Splendid K9 - Dog Behavior Specialists

03/03/2025

Meet Frangelica – a loving, smart pointer with a heart full of joy! She's independent yet craves companionship, ready to share zoomies, cuddles, and endless love. Is your home the one she's been waiting for? 🐾

Adopt her today: https://tears.org.za/rescue/frangelica/
[email protected] | 021 785 4482

Meet Frangelica, the pretty Africanis mix with ears as big as satellites and a heart full of love! Her fur is as white as snow, decorated with freckles and tan patches. Dog Adoption Form

28/02/2025

Introducing our new, weekly Friday post.

Challenge Friday’s!

This week’s challenge - Sit with a view.

Take your fur friend to a picturesque view, ask them to sit, snap a photo and comment it here or tag us before the end of the weekend.

Go have fun and appreciate the moment. On a hike, at the beach, or simply from a beautiful sunset at home.

Stay tuned for next week’s challenge!

27/02/2025

A cute Thursday video with a trick question! We challenge you to answer it to the best of your ability.

Is Denver (the dog in this video) experiencing feelings of guilt? Explain your hypothesis in as much detail as possible.

Someone helped themselves to the kitty Cat treats! Let's see who cracks under pressure?Denver's kids books: https://guiltydogadventures.blogspot.com/Denver's...

26/02/2025

Meet Tucker (Sh*tzu) and Guy (young man in the photo).

Gina was asked to help Guy establish a stronger responsiveness with Tucker. With his obedience commands, placement training and recall.

Increasing the strength of their bond, understanding and relationship.

They continue to move forward steadily, with daily practices and homework to follow.

Well done Tucker and Guy!

24/02/2025

Lighthearted Monday! #1

Did you know that the Bazenji is the only breed that doesn’t bark?

Well, not completely. They aren’t technically "barkless" but instead, produce a unique, yodel like noise.

21/02/2025

Reward timing is more important than you think.

Especially in the beginning stages of your training journey.

Immediate reinforcement is incredibly important.

Reward a positive behaviour that you would like to see repeat itself, immediately, with a marker (For example, a word such as “Good” or “Yes”) and give them a high value, smelly treat right away after that. Repeat this consistently and daily.

Stay tuned for more information and tips on reward timing.

21/02/2025

We have one position open!

We are looking for a Dog Behaviourist or Dog Trainer.

Join a diversified team of experts who hold a strong, established share within the business of Dog Training and Behaviourism.

Join us for mentorship, study and career guidance, as well as many other growth opportunities.

Requirements:
-Fluent in English.
-Excellent communication skills.
-Own mode of transport.
-Qualification or diploma.
-Emotional intelligence, empathy, compassion and self awareness.
-Superb problem solving skills.
-Ability to perform well under pressure.
-Team oriented focus.
-Open minded.

You are welcome to reach out if you are studying and believe that you would be a good match.

Please email us your CV, necessary qualification or diploma, and/or just a bit more about yourself and your background.

Questions regarding this position, although that they are welcome, will only be answered to seriously interested individuals, once the above requested information is received.

[email protected]

20/02/2025

Have you ever rubbed your dog’s nose in their wee to house train them?

This method has been circulating for a century. Some trainers even teach it!

It can be incredibly confusing and even emotionally harmful to your dog, as well as your relationship with your dog.

Check out our previous post and give that a try instead.

19/02/2025

Are you battling to house train your puppy?

Firstly, mistakes inside are normal and you’re not alone!

Keep in mind that a pup’s age will determine how frequently they need to do their business.
As a rough example for urination:
8-12 Weeks - Every Hour.
4-6 Months - Every three hours.

Create a consistent routine. Take them outside at the same time every day (where possible) to do their business.

Wait until their business is done. Once done, affirm with a high pitched, excited vocal marker “Good” or “Yes” and reward with a treat.
Keep consistent and it will get better over time.

Read more here: https://www.splendidk9.co.za/post/house-training-your-puppy

18/02/2025

Your dog doesn’t focus in public?

It is understandable and here’s why they don’t listen.

Dogs need to start with training in a distraction-free zone to start with. Such as your home or garden.
Practice your training routine daily and consistently, so that they are almost automatically doing the behaviour before you ask them to do it.

Then gradually increase the distractions or intensity of the environment whilst consistently practicing the same training routine.

For example. Once you are getting comfortable training in the home, then move onto your driveway, then move onto your neighbourhood road, then move further down the road, and expand from there. In another picture, go to a quiet park, then a busier park etc.

You get the idea.

Have fun! Should you need help, get in touch.

17/02/2025

The Importance of Your Dogs Dental Care.

Dental health contributes to the overall health and longevity of your beloved pet.

It can also prevent periodontal disease, bad breath and additional risks of infection.

You can help them with dental chews and toys, brushing regularly, a healthy diet and routine vet check ups.

Consult your vet today for more information.

14/02/2025

Happy Valentine’s Day from the Splendid K9 team!

Check out the link below for some free, fast and easy to apply tips to reduce pulling whilst on leash!

https://www.splendidk9.co.za/post/leash-training-a-guide-to-stress-free-walks

12/02/2025

Will spaying or neutering make my dog lose their personality?

While we urge you to speak to your veterinarian first, here’s some handy information to know.

Just after surgery, during the recovery period, you may notice a subtle change in temperament, overall excitement, and even aggression levels.

To catch you up briefly, the process of neutering/spaying removes the ovaries or testicles, along with the hormones they secrete.

The reduction in testosterone in males may reduce dominance, hu***ng, and certain other hormonally influenced ‘excitable’ behaviours. However, this will not change aspects of their personality.

In females, we often observe a decrease in moody behaviour and more predictable mood patterns. This, in turn, also decreases stress-based behaviours (caused by such mood swings), as well as aggression or irritability during a heat cycle. But no, this will not change their personality.

In short, no, spaying or neutering will not make your dog lose their personality.

10/02/2025

Should You Let a Dog Sniff Another Dog Before Greeting?

While sniffing is a natural and common greeting behaviour for dogs, not all dogs appreciate this interaction. It's crucial to monitor body language and ensure both dogs are comfortable before allowing them to greet each other.

Read more here: https://www.splendidk9.co.za/post/should-dogs-sniff-each-other-before-greeting

07/02/2025

Meet Ripley.

This beautiful shepherd has developed a reactivity towards other dogs due to anxiety.

She was easily overstimulated and would react to dogs at any distance.

Although Ripley is still quite alert and attentive (as seen in this clip), here is a little progress footprint.

Where Ripley is learning to remain calm, even while looking at another dog, from a close distance.

We are proud of how far you’ve come Ripley!

05/02/2025

Splendid K9 - Announcement!

We’ve officially launched our blog page! It took a little longer than planned, but we’re excited to share useful tips, canine behaviour insights, and specialized training advice.

Explore our latest posts: https://www.splendidk9.co.za/blog-1

03/02/2025

Meet Koda!

Look how far she’s come in just two appointments!

This cute, collie cross ‘bear cub’, was struggling to understand why the household cats didn’t want to play with her.

All she wanted to do was chase, run and tackle. But her feline friends didn’t seem to enjoy this as much as she did.

Storm was asked to help establish a socialisation structure. For Koda and the cats to live in a more harmonious environment.

We created a day to day enrichment & training structure for her owners to follow.

This is referred to as ‘Impulse Control’ Training. If your dog is struggling with reactive behaviour or chasing cats, joggers, bicycles, skateboards or other dogs. This type of training would be beneficial to you.

Pebbles (second photo), certainly approves.

31/01/2025

Are dogs colourblind? 👀

A common belief is that dogs are completely colour blind and see the world only in black and white. However, dogs can see some colours, but their colour vision is limited compared to humans; they primarily see shades of blue and yellow.