Inconsistent boundaries and expectations. Great Genetic Outlets * Scent Detection * Tracking * Flirt Pole * Structured Tug * Agility * Rally Obedience * Obedience Training * Engagement Games * Puzzle Feeders * Trick Training * Hiking * Confidence Courses A fulfilled Boxer isn't simply a tired dog, it's a dog whose working drive, intelligence and desire to be with its handler have all been fulfilled. When you combine purposeful training, structured play, scent work and clear leadership, you'll build a calmer, more focused Boxer that's less likely to express its energy through jumping, mouthing, zoomies or destructive behaviours.

🎯 Academy Members – Take Your Training to the Next Level. Working through the membership but feeling stuck on a particular behaviour? Sometimes all you need is a fresh set of eyes. Whether it's: 🐾 Loose leash walking 🐾 Reactivity 🐾 Jumping 🐾 Recall 🐾 Engagement 🐾 Confidence building 🐾 Puppy foundations 🐾 Or simply refining your training... A private session gives us the opportunity to tailor a plan specifically for you and your dog. We'll work through your challenges together, fine-tune your technique, and make sure you're getting the most out of your training journey. 📌 Private sessions available Mondays at Walkys Shellharbour Academy 💬 Available exclusively for Walkys Academy members. Send me a DM via Skool to book your session. 💚Shaping the Next Chapter.💚🐾