Helping you understand your dog better, change problem behaviour in a kind and constructive way, and develop the knowledge and skills to train and handle your dog effectively without the use of force, pain or fear.
About
It goes without saying that I love dogs and what makes my career so fulfilling is seeing a dog and her guardian develop a relationship based on trust and understanding. With this passion, I opted for a career change in 2006 and decided to study dog behaviour. In 2008 I began working full time as a dog behaviourist and in 2009 I started instructing dog training classes. Since then, I have been assisting many dogs and their guardians learn how to understand each other and ultimately, have the fulfilling relationship we all want with our dogs.
Studies & Affiliations
I studied at the Ethology Academy under the late Prof. Johannes Odendaal and completed the Basic Behaviour Course for Dogs in 2006, as well as the Advanced Behaviour Course for Dogs, with a distinction, the following year. I studied for the Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour Management through PetSense (a Compass Education and Training Partner) and completed 5 modules with an average grade of A.
I believe in continuing my professional development by reading, studying and attending national and international workshops and conferences. I continue to learn from the best canine behaviour experts about the latest science-based methods to compassionately help a dog become the best companion she can be; while equipping dog guardians with the knowledge and skills to train, handle and understand their dogs better.
- Certified member (no 10439036) of the International Pet Professionals Guild, an Association for Force-Free Professionals
- Organisational Member: Pet Industry Advocacy International (Pet Professionals Guild)
- Super Pup Gold Level Trainer: SP# G1707/50
- Committee member: Animal Behaviour Consultants of South Africa: March 2017 to August 2020.
“The love of a dog is a pure thing. He gives you trust which is total. You must not betray it.”
– Michel Hoellebecq
Services
Problem behaviour
Problem behaviours such as aggression, separation anxiety, excessive barking and destructive behaviour, to name a few, could have many different causes. A thorough evaluation is necessary to get to the underlying issue. Only once the evaluation is complete, can a unique plan be formulated to help you address the problem behaviour.
Many problem behaviours (especially aggression) have a physiological cause so you might be asked to take your dog for a thorough medical check-up as part of the behavioural evaluation.
A behavioural consultation normally lasts 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the problem. A session starts off with a thorough evaluation that will look, among other things, at the dog’s genetics, history, upbringing, environment, activity needs, health, and relationship with you and other members of your household. After the consultation you will receive supplementary notes (if applicable) that will give a sound behavioural picture of how to proceed with the treatment programme.
Success is dependent on understanding your dog’s behaviour and having realistic expectations on what can be achieved with behaviour modification. Your commitment and patience in consistently implementing the treatment programme as prescribed is the most effective way to modify problem behaviours.
I do not use methods that involve fear, force, pain or any other form of punishment. These methods can have a damaging (often irreversible) impact on the treatment programme as well as the dog. The whole family’s consistent application of the treatment programme is crucial to achieving the desired results.
I do behaviour consultations at my practice in Riviera, Pretoria as well as home visits in the Moot area of Pretoria.
Puppies
Dog on the Couch offers the most comprehensive puppy course you will find for puppies younger than 6 months. Everything you will need to make the most of your puppy’s early learning experiences in a positive way is included in the course:
- Socialisation: exposure to lots of new and exciting things every week
- Training: basic obedience and good manners
- K9 Fitness: an introduction to physically informed dog fitness exercises
- Bonus material: course notes and videos of everything taught in class
I do not use methods that involve fear, force, pain or any other form of punishment. Such methods can have a damaging (often irreversible) impact on your relationship with your puppy. Only force free, reward base methods are good enough for your puppy.
Duration: 6 weeks
When: Saturdays from 09:00 – 10:00 or 10:30 – 11:30
Follow Dog on the Couch on Facebook for the dates and times of upcoming courses.
Private lessons
For dogs older than 6 months as well as dogs that are not comfortable in a group environment, Dog on the Couch offers private lessons. These lessons address basic obedience and good manners as well as specific issues such as loose leash walking, come when called, stays, jumping up and more.
Private lessons are also useful for behaviour modification to address minor behavioural problems.
I do not use methods that involve fear, force, pain or any other form of punishment. Such methods can have a damaging (often irreversible) impact on your relationship with your dog. Only force free, reward base methods are good enough for your dog.
Consulting hours for private lessons: Tuesdays to Thursdays from 10:00 to 17:30.
K9 Fitness
K9 Fitness is a fun workout for your dog’s mind and body with exercises to improve stability, body awareness, muscle strength and joint mobility. These exercises provide you with the tools to help your dog move in healthier ways, in order to help him live his best life.
Any dog can benefit from K9 Fitness exercises no matter their size or age. The exercises are particularly beneficial for a dogs that:
- Appear stiff in any of their limbs or when getting up after lying down
- Limp after a long walk, playing or chasing the ball
- Suffer from arthritis or have been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, a cruciate ligament injury, etc.
- Are recovering after an operation or injury
Dog on the Couch offers group classes and private sessions in K9 Fitness and only uses force free, reward based methods.
Consulting hours for private K9 Fitness sessions: Tuesdays to Thursdays from 10:00 to 17:30.
“In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn’t merely try to train him to be semi human. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog.”
– Edward Hoagland
Contact
+27 82 933 9992
Certified member (no 10439036) of the Association for Force-Free Professionals
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