Star Walks

20/10/2025

The Heart of a Gentleman: Remembering Cesar

I’ve been reminded lately just how lucky I am to be surrounded by such wonderful people — clients who’ve become friends, and friends who’ve become part of my extended family. Your kind messages and thoughtful words over the past couple of weeks have meant the world. Thank you, truly. ❤️

I’ve been thinking a lot about Cesar — my boy, my companion, and one of the kindest souls I’ve ever known. Cesar had a gift that was hard to put into words. He was one of those dogs who made people feel special. Whether he was greeting someone new or saying hello to an old friend, there was a spark in his eyes that seemed to say, “I see you.”

He had a gentle charm — especially with the ladies — and a calm confidence that drew people in. He didn’t need to do much; just his presence was enough to make you feel at ease. That was Cesar’s magic. He made everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room (or the field).

So today, I just want to say thank you — to Cesar for being who he was, and to all of you who have shown so much love and support. It’s in moments like these that I’m reminded what a special community we’ve built together.

Here’s to the dogs who bring people together, and to the people who make this work feel like family.

04/10/2025

Event Cancelled.
Sincere apologies but I have had to cancel today's Pack Walk and Train.
Details to follow.

19/09/2025

There are already laws against cruelty to any animal, using any or no tool.
No tool of itself is cruel. It is the intention of the user that is cruel or not.
A law to ban e-collars is not necessary and will criminalise large numbers of responsible dog trainers and owners who are just doing their best to help dogs.

09/09/2025

I’ve thought about this a lot. I was SO upset when members screen recorded the me exploring the research behind prong collar use, & showing academy trainers a method of conditioning it. I reiterated that the method I recommended was not even using this tool but that I gave the responsibility of what an educated trainer chooses to use, back to that trainer.

The arguments against me continued and were frustrating. People called for me to be cancelled from a conference I was speaking at. And when there are three prominent trainers who have been prosecuted for neglect or abuse; one former force free advocate hunting on horseback in his free time and a women-hater offering advice for women; who receive next to no criticism, i felt unjustly singled out.

I thought about stopping the whole idea around holistic education: going back to “positive only” serves the business end. But it’s about integrity for me.

Research shows that professionals exposed to diverse education not only make fewer errors but also adapt better and deliver stronger results (ASTD; Carter-McNally & Roshier, 2018).

History shows us that black and white thinking rarely stands the test of time. Doctors once insisted ulcers were caused only by stress until H. pylori turned that certainty on its head. Psychology clung to behaviourism until cognitivists & ethologists exposed the limits of stimulus and response. Education assumed intelligence was fixed until neuroscience proved learning reshapes the brain.

The pattern is clear: clinging to a single camp is comforting, but it is rarely correct. Broad education, even the kind that unsettles you, makes you sharper, more adaptable, and better for those you serve.

As Ted Lasso puts it: “The truth will set you free. But first, it’ll really p**s you off.”

This is exactly why the positive vs balanced war in dog training misses the point. Growth does not come from defending a side. It comes from having the courage to learn, sit with discomfort, and then use your ethics and values to choose what you want to do.

At The JRH Academy I believe in holistic education as the path to growth.
Join me at www.thejrhacademy.co.uk.

09/09/2025

28/08/2025

Group train and walk on tonight at Fordell

Group class as normal tomorrow night! 💯🙌 these guys have been resting enough so back to it 🤣

26/08/2025

Tuesday lunchtime pack, in place, allowing for another dogwalker to go past.

14/08/2025

10/08/2025

Back tomorrow 🐾🐾😁
Feels like ages but it's only been a week!!

01/04/2025

Please could all of my clients who have used an ecollar fill in this. We need to stand up and be heard for our dogs 💯🐕

05/03/2025

When your dogfinds a frisbee

26/02/2025

Truth

Colin had previously sent his dog away to two board and trains and spent loads on 121s with zero improvement.

He was really reluctant to spend any more on his dog but thankfully he gave it one last try.

He took the gamble and drove all the way from Newcastle.

Glad I could help.