The Smart Dog- Animal Behaviour and Training Centre

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South Africa
Durban
The Smart Dog- Animal Behaviour and Training Centre

Puppy classes and dog training. Animal Behaviour and Care. Detector Dog Scent Training. Online dog Do You Want a Dog Who Can Go Anywhere? We can help! Book a call"
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We are a full service dog training company located in Durban KZN. We offer a number of different training programs to meet the needs and skill level of you and your pup from teaching basic foundation skills to modifying unwanted behavior. Each program is subject to a consultation during which your trainer will assess the behavioral needs of your dog or puppy and work to formulate a personalized tr

aining plan to help you achieve your goals. We understand that our clients live active and busy lives, and we are pleased to offer many flexible training options such as: Board & Train, Private Coaching, Group Classes and our All day Puppy School.

03/09/2025

National Service Dog Month

September is National Service Dog Month! Service dogs are dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.

This month is dedicated to raising awareness and educating the community about service dogs that provide greater independence and support to their partners.

For years, Smart Service Dogs has been providing service dogs to children, adults and veterans with disabilities, transforming the "lives of families one dog at a time".

Robin, Dobby and Buddy, are the next generation of service dogs who are preparing to make a life-changing difference.

Service dogs are professionally trained and partnered with adults and children with disabilities to assist with daily tasks and increase independence. They help with a variety of tasks that make a significant impact on the lives of their partners.

Tasks could include pulling wheelchairs, picking up dropped items, alerting people who are hard of hearing, mitigating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and more.

At Smart Service Dogs , every service dog spends their first 14 to 16 months with a volunteer puppy raiser to learn basic tasks and socialize in public and private settings and 45 tasks before graduating.

29/08/2025

The Usual suspects applying to become an Assistance Dog, only 1 will make it.

Can you guess who will make it?

Choosing the correct assistance dog puppy/dog is important.

Pop over to our website and read our blog post.

https://smartservicedog.co.za/how-to-choose-the-correct-assistance-dog/

If your require more information drop us an email [email protected] or mobile 0812704672

Visit our website for more information https://smartservicedog.co.za

26/08/2025

Certify you dog Today!!!!

Whether you’re aiming to set up a unique canine partnership.

Do you want to certify you own dog as a:

Therapy Dog

Emotional Support Dog

Assistance Dogs

We can assist you via our team of accredited Guide Dog Mobility Instructors, Dog Trainers and Behaviourists.

From Physical to online courses with our trainer in you pocket app.

Drop us a email at [email protected] or whatsapp us on 0812704672

25/08/2025

Why Training Standards are important !!!

Did you know? Although all guide and assistance dogs go through standardised international training to meet certain safety and skill criteria, each dog will receive specialised training to meet the individual needs of their handler.

For example, a dog whose client who lives in the country may need extra refinement of country travel - keeping on track despite a lack of footpath, or extra desensitisation to country animals. Another example is if a client requires the dog to work on their right-hand side instead of their left.

For more information visit our website https://smartservicedog.co.za

21/08/2025

Guide for the corret protocol when seeing a Guide or Assistance Dog.

Guide dogs and assitance animals are more commonly recognized today and are often seen with their handlers in a variety of public spaces and daily life activities.
These highly trained animals are essential to their handler’s safety, independence, and quality of life. They have undergone specialized training and certification to support their human, and it is important that we interact with them in ways that respect the critical role they play.

For more reading pop over to our blog page and read further on this article or several others.

https://link.msgsndr.com/sp/b3f76fc29ef

18/08/2025

Please stand behind us with this Bill to change laws for Guide and .Assistance Dogs.

🐾 EVERY HERO DESERVES ACCESS

Assistance animals are more than companions, they are lifelines that restore independence and dignity to people with disabilities. Yet too many are still denied access to public spaces, restaurants, and transport.
The DA is taking action. Our Private Member’s Bill will protect the fundamental right of people with disabilities to access public spaces with their assistance animals.
Your voice matters. 💬

Have you or someone you know been turned away because of an assistance animal? We want to hear from you. Share your experiences, both positive and challenging, to help us build the strongest possible case for this legislation.
Together, we can break down barriers and build an inclusive South Africa. 🌍

📧 Share your story: [email protected]

14/08/2025

"The emotional toll on assistance dog handlers is also considerable, leading to feelings of exclusion, anxiety, and frustration. This is exacerbated by the need to continually advocate for their rights before receiving equal treatment" visit our website for more information https://smartservicedog.co.za

11/08/2025

This Month is International Guide and Assistance Dog Month 🐾

My name is Buddy, I'm a Golden Retriever puppy born 2 months ago.

All month, we're celebrating the extraordinary work of guide and assistance dogs and especially the unique role that autism assistance dogs play in supporting autistic individuals and their families.

At Smart Service Dog, we train dogs to perform life-enhancing tasks like:
🔹 Deep pressure therapy
🔹 Medication reminders
🔹 Retrieving dropped or essential items
🔹 Interrupting self-harm
🔹 Responding to meltdowns with calm, trained support

Every dog is trained with care, compassion, and a deep respect for the needs of each handler.

💙 Join us throughout the month as we share real stories, community voices, and insights into what makes these partnerships so vital.

Want to support our work or learn more?
Visit https://smartservicedog.co.za/ or mobile 0812704672

08/08/2025

The Paws for Access report published by International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International has highlighted the ongoing challenges Assistance Dog handlers face globally when it comes to exercising their legal right to access public spaces. Despite laws in place across Australia and many other countries protecting these rights, discrimination is still occurring at an alarming rate.

Here’s what the report found:
🚫 43% of Guide and Assistance Dog handlers globally were refused access to a public place in the last 12 months.
📊 In Australia, the figure is even higher—58% of handlers experienced public access refusal within the past year.
😟 40% of survey participants said they had considered avoiding public areas due to previous negative experiences.
🚕 56% reported access issues when using transport options such as taxis, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, and even public transport.
🐾 65% of respondents had experienced interference from untrained or fake Guide or Assistance Dogs including biting, lunging, or snapping, which can create anxiety, danger, and further barriers for legitimate Guide and Assistance Dog teams.

These numbers highlight just how much more awareness and education is needed in the community—especially among business owners and frontline staff. Access refusal not only breaks the law but also limits independence, safety, and quality of life for people living with disability. 🧡

Please feel free to contact us regarding assisting you.

07/08/2025

It’s International Assistance Dog Week 🐾❤️⁠
⁠
A time to celebrate the dogs that change lives, and to raise awareness about the importance of public access for assistance dog teams ⁠
⁠
At Smart Service Dogs our guide and assistance dogs support our clients every day — helping them regain independence, confidence, and connection.⁠
⁠
But access matters. Denying entry to a trained assistance dog doesn’t just break the law — it breaks trust, dignity, and progress.⁠
⁠
Read more about why access is vital 👉 https://link.msgsndr.com/sp/ec85bf466f7

06/08/2025

This year’s , we aim to also provide awareness of HOW to support in your community .
Remember to follow these simple rules to make sure that Assistance Dogs can continue working hard with their family:

✅ Don’t pet them if they are wearing a jacket.
✅ Don’t feed them, even if they are giving you puppy dog eyes
✅ Talk directly to the handler/family if you are interested in knowing more about service dogs

Find out more about Smart Service Dog Heroes and how you can support drop us a message on whatsapp 0681528266 or an email: [email protected]

04/08/2025

Happy International Service Dog Day! Today, we recognize the exceptional service dogs who make an extraordinary impact in the lives of people with disabilities. Whether they’re offering guidance, alerting to medical needs, or assisting with daily tasks, these four-legged heroes inspire independence and confidence every day.

If you’re a handler, advocate, or simply an admirer of these amazing animals, help us spread the word! Post a picture of your service dog or share a memorable service dog story in the comments—or tag us using . Let’s work together toward a world that’s accessible and inclusive for everyone.

A heartfelt thank you to every service dog and their dedicated handler for their invaluable contributions! 🐾

Address

180 North Ridge Road
Durban
4001

Telephone

+27812704672

Website

http://www.thesmartdog.co.za/

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