ABOUT ON CLOUD K9
DOG TRAINING BUILT ON UNDERSTANDING
I’m Emma Badger, a dog trainer and educator based in Swansea.
On Cloud K9 grew from wanting to understand not just what dogs do, but what may be happening underneath their behaviour. That means looking at emotion, learning, development, and the individual dog in front of us, then using that understanding to build useful, real-life skills through kind, reward-based training.
My aim is to make dog training feel clearer, more practical, and less overwhelming, so you can understand your dog better and enjoy everyday life together.
WHY I BECAME A DOG TRAINER
THE DOG WHO CHANGED EVERYTHING
My journey into dog training really began with my Welsh sheepdog, Celyn.
When she was around seven months old, she lunged at another dog and chased them away. I thought I had an aggressive dog, and the advice I received focused on punishing the behaviour.
Things got worse.
Eventually, I found a trainer who helped me see what was really happening. Celyn wasn’t trying to be difficult. She was frightened.
That changed the way I looked at dogs completely. I started asking what might be happening underneath the behaviour rather than focusing only on what I could see. That shift became the foundation of On Cloud K9 and still shapes the way I train today.
HOW I TRAIN
UNDERSTANDING FIRST, THEN PRACTICAL TRAINING
Celyn taught me that behaviour makes much more sense when we look at what may be happening underneath it.
That still guides the way I train today. Rather than focusing on strict obedience or simply stopping unwanted behaviour, I look at the skills, emotions, and experiences that may be influencing what your dog does, then help you build practical changes through kind, reward-based training.
BEHAVIOUR HAS A REASON
Behaviour doesn’t happen in isolation. Emotion, health, genetics, stress, arousal, learning history, and experience can all play a part.
Understanding what may be influencing your dog’s behaviour helps us choose training that makes sense for the individual dog, rather than simply trying to stop what we can see.
EMOTION COMES BEFORE OBEDIENCE
A dog who is frightened, overwhelmed, frustrated, or over-aroused may struggle to respond in the way we expect.
Rather than focusing only on obedience, I look at how your dog is feeling and what skills they may need to cope more comfortably.
LIFE SKILLS MATTER
Useful everyday behaviour is built on skills such as calmness, confidence, focus, disengagement, optimism, and tolerance of frustration.
By developing those foundations, we can help your dog make better choices and cope more successfully with real life.
TRAINING SHOULD FEEL ACHIEVABLE
Training doesn’t need to mean long sessions or constant perfection.
I use practical, reward-based games and manageable steps that fit into everyday life, helping both you and your dog learn without unnecessary pressure.
QUALIFICATIONS & CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT
ALWAYS LEARNING
QUALIFICATIONS
Dog training is an unregulated industry, so professional training and qualifications matter to me.
I’m DBS checked and hold the following qualifications:
- Dog Training College Certified Dog Trainer (DTC-CDT)
- Certified Pro Dog Trainer (PDT)
- Certified Pro Dog Trainer Geek (PDT-Geek)
- Certified Pro Dog Trainer Genius (PDT-Genius)
These qualifications form part of the knowledge and practical experience behind the way I work with dogs and their people.
CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT
Learning doesn’t stop once you qualify.
I’m currently studying the Level 6 Diploma in Clinical Canine Behaviour, with a focus on canine behaviour, behavioural science, and behaviour modification.
I also continue my professional development through further study, courses, workshops, and other evidence-informed learning. Our understanding of dogs keeps developing, and I want the guidance I give to develop with it.
TEACHING PEOPLE MATTERS TOO
DOG TRAINING IS ABOUT BOTH ENDS OF THE LEAD
Before On Cloud K9, my background was in technology and software training, including working as an Apple Creative.
That experience taught me how important it is to make complicated ideas feel clear, practical, and achievable. Knowing something isn’t the same as knowing how to explain it in a way that helps somebody else use it.
I bring that same approach to dog training. I want you to understand why we’re doing something, what to look for in your dog, and how to turn that knowledge into small, manageable steps that fit into everyday life.
You don’t need to become a dog trainer. You just need guidance that helps you understand your dog and feel confident about what to do next.
THE DOGS BEHIND ON CLOUD K9
ALWAYS LEARNING FROM THE DOG IN FRONT OF ME
The dogs I’ve shared my life with have shaped the way I think about behaviour, training, and learning.
Celyn changed the direction of my work. Osian continues to remind me that every dog is an individual, and that good training starts with curiosity, observation, and a willingness to adapt.
CELYN
Celyn is the dog who changed the way I understood behaviour.
She taught me that what looks like a training problem on the surface can make much more sense when we look at the emotion underneath it. Learning to see fear rather than simply “bad behaviour” changed the way I approached dogs, training, and ultimately the direction of my work.
Her story still sits at the heart of On Cloud K9 today.
OSIAN
Osian, usually known as Oshi, represents the next chapter.
With her, I’ve had the opportunity to apply what I’ve learned while continuing to question, observe, and adapt. She reminds me that no amount of study replaces paying attention to the individual dog in front of you.
Dogs are always teaching us something, and Oshi continues to make sure I keep learning.
“She really takes time to understand and help identify how best to train both you and your pup, then provides such great training in person which is supported with additional resources tailored to our needs!”
Clare Farrah
Swansea
READY FOR THE NEXT STEP?
FIND THE RIGHT TRAINING FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG
Whether you’re preparing for a puppy, building practical life skills, or looking for more personalised support, we’ll help you find the most suitable next step for you and your dog.
