About

Hello, I’m Tracy. Thank you for visiting Around The Block Dog Supplies.

Dogs have been a huge part of my life for many years, but opening Around The Block has taken me on a journey that I never expected.

What began as a desire to provide high-quality food, natural treats, durable toys, and carefully chosen accessories has grown into something much bigger. Every question I answered seemed to lead to another, and the more I learned, the more I realised there was still to discover.

My journey into dog training led me to become accredited with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT), an organisation committed to kind, science-based training methods. That experience shaped how I think about dogs and continues to influence every product I choose to stock. I strongly believe that anyone responsible for the care of a sentient being – whether human or animal – should never intentionally cause fear or harm. That’s why you won’t find equipment on my shelves that relies on pain, intimidation, or fear.

Over the years, I’ve raised three Labrador puppies – two for assistance dog charities and one as my own dog. More recently, my husband and I welcomed a five-month-old black Labrador rescue puppy into our home. Sharing our lives with dogs at different stages, each with their own personalities and challenges, continues to remind me that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to caring for them.

The more I learned through dog training, the more interested I became in canine nutrition, health, behaviour, and overall well-being. Today, I’m just as likely to be reading research, attending seminars, analysing an ingredient panel, or asking a manufacturer difficult questions as I am to be unpacking deliveries or helping customers in the shop.

I don’t believe anyone ever knows everything about canine nutrition or wellness – certainly not me. The more I learn, the more I realise there is still to discover.

Every dog is an individual, which is why I believe good nutrition, thoughtfully chosen equipment, enrichment, and kind, science-based training all have an important role to play in helping dogs live healthy, happy lives.

My promise to every customer is simple: I’ll never stop learning, I’ll never stop asking questions, and I’ll always share what I discover with honesty and transparency.

Whether you’re choosing a complete diet, a natural treat, a well-designed harness, an enrichment toy, or simply looking for honest advice, my goal isn’t to tell you what to buy. It’s to help you understand your options so you can make informed decisions for your own dog.

I don’t believe there is one perfect food for every dog.

I don’t believe there is one perfect harness, toy, or training method either.

Every dog is an individual.

My role isn’t to tell you what to buy.

My role is to help you understand your options, answer your questions, and give you the confidence to make the right decisions for your own dog.

If you leave Around The Block knowing a little more than when you arrived, then I’ve done my job.

I look forward to welcoming you and your dog.

Tracy Hemmings
Founder, Around The Block Dog Supplies

All Members of The IMDT agree to abide by The IMDT Code of Ethics:

• To train dogs and behave professionally with honesty, integrity and in the best interest of the dog, the owner, the public.
• The IMDT Actively provide and promote force-free training methods and actively reject any methods or equipment that may cause physical or mental discomfort.
• Continue Professional Development through, self-study, workshops, courses & seminars.
• Respect the privacy and confidentiality of clients.
• Carry suitable professional insurance including public liability.
• Members agree to work within their professional limits and agree to refer owners with needs beyond those limits to a suitable professional.
• Provide and promote science based, proven dog training principles to a high, professional standard.
• Avoid positive punishment and negative reinforcement as a tool for training dogs.
• Accept IMDT Committee decisions as final after appeals process.
• Proactively benefit dogs and dog owners.
• Proactively promote The IMDT and Associated bodies.