WELCOME
Training from the inside out. For calmer dogs. Happier homes. Deeper connection.
The Inner Leash Canine Academy was created from a simple but powerful belief: When we understand a dog’s inner world, everything on the outside becomes easier.​
Dogs don’t learn well in states of fear, overwhelm, or confusion. They learn through safety, trust, and emotional regulation — the foundations of real cooperation.
That’s why our approach begins not with commands, but with connection. Not with obedience, but with understanding. Here, training is never about force or fixing.It’s about guiding dogs toward confidence, clarity, and calm.
About Your Trainer
With nine years’ experience in canine behaviour and relationship-based learning, the trainer behind The Inner Leash brings a calm, intuitive, and evidence-based approach to every case.
Trained at The University of Edinburgh (Grad.Dip. Clinical Animal Behaviour), the focus is on emotional wellbeing, behavioural science, and clear, compassionate communication.
​
Each session is tailored to the individual dog — their history, their temperament, their fears, and their strengths — with one goal in mind:
​
to build confidence from within and strengthen the bond between dog and human.
​
Whether working with a joyful puppy, a sensitive rescue, or a fearful learner, the approach remains the same: gentle, grounded, and deeply attuned.
​
My method is simple - gentle and kind, firm but familiar.
Kirsten Koh
Our Beliefs
Emotion First
A regulated dog is a learning dog. Calm comes before cues.
Connection Before Correction
When dogs feel understood, cooperation follows naturally.
Every Dog Has a Story
Rescues, puppies, anxious learners — each deserves time, patience, and safety.
Science + Empathy
We blend behavioural science with intuitive, real-life understanding.
Training Starts Inside
The “inner leash” — the invisible bond between dog and human — shapes everything.
Who We Serve
-
Puppies learning the foundations of confidence
-
Rescue dogs adjusting to new worlds and new families
-
Fearful and anxious dogs who need gentle reassurance
-
Owners seeking clarity, connection, and calm
If your home has felt stressful or your walks have felt overwhelming, you don’t need to figure it out alone. There is always a path forward — and it begins with understanding your dog’s inner world.
Begin Your Journey
Whether you're starting fresh with a puppy, rebuilding trust with a rescue, or helping a sensitive dog feel safe again, The Inner Leash is here to guide you through each step.
Calmer dogs. Confident handlers.
Harmony that starts within.