Welcome to Totally K9
Totally K9 was founded in 2021 by Sophia Michaels as an everything dog service provider. Totally K9 is the umbrella company for dog training, dog care and walking. Sophia also runs Confident puppies which was founded in 2018 as a dog training business. Since then, she has developed a well established reputation within the Folkestone, Hythe, Dover, and Hawkinge area. Her approach is driven by calmness, mindfulness and empathy as the behaviour we see is an outward expression of emotion. Her approach never includes force or fear but kind reward-based, animal centred methods only. This means what we teach, and how, is catered to what your dog finds fun and motivating. Dogs are social animals just like us and we must learn to teach them what we would like them to do rather than focus on what we do not want them to do!
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Why dogs?
We have decided to branch out as we just LOVE the outdoors walking with dogs and exploring and going on adventures to new places to find new smells and routes! Our motto is that a walk is not just a walk. Previous caregivers have noted that the engaging interactions with their dogs on our walks have improved areas such as recall, loose lead walking and reactivity to name a few. It is so interesting that even just that one hour interaction can be SO influential to one dog.
Our training and walking sessions are full of fun techniques which promote co-operation, peace and bonding to give you and your pup a happier life together as after all, our own emotions affect our dogs too!
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Back in 2015 I adopted two 5 month old street pups (Isla and Ishka) from Romania. They were terrified to even walk down the street. This took many months of treats, kindness and patience and we still had many fears to work through including branches blowing in the breeze and little children. These two amazing puppies have made me both laugh and cry and took me from looking to a career in wildlife conservation to delving into the world of the dog as they are so much more than 'just a dog'. I've worked in doggy daycares and understand the group dynamics between individuals which has lead me to a specialist interest in canine communication and the importance of aiding in the development of appropriate social skills from a young age. As after all, puppies need to learn these too!
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I believe in the importance of CPD which has led me to be studying constantly and to live and volunteer with street dogs in Morocco. I'm a qualified puppy training coach and Scent work trainer with Scentwork UK. I have previously been an Animal management lecturer at an FE college and believe the key to great learning is through discussion, practice and fun! I pride my sessions on their friendly, informal feel and ample opportunities to engage in activities and receive active feedback. ​We encourage children to come along and get involved in puppy training and handling. I enjoy connecting with reactive dogs and offer a tailored walking service to these dogs too.
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Sophia is also a raw food advisor with Natures menu and is a firm believer that an animal will only thrive on a natural, wholesome diet and is able to advise you on the practicalities of raw feeding.
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Qualifications and Training
​*BSc (hons) Zoology
*MSc Animal health and Welfare
*Puppy training tutor - Puppy School
*Scentwork training coach- Scent work UK (Starters, Level 1 - 2)
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CPD
*Canine wellness - Dr Isla Fishburn (in training)
*​DNM University - Raw food specialist (in training)
*Understanding sleep - Toni Shelbourne (Webinar)
*Separation anxiety training - Jo Rosie (Webinar)
*The Biology of socialisation - Jessica Heckman (Webinar)
*BAT - Grisha stewart
*25 day challenge sexier than a squirrel
* Street dog behaviour specialist course (in training) - Meesh Masters
* Speaker at 'The Virtual Dog Conference' on 'Force free doggy daycares'
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Contact
I'm always looking for new networking opportunities such as giving educational workshops, having guest speakers and becoming a stockist for K9 products. Let's connect!
07470960057