Before you choose a dog training service it is important that you consider the underlying philosophy of the trainer and how that fits with you as an individual. At Akela we begin with recognising that dogs are by nature pack animals and packs are highly sophisticated meritocracies.

Real pleasure and enjoyment with your dog is only possible when you, as the owner, learn to be the leader and your dog learns to acknowledge that you merit the role. Learning to be the leader of the pack means:

•	Knowing your responsibilities
•	Knowing your expectations and;
•	Communicating these to your pack members – that is your dog(s)
•	In a language that they can understand.

Our Philosophy and Modern Dogs

Although obvious if you think about it for a moment, it is seldom taken into account that Modern Dogs differ enormously from their wild ancestors. We must remember that over millennia we have bred dogs to enhance some characteristics and eliminate others. Different requirements from dogs have led to different breeds with different characteristics. Today, even within breeds, there is further refinement. It is common now to find that a dog from a line of show-dogs will differ in personality from dogs of the same breed coming from a hunting line.

Learning and communicating in a language your dog will understand also means learning and understanding which instincts have been emphasised in the breed you have. From a dog training point of view this means that although the training programme is fixed, the exact techniques needed for each dog and each owner may vary. Akela prides itself on its ability to teach you and your dog techniques that will work for you and your dog.

Akela does NOT claim that only one technique is effective for all dogs and owners. Our experience tells us all dogs and owners are different and the chemistry and relationship between every dog and owner is unique. At Akela we love this individuality. We see it as a part of what makes dogs the most fascinating and enthralling of workmates and companions from the animal kingdom.