For thousands of years dogs have been selectively bred to excel at specific jobs such as herding, hunting, guarding and retrieving
Dogs used to perform these jobs every day, giving them a strong sense of purpose
These jobs were highly stimulating to dogs
Not only physically, but also mentally
Then we moved dogs into urban environments and we effectively took their jobs away
However a dog's natural instinct to perform the job they were bred to do is still there
It's genetically hardwired into them
It's like asking a fish not to swim
It's who they are
When dogs aren't given opportunities to engage in meaningful activities, many are left searching for ways to satisfy those drives themselves
That's why some dogs never seem fully satisfied after a walk
Why some are constantly looking for their next source of stimulation.
And why some develop habits and behaviours their owners find frustrating
Not because they're being difficult
Because they're still trying to do the jobs they were born to do
The solution
To provide opportunities for your dog to engage in meaningful activities that honour their natural instincts and give them a greater sense of purpose
But how do you do that? And who has the time?
Empire of the Hound's Enriching Outings and Instinct Play sessions are the missing link in your dog's routine
All levels of participation are on a 1 to 1 basis, allowing them to be tailor made to suit exactly what your dog needs
Enriching Outings focus primarily on physical and environmental stimulation, with a longer time frame of 45 minutes to allow your dog to set the pace of fast, slow or something in between
Unlike a traditional walk focused on distance and pace, Enriching Outings give your dog time to explore the environment at their own speed. Dogs are encouraged to sniff, investigate and engage with the world around them, creating experiences that are both mentally and physically enriching
Enriching Outing & Instinct Play sessions are an upgrade to include specialised breed specific physical and mental stimulation
On a 1 to 1 basis I'll engage your dog in activities aligned with their natural instincts and the jobs their ancestors were bred to do
From scent driven nose work to simulated hunting and herding play, every enriching moment is shaped by what your dog was born to do, honouring instinct, drive and natural behaviours, all carried out in the safety of your own backyard
Expect a service that is calm, safe and deeply attuned to your dog's enrichment needs
The outcome
When dogs are given opportunities to express natural behaviours and engage in meaningful activities, many owners notice improvements in wellbeing, engagement and their dog's ability to settle at home
Rather than constantly seeking stimulation, dogs are able to channel energy into purposeful outlets that support both their physical and mental wellbeing
Spend time out of your home knowing you'll come home to a well-spent dog
This is not standard dog walking
This is tailored care for dogs that thrive on more
Because exercise alone isn't always enough
Enriching Outings are designed for dogs who need more than exercise alone
Conducted on a one-to-one basis and tailored to your dog's individual needs, these purposeful outings provide opportunities for exploration, engagement and meaningful interaction with the environment
Your dog sets the pace—fast, slow or somewhere in between. With a full 45 minutes dedicated entirely to them, there is time to sniff, investigate and experience the world in a way that supports both physical and mental wellbeing
Unlike many traditional dog walking services, time spent collecting other dogs or travelling in a van is not part of your dog's outing
Their experience begins the moment we leave your front gate
Throughout the outing, your dog remains securely on leash and receives my full attention
Through your private client portal you'll receive outing notifications, behavioural observations, photos, videos and a GPS route map, allowing you to stay connected to your dog's day even when you can't be there
This isn't a standard walk around the block
It's a purposeful experience designed for dogs who thrive on more

The Signature Enriching Outing is upgraded to include a 30-minute Instinct Play session in your own backyard immediately following your dog's 45-minute outing
Designed around your dog's breed, temperament and individual preferences, Instinct Play provides opportunities for your dog to engage in the behaviours they were born to perform. Every session is conducted on a one-to-one basis and tailored specifically to your dog
Activities may include scent-driven nose work, simulated hunting games, retrieval tasks, herding-inspired activities, foraging opportunities and problem-solving challenges, all carefully selected to align with your dog's natural instincts and interests
Rather than asking your dog to suppress their instincts, Instinct Play provides safe and appropriate opportunities for them to be expressed
Activities are carefully balanced to ensure your dog is neither overstimulated nor understimulated, helping to create experiences that are engaging, rewarding and supportive of overall wellbeing
Every Instinct Play session is tailored to your dog's evolving interests, preferences and needs. Your participation, engagement and favourite activities are recorded in their personalised report card, allowing you to follow their progress over time.
Through your private client portal, you'll receive notifications when the outing begins and ends, behavioural observations, photos and videos to treasure, a GPS route map of the outing, and a detailed summary of the Instinct Play activities your dog participated in
This is more than enrichment
It's an opportunity for your dog to engage with the instincts, drives and behaviours that have shaped dogs for generations
For dogs who are always looking for more, Instinct Play provides a purposeful outlet that goes beyond the standard walk

This session is an extended version of our standard Enriching Outing & Instinct Play session
It's best suited to dogs who have higher than normal energy levels and need even more
if your dog hasn't been in an enriching outing and instinct play session before, it's best to start with the standard 1h 15 minute session as that may be enough
You can always upgrade to the extended session next time if you need to

If for any reason you don't feel a provided service was of exceptional value and made a genuine difference to your dog's day, a full refund will be provided
Armadale, Toorak, Malvern, Kooyong

Hello, it's lovely to meet you.
I'm Fiona Jack, founder of Empire of the Hound.
I'm a certified canine behaviourist (ISCP.Dip.Canine.Prac), trained in canine first aid and fully insured for your peace of mind. I've also worked as a volunteer kennel attendant at the RSPCA, gaining hands-on experience handling dogs with a wide range of temperaments, behavioural challenges and life experiences
As the sole dog handler at Empire of the Hound, I'll always be the person caring for your dog, getting to know their unique personality and ensuring they have a safe, enjoyable and enriching experience
I use positive reinforcement and fear-free methods because they are both effective and kind. Your dog will never be punished, forced into situations that make them uncomfortable or rushed through experiences that matter to them. Instead, they'll be supported with patience, understanding and guidance tailored to their individual needs
For dogs who are anxious, reactive or simply need a little extra understanding, I pay close attention to body language and carefully manage the environment around us to help keep experiences positive and stress levels low
Strong situational awareness and thoughtful handling are at the heart of every outing
Empire of the Hound was created because I couldn't find the service I needed for my own dog
At the time, I was working long hours in a corporate role and spending more time away from home than I wanted to. My dog was anxious, reactive to other dogs and needed more than a quick walk around the block.
I wanted a service that would treat him as an individual, prioritise his wellbeing and provide meaningful experiences tailored specifically to him. I wanted to know he would be cared for by someone who understood his needs and would never place him in situations that made him feel overwhelmed or unsafe.
When I couldn't find that service, I created it.
Today, Empire of the Hound exists for owners who want more than standard dog walking and for dogs who thrive on personalised care, enrichment and purposeful experiences.
Because some dogs need more than the standard walk
This complimentary consultation is an opportunity for me to learn more about your dog, understand your goals, and determine whether Empire of the Hound is the right fit for your needs
Together we'll discuss:
Please allow approximately 30 minutes
Every dog is different, and I work with a limited number of clients to ensure each receives the time, attention and consistency they deserve
To provide meaningful support, services are offered on an ongoing basis rather than as one-off or ad hoc bookings
Once I receive your request, I'll review your application and confirm whether I have availability, and whether Empire of the Hound is likely to be a good fit for your dog's needs
I'll then be in touch to discuss the next steps
If we decide to move forward, we'll arrange your Initial Behaviour & Care Consultation, where we'll discuss your dog's needs, routines, goals and any behavioural concerns in greater detail
At the conclusion of your consultation, I'll recommend the most appropriate support for your dog, whether that's Enriching Outings, Instinct Play, or a more structured approach
If we're a good fit we'll then schedule your dog's first session
All first sessions are backed by my 100% satisfaction guarantee

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Why some dogs require more than a standard walk
And how to better understand what may be missing
from your dog's routine
This guide is currently available for dog owners within Empire of the Hound's local service areas only
If you're located within a service area you're welcome to continue to request your free guide