Splendid K9 - Dog Behavior Specialists

14/11/2025

Meet Leo, the Staffie pup who came to us bursting with love, and a bit too much chaos for the cats (and the furniture). 😅🐾

His family wanted to set him up for long-term success. Together, we focused on:

🐈 Counter-conditioning towards the cats — helping Leo replace excitement and chase with calm association and self-control.

🐶 Healthy socialisation — teaching Leo to read other dogs’ cues and interact with confidence, not overexcitement.

👀 Education — empowering his family to interpret canine body language and step in early to prevent tension.

🦴 Bite inhibition — guiding Leo to develop control and softness during play.

🧠 Enrichment scheduling — building a daily rhythm of mental and physical stimulation to nurture a calm, balanced temperament over time.

Today, Leo’s not just better behaved, he’s emotionally balanced, socially aware, and thriving in a structured routine that sets him (and his owners) up for life.

Transformation happens through structure, patience, and the right guidance.

12/11/2025

Beau has one more, one-on-one dog walking slot left for the season! (Servicing the Southern Suburbs & Southern Peninsula.)

Our private walks help dogs burn energy, build confidence, and enjoy personalized attention. All at cost-effective rates. Whilst saving you time!

Want to secure this last spot? Reach out to us at 065 612 6569 or [email protected].

Thank you for trusting Splendid K9 with your furry friends!

10/11/2025

Ever notice how your dog insists on sniffing every single blade of grass?
It’s not stubbornness, it’s neuroscience. 🧠

Sniffing releases dopamine, the same feel-good chemical that helps humans unwind after a long day. For dogs, it’s how they decompress, process the world, and stay emotionally balanced.

When we constantly pull them along, we unintentionally interrupt that natural stress relief. Think of it like someone yanking your phone away mid-scroll. 🐶

So on your next walk, slow it down. Give them time to explore. Those few extra minutes of “sniff time” can lower anxiety, improve focus, and make for a calmer, happier dog at home.

Let their nose do the work, it’s the most powerful tool they have.

07/11/2025

Just another intense one-on-one session at Splendid K9.

Agenda: Snacks, squirrels and cuddle deficiencies.

Progress is accomplished through understanding, compassion and structured reinforcement.

On and off the couch.

28/10/2025

We are now offering a one-on-one, private dog walking service!

Southern Suburbs and Southern Peninsula.

(Edit - 2 walking slots left until January 2026).

Time running away from you? There’s just too much on your plate? Your fur friend is becoming destructive?

Meet Beau (you may have previously known him from his own walking business). He has joined the team!

Beau is a seasoned professional with a heart for all dogs and the muscle to hold it together.

If you’re needing a dependable and passionate dog walker, contact us today.

065 612 6569

17/10/2025

Reading Your Dog’s Micro-Signs: What Their Eyes Really Say

I often tell owners that your dog’s eyes are a language of their own. Beyond obvious expressions, subtle micro-signals reveal their true feelings. Offering you a snapshot before a behaviour follows.

-Soft squint or slow/half-blink: Comfort, relaxation, and trust.
-Rapid blinking or flicking eyes: Uncertainty, stress, or mild anxiety.
-Whale eye (visible whites): Fear, discomfort, or a warning to back off.
-Prolonged direct stare: Can signal positive or negative focus (Context is everything).

By noticing these small cues, you can respond proactively. Reducing stress, improving training outcomes, and strengthening your bond. Dogs communicate constantly; learning to read these micro-signs is key to understanding them.

15/10/2025

If you struggle to give your dogs medication, try some of these tips. They work!

Reposted from Dogs Disclosed

13/10/2025

An interesting read and a fascinating scientific interpretation of how dogs perceive and respond to human emotions. This study is a great reminder that our own emotions can directly influence our dogs, particularly during training. Cultivating self-awareness is key to helping them respond optimally.

link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10071-024-01899-x

10/10/2025

If your dog could master only ONE — what’s your pick? 👇

A) The perfect 'stay'.
B) The instant 'come'.

Choose your side and tag another dog parent to compare 🐾

08/10/2025

An incredibly important read for every dog owner!

Reposted from Dogs Disclosed

06/10/2025

These sorts of traits are often associated to dogs who are seen as ''unresponsive'' or sometimes even labeled as ''naughty''.

This is an important topic to understand. Support your sensitive dog!

Reposted from Dogs Disclosed

03/10/2025

Sometimes we are requested to help outside of Cape Town.

Marilyn and Shakira, two Giant Schnauzers from Paternoster, had become difficult to manage. Their owners were struggling with leash pulling, anxiety, and reactivity towards people. Daily life had become difficult to manage.

Due to our capacity, the only time I could dedicate was over a weekend, Friday through Sunday. Over that time, I introduced the owners to an eight hour practical and theory intensive behaviour course.

We worked step by step through obedience, leash training, regulation techniques, and counter conditioning. The owners not only saw immediate results, but they left the weekend with tools and an understanding that will continue to deliver forever.

Thank you for entrusting Splendid K9 and for your wonderful review.

At Splendid K9, we specialize in expert dog training and behaviour conditioning in Cape Town, using proven methods to achieve lasting results. Our team is committed to delivering personalized service with integrity, ensuring each client and their dog receives the highest level of care and training