Not Every Dog Fits the Mould.
We Built This for the Ones Who Don't.
Most dog walkers and trainers work with the easy ones. The friendly retrievers, the willing spaniels, the dogs who were never a problem to begin with.
Lady’s K9 Academy exists for everyone else.
For the dogs who pull so hard your shoulder aches. The ones who lunge, spin, bark, shut down, or come apart at the seams the moment another dog appears. The ones that general services turn away, that most trainers don’t want, and that their owners have been quietly managing alone for far too long.
If that sounds like your dog, you are in exactly the right place.
Why This Is Different
Lady’s K9 Academy was founded by Joanna Emslie, a former military reservist who spent years working alongside military working dogs before rehoming one of her own. Lady arrived with severe behavioural challenges. Most professionals wouldn’t take her on. What followed was years of learning, adapting, and doing whatever it took.
When Lady was diagnosed with cancer in April 2024, Joanna left her job to care for her. And in those final months, a business was born from a single realisation: if she had struggled to find the right support for a dog like Lady, then thousands of other owners must be facing the same wall.
Lady’s K9 Academy is the answer she wished had existed.
What We Offer
Dog Training
One to one programmes built around your dog's behaviour, your life, and real world results. Delivered by our qualified training team with specialist experience in high drive, reactive, and complex cases.
Dog Walking
Solo walks, group walks, specialist and environmental sessions for dogs who need more than a standard stroll.
Puppy Programme
A structured intake programme covering everything from foundations to environmental confidence. Limited spaces per cohort.
The First Step Is a Conversation
We don’t take on every dog. We take on the right dogs for what we do, and we make sure every client gets the level of support that makes a real difference.
If you think we might be the right fit, book a free discovery call. No commitment, no sales pitch. Just an honest conversation about your dog and what you’re dealing with.
Outcomes That Matter
Woody's Journey
The Challenge
Woody was highly reactive around other dogs and uncomfortable with strangers. Walks had become stressful and his owners often drove to remote locations just to avoid triggers. Everyday activities such as visiting parks, cafés or town centres felt impossible.
The Transformation
Through one to one support and environmental training, Woody learned how to cope in situations that previously overwhelmed him. His owners gained a better understanding of his behaviour and developed the confidence to support him effectively.
The Result
Woody can now enjoy cafés, National Trust sites, local parks and busy town environments. Reactions are rare, his confidence has grown significantly, and he is even comfortable attending regular physio sessions with someone he had never previously met.
“A year later, Woody is a completely different dog. We can now enjoy a normal life together without having to avoid the world around us.”
Max's Journey
The Challenge
After spending several months in kennels, Max's fear based aggression towards dogs and people returned, alongside difficulties living with the family's cats. His owner also lacked confidence handling and training him following an injury.
The Transformation
Through one to one training, environmental work and ongoing support, Max gradually built confidence in everyday situations. His owner received regular feedback, guidance and reassurance throughout the process.
The Result
Max now visits local pubs and coffee shops, happily interacts with people, walks calmly on the lead and shows significantly reduced dog aggression. His owner feels confident handling him and enjoys taking him out in public.
“I honestly don’t know where Max would be if I hadn’t found Lady’s K9 Academy. He is a completely different dog today.”