Amanda van der Walt
Registered canine behaviourist & trainer | Basic & advanced canine ethology
Member of the SA board for companion-animal professionals
Behaviour consultation for dogs and puppies done at your home
Consultations are done at your home in a relaxed manner, where your dog/s are comfortable to be themselves – be that happy, sad, good or bad – without the unfamiliar distractions of the outside world.
By understanding why our dogs behave badly, oddly or in excessive ways, we’re able to help them, in highly effective ways, to recover from these behavioural issues and the things that plague them, resulting in all-round happier, better-behaved, less stressed and more obedient dogs.
Behaviour modification through positive association will steer your dog towards better alternatives, resulting in better choices, and more advantageous outcomes to their “bad” or unwanted behaviours.
Some of the more common behaviours are listed below. Please see the behaviours page for a more comprehensive list.
barking – digging – chewing – house soiling
disobedience – jumping up – boisterousness
aggression – fighting – dominance – biting
fear – separation-anxiety – depression
General obedience, basic commands, leash training and more
Cultivating obedience in positive and enjoyable ways encourages an eagerness to listen, respond and learn. Such training will encourage more discipline, to have better impulse control, more patience and calmness, and to behave well by choice whether at home our out on a walk.
With some basic commands and obedience skills, your dog can be asked to willingly wait in a relaxed manner while you prepare their meal, to come to you when called, to wait before crossing the road, not to jump on visitors, to go to their bed when you need them settle or not to get stressed at the park.
Leash-training is highly recommended for dogs and puppies alike. An enjoyable walking routine is highly beneficial for almost all behavioural issues as well as for our dogs’ physical and mental health. Essential socialisation occurs naturally and at a natural pace during stress-free walks.
