At K9X Dog Training, our mission is simple: to help you understand your dog better, build a stronger bond, and confidently tackle any behaviour challenges, together.
My name is Hafez, and I’m the founder and lead trainer at K9X. My passion for dogs runs deep, and that’s what drives everything I do.
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43 customer reviews
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Hafez has a genuine passion to help your relationship grow in the right direction and wants to see you succeed!If you are bringing home a new rescue dog those first 3 days and 3 weeks are so important so if you have any concerns it's worth so much to have k9x on your journey. Absolutely set us up right and gave us the confidence to move forward with our rescue German Shepherd x Malinois when she came home who was terrified of everything and everyone (including flowers moving in the wind!) which led her to bark if approached as she was scared/unsure of what that person may do and jump up at us constantly for comfort (and boy can she jump!) or be guardy of the living room around visiting family dogs. She was also terrified of vehicles and very very travel sick so couldn't go to a training class for several months (and that environment she would have been entirely not ready for/overwhelming/overstimulating).He helped us understand how she was thinking, how to create simple boundaries enforced in a way she could handle, how best to help her feel protected by us so she didn't need to stand up for herself anymore and trust we could handle the situation (not just stop the barks as then we dont know what she is thinking), which only comes from understanding how to make sure she has space, know how to block approaching offlead dogs so she feels safe and advocating for her, either to promote the right type of play or to encourage people not to pet her constantly, give her some space etc.He explained timescales for how dogs learn and solidify new things in their minds and was happy to call to discuss updates/ give advice for random new behaviors as they came up which has been Very helpful.I have had 2 GSDs over the past decade but did not know how to train reactivity out of them which took over my life and what I could do, so would entirely not be where we are without Hafez's help. I may have avoided all sorts of places not wanting to get it wrong but he gave us the knowledge and confidence to go to twice as many so she gets used to as many unpredictable things as possible and can handle everything! She is night and day from when she arrived and keeps exceeding my expectations day by day. Thank you so much! 🎉(I know when she hits teenager all hell may break loose mind you so I'll be back haha) More...
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Georgina Payne
We cannot recommend Hafez highly enough. We began training when we got our puppy and Hafez has helped educate us to bring up an obedient loving dog (family member) we are approaching the teenage phase with confidence. Knowing Hafez is on hand to monitor our progress and take a look at videos of our dogs behaviour is such a comfort. I have recommended him to friends and family who are now also working with him and having a very positive experience.Hafez has a genuine passion for training dogs and working with the owners setting them up for success. More...
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Carrie Stanley
We have worked with Hafez for 3-4 months as we’ve been introducing our Golden Retriever puppy to our family and to the world. He has a really deep connection to the psyche of dogs and is good at teaching this to the humans who care for them, especially focussing on helping dogs make good decisions for themselves, as opposed to simply obeying (or not!) commands. More...
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Ryan Burleigh
Hafez is extremely knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. His communication is excellent, he’s genuinely friendly, and his approach really inspires confidence. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him, and in fact, I already have on several occasions. More...
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Charlotte
Dog Training
Best money we have ever spent. Hafez bonded with our puppy as soon as he walked through the door. He is extremely knowledgeable, helpful and patient and we could not fault him at all. He has a no noncence approach with our puppy but she seems to love him more for it - they have quite the understanding. We still have another 3 sessions left with Hafez and can't wait to see what else he can teach us. Can highly recommend. More...
Barbara
Dog Training
I received a call within an hour of my request, even though it was a Sunday. Hafez came to meet us for a consultation which was very informative and we start training on Monday.
P Satkuneswaran
He really knows his job My dog had a issues with anxiety .where my trainer was able to find the loopholes and fixed his problems in 3 sessions. Now we happy with my puppy.
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C. M.
We've had the pleasure of working with Hafez - he truly understands and connects with dogs at a deep level and we're super grateful we've had his support! We have had 1:1 training and social group training with Hafez and it's been invaluable for building our knowledge and confidence to train our energetic and independently minded working breed - a Lagotto puppy. As with all dog training, it's not the dog, it's the owners who need to learn how to communicate with the dog. We gained a lot of insights into dogs through Hafez's training and adopted hands on training strategies he tailored for our needs. We started the training when she was around 3 months and Hafez has been there on the journey with us - really understanding our needs and offering us support every step of the way. We couldn't recommend him enough! Thank you Hafez! More...
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Dawn Burrows
Hafez helped me and my existing dog walker solve behaviour problem with my KCC. He was professional, reliable and always on hand to give feedback and check in as we followed his plan. Would highly recommend
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Nicola Wilson
I reached out to Hafez to help me with my 2 and half year old French Bulldog Bear. He was reactive with visitors, challenging on walks and I was beginning to think I wouldn’t be able to fix it on my own. From the very first session Hafez was calm and patient and very clear on explaining the psychology behind Bear’s behaviour. He clearly has a very strong understanding of dogs but also a spirit that is attuned to them - he speaks their language! After just one session Bear was calmer on walks and more responsive to my commands. Not only did this improve with each session but Hafez helped me to truly understand my little man and gave me all the tools I need to make our relationship a mutually beneficial one. I would recommend Hafez to anyone who is having issues with their dog or puppy. He is a very kind and patient professional trainer that truly understands the nuances of dog behaviour and will help alleviate anxiety and uncertainty in both you and your four legged friend. More...
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Azar Azari
We had a privilege of having Hafez as a dog trainer for our Staffi dog called Stella . He is an absolutely professional dog trainer who is very passionate and attentive in doing his job . He will seek updates after every session and replies to your questions patiently . Thanks to him for teaching us how to deal with our dog in different situation . More...
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Marcia Stone
Dog Training
Quick response to the initial need for some training. From the 1st minute of our free introductory session it was clear that Hafez has a quiet, manner that engenders confidence in Ruby my 7 month old staffy and just as importantly me. I felt like a failure with my ADHD PUP. Now after the 2nd session walking and behaviour has already improved. Looking forward to the other sessions. No hesitation in recommending K9x. More...
Ziba Rasuli
” ⭐️ “If you’re looking for a trainer who works with both knowledge and heart, Hafez is the best .
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Ryan Carpanen
BEST TRAINER EVER. So a little back story here. Me and my wife have a 2 year old French bulldog, who we never trained except for house training. We never thought we had an issue with him until we brought our newborn baby home. Chico went crazy, trying to bulldozer his way to the baby at every given moment. He would not listen, would not relax, it was like he was on a 24/7 zoomies, hyperventilating and howling non stop. We were in desperate need of help. I sent a few emails out to dog trainers and Hafez contacted me within the hour. He came for a consultation to view the dogs behaviour and instantly knew how to resolve it. He told me it would take 3 sessions, and I was so desperate to resolve this, I booked 5 sessions. Even after the consultation, Hafez gave us a few tips that literally changed our way of handling chico and within 1 day, the difference it made was unbelievable. We had 3 more sessions with Hafez, and he basically told us we didn't need him anymore and refunded me the money for the 2 extra I thought we would need. He had already changed our life completely and chico behaviours within 3 sessions, just as he had stated. He was an Absolute pleasure to work with, and my wife and I were just very impressed with how professional he was, how kind and easy going and respectful he was to our home, our dog and our newborn. If your looking for a trainer, don't wait, get in contact. At least speak to him and you will see for yourself. Thank you so much Hafez. From Ryan, natalia, Amelia and Chico More...
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Aimee Mott
Hafez is an amazing dog trainer! We’ve learned so much in such a short time, and my dog absolutely loves him. He’s super knowledgeable, friendly, and always helpful. Can’t recommend him enough!
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Cathrina Johnson
On Sunday 1st of June we went on a pack walk at Kenley air field with our 13 month old German shepherd NYX . I want to say how much we enjoyed the walk and how grateful I am to our trainer, he was so in control of the walk with the dogs and how much we learnt . In the time we have had with our lessons the progress nyx is making is very impressive as he is very excitable. Thank you 🙏🏻 More...
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Margaret Thompson
Hafez has been wonderful in helping me with my very anxious rescue dog Bella. He’s calm and patient, especially when she was nervous, and he’s really helped me see things from Bella’s perspective. Thanks to him, I’m learning ways to help her feel more confident. I’d definitely recommend his dog training services! More...
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Craig Edward
Was great using k9x dog training learnt so much and really helped with my new puppy would highly recommend
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Kris Joti
We had the absolute pleasure of working with Hafez to train our dog, Shadow, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the experience. From day one, Hafez didn’t just focus on Shadow—he focused on *us* too. He helped us understand how to set clear boundaries, build trust, and communicate effectively with our dog. Shadow has completely transformed under Hafez's guidance. He’s become more responsive, balanced, and social, and we now have the tools and confidence to continue his development. Hafez’s calm, knowledgeable, and patient approach made every session valuable—not only for Shadow’s behaviour but for our own understanding as dog owners. Thanks to Hafez, we now know how to properly socialise Shadow in different environments, manage his energy, and handle challenges before they escalate. We highly recommend him to anyone looking for more than just dog training—Hafez helps build a lasting relationship between you and your dog. More...
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Mia Louise Phillips-Lempriere
Hafez has been such a great help in building my dogs confidence. Before we met Hafez, my puppy dachshund wouldn’t even leave the house to walk. Hafez has helped him walk confidently on long and short leads, play in the park and socialise with other dogs. I think the most beneficial part of Hafez’s training plan is the confidence it gives us as first time dog owners. He reassures us that we have the control of situations and helps us deal with our own worries that we have. Reggie is a completely different dog after only 5 sessions with Hafez and we have already recommended him to our friends and neighbours. More...
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Łukasz Gocek
Excellent, excellent, excellent! My partner and I greatly recommend Hafez to all of our friends as he did a great job at helping us train our highly anxious/reactive 8 month old border collie Lucy. He was very professional, he first reached out to us by phone after we posted an enquiry for a behaviourist, and then arranged a free consultation where he saw the extent of the problem. His high proficiency was immediately visible as he knew just how to deal with a reactive puppy, far better than we did, even though he has just met her. After that he arranged 5 sessions for us for £200 - which is a lot less than we thought we would have to pay for a doggy behaviourist - and each session has been packed with information. The great thing is that he focuses especially on our interactions with the dog, and tells us exactly what we were doing right and wrong. A month on and she is like a new dog! Don't get me wrong, she is still a little anxious sometimes, but to a much lesser - and now managable - degree. He's a very down to earth guy, it's very easy to get on with him and I'm recommending him to all my local friends who also struggle with their pooches. More...
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Gina Venton
I would highly recommend Hafez as a dog trainer. He has helped me understand my puppy and his needs, in a very clear and understandable way. Providing training always In a calm and respectful way. Marley totally respected him and responds well to the commands and corrections I have learned. Marley is great on the lead, working on recall and meeting dogs/people. Hafez was great when meeting up, always punctual and consistent follow ups on text messages. Great that I am still able to report back the progress and knowing we can still attend future training sessions in groups. Hafez, thanks so much for helping me and making me proud of Marley 🐾 More...
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Sophie Nevitt
Having only completed 2 sessions with Hafez, so far we can see a huge difference with our Romanian rescue, Mabel. Hafez is super professional and knowledgeable and I really like his approach - calming her down, allowing her to process her surroundings. Another review said a firm but fair approach and I completely agree. Since following Hafez’s lead, we’ve seen some really good improvements in Mabel’s behaviour and I’m looking forward to continuing the sessions and seeing even more improvements! More...
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Nicole Wildman
Hafez was professional and changed not only our dog’s life, but also ours as owners. We have a reactive male german shepherd who would bark at people, dogs, pushchairs etc. We were very experienced with this breed, but our first male, and both parents were working guard dogs. Since having the sessions, our dog has become better on the lead by pulling less, he is able to meet dogs, he rarely barks at people when out for a walk now. It was day and night after two sessions, and consistency from us. He is becoming better and better each day, and I couldn’t thank Hafez enough. He was always on time to the sessions, we could contact him whenever we had questions, and he would explain everything. We are now able to observe and understand not only our dog’s behaviour and body language, but other dogs as well during play time, or meeting another dog so we can advocate for him too. I would always recommend Hafez, and I was gutted when our sessions were coming to an end, but I am so pleased I can still continue to contact him with questions and updates. Thank you for everything Hafez! More...
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Adam Starling
We cannot recommend Hafez enough. Our Collie mix was starting to show reactive behaviour towards people and other dogs. We called Hafez during a very challenging weekend and in the space of 2 weeks we’ve already started seeing huge improvements. Hafez has such a strong understanding of dogs and is incredibly patient with us and our dog, he’s been amazing at explaining exactly why we’re seeing certain behaviour and spending the time and effort to help us address them in the best way for our dog. Hafez is very kind and respectful when working with us. More...
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Christine Garbutt
Dog Training
K9X LTD, Hafez is brilliant. He is very professional, knowledgeable, patient and doesn't make you feel useless. He encourages and teaches you how to train yr dog within minutes he can make yr dog do what he wants them to do and teaches you how to control yr dog.
My dog loves him.
I can't wait for our weekly lessons.
Hafez is brilliant.
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Heather Dolphin
Hafez has been amazing. Our rescue dog was being aggressive towards my husband and is now sitting next to him on the sofa. The barking and growling towards him has almost entirely stopped. Hafez is also working with us on separation anxiety, and other issues. It was well worth the money- would recommend. More...
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Jane Holland
We would highly recommend Hafez to train your dog!! We are 1st time dog owners and have had 3 previous dog trainers and haven’t got anywhere. I found Hafez on Bark and he has made a massive improvement in our very hyper border collies behaviour from his first visit. Hafez completely understands our dog’s behaviour and why he behaves the way he does. It’s astonishing the difference that he has made and he explains everything so clearly so that we understand why our dog behaves the way he does! Our border collie is full of energy and has had real issues trying to chase cars and barks at everything but Hafez has showed us how to deal with these issues and our dog has changed (for the better) so much which I thought would ever happen and this is totally down to Hafez and his patience and knowledge. He is a genuinely lovely, kind person who loves dogs and goes above and beyond to ensure they are taught with kindness and understanding. We cannot recommend him highly enough. More...
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Bobbi Hogsden
Dog Training
He knows what he’s talking about he’s flexible so I can keep my dog in a routine
Chris Warnes
Hafez is a fantastic dog trainer. He’s been amazing at helping our seven month old Chocolate Labrador who is very nervous of other dogs to be able to slowly become more used to interacting with other dogs and building his confidence up. Hafez has also helped with walking our puppy ok the lead and generating good behaviours in the park particularly with recall. Hafez also has provided excellent information for myself and my girlfriend around how we interact with our dog both in and outside the homes. I would thoroughly recommend Hafez the dog whisperer! More...
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allison elsey
This guy is amazing, I would 100 percent recommend Hafez for your dog training needs. We are not new dog owners but after deciding to take on a larger dog breed (Cane Corso) than our previous dogs we came across some very challenging behaviour. Our existing older dog would just not gel with the new puppy and we had growing concerns having such a powerful breed around our toddler. After a particularly bad week we all agreed we had made a mistake, deciding to give it one last shot we found K9x and haven’t looked back. Hafez identified where we were going wrong with both dogs giving us tips and instructions on how to resolve issues and how to improve ingrained bad behaviour in our existing dog. Hafez has brought us together with his calm yet firm approach and we can’t thank him enough. More...
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Jada
Dog Training
I rated K9X Ltd 5 stars because they are very experienced in knowing what my puppy needed and giving me lots of tips and tricks to manage his behaviour. Very nice and understanding and replies quick to any questions I had More...
Illana Crabtree
Hafez is an amazing dog trainer...and person trainer! We recently got a rescue dog from Serbia which had spent most of her life in a garage. She had zero lead training and we had little dog experience. After a few weeks of lead training she is so much easier to walk, listens to commands and generally is a calmer dog. Our dog has had to have a couple of sleepovers and doggie day care, which she has loved...as she gets to play with Hafez's dog all day! We highly recommend Hafez, he is not only a fantastic trainer, but he is a friendly, understanding and patient guy. We look forward to carrying on working with him. More...
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Sophia
Dog Training
Expert and experienced dog trainer. Helping us to train our 4 month old puppy with obedience. Reasonably priced and maintains contact between sessions to monitor progress. Very pleased.
Ellie Miles
Hafez has been truly incredible. I rescued Terry, my Jack Russell who was found on the streets and was isolated due to kennel cough. This made Terry extremely nervous and reactive around people and other dogs especially on walks. I was dedicated but not confident on how to give Terry a better quality of life as he got so stressed out going for walks. Hafez suggested 5 one-to-one sessions and it has changed Terry’s life completely and made me so much more confident on how to handle situations. Hafez’ knowledge and dedication shines through and he has me and Terry a lot happier and I am looking forward to continuing my journey on making Terry a confident happy pup. We can now walk for an hour over the fields without any stress or anxiety and he adores people and always looking for cuddles from anyone who will give them to him. Overall Hafez is a fantastic trainer and I would highly recommend him to anyone and wouldn’t go to anybody else for advise. More...
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JPLAYS
Hafez is not only an excellent dog trainer but also an excellent person, he will always make time to for you in case you need help with your doggy. He’s helped us realise that there is more than meets the eye with dogs and even the smallest things can make a difference, so from my family and I, we can only say thank you to Hafez whom it was a pleasure to work with. Thanks Jorge More...
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iwona falkiewicz
We were having trouble with our German Shepherd, Bella, who was very reactive on walks and difficult to control around other dogs. Hafez’s one-on-one training sessions have made a huge difference. Bella is much calmer now, and our walks are more enjoyable. His expertise and patience really helped us understand how to manage her behavior better. We’re so grateful! More...
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Kemi Savizon
Hafez has been absolutely amazing, Storm was abused very early by her previous owner and Hafez has taught me so much including, how to deal with her issues and to get her to trust again. I've learned so much about my new puppy and dogs in general. Would definitely recommend K9X Dog training x More...
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Melisa
I thought I’d never get our French bulldog, Luna, to listen when distracted, but Hafez worked magic! He gave us techniques to engage her, and now she responds so much better, even in busier environments. Hafez truly understood Luna’s personality and brought out the best in her! More...
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Char Ferr
Our French bulldog Leo, used to be so stubborn and never seemed to listen to any commands. After working with Hafez K9x, Leo actually responds and follows through with what we ask! Hafez has a way with dogs that really clicks- I couldn’t recommend him more! More...
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Live With YouTuber
Our rescue dog casey has completley transformed thanks to hafez.hes more confidence and well-behaved now we are so greatfull.
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zoe mcknight
Highly recommend Hafez at K9X I've never experienced anyone more dedicated and passionate about dogs as this man. Would trust him unquestionably with any animal
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Saba Saremi
Hafez has been incredible with my dog, Max, who had severe reactivity issues. After just a few sessions, Max is much calmer and more manageable on walks. Hafez’s patient and positive approach made a huge difference. I also used his dog boarding service, and Max was clearly well cared for. Highly recommend Hafez for any dog behavior or training needs! More...
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Basic obedience training
Sit
Stay
Down
Come
Heel
Leave it
Drop it
Wait
Place
Off
Loose leash walking
Loose leash walking is a technique where your dog walks beside you on a leash without pulling or tugging. The goal is for the leash to remain slack, allowing for a comfortable and controlled walk. This skill is crucial for enjoyable and stress-free walks, particularly in public spaces. It teaches your dog to focus on you, stay calm, and resist distractions like other animals or people, making walks more pleasant and safe for both of you.
Reactivity
Dog reactivity refers to an overreaction—such as barking, lunging, or growling—when a dog encounters other dogs or humans. This behavior is often driven by fear, frustration, or excitement and can be triggered by specific situations like walking on a leash or being in close proximity to others. Reactivity can make walks and social interactions stressful for both the dog and the owner. Addressing reactivity typically involves desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques to help the dog remain calm and focused, ultimately improving their behavior and making interactions more manageable.
Crate training
Crate training is a process of teaching your dog to see their crate as a safe and comfortable space. The crate serves as a personal den where your dog can retreat to rest, relax, or feel secure. This training method is particularly effective for housebreaking puppies, preventing destructive behavior when unsupervised, and reducing anxiety. When done correctly, crate training helps your dog develop a positive association with the crate, making it easier for them to adapt to various situations, such as travel or vet visits, and contributing to a well-adjusted and well-behaved pet.
Separation Anxiety and barking
Separation anxiety in dogs is a behavioral condition where a dog experiences extreme distress when left alone or separated from their owner. Symptoms can include excessive barking, whining, destructive behavior, pacing, or even attempts to escape. This anxiety often stems from a deep attachment to the owner and can be triggered by changes in routine or environment. Managing separation anxiety typically involves gradually desensitizing the dog to being alone, creating a calm and secure environment, and sometimes using tools like crate training or calming aids. The goal is to help the dog feel more comfortable and confident when on their own, reducing their anxiety and improving their overall well-being.