My Family Dog School

24/10/2024

There is nothing natural about large numbers of unfamiliar dogs partaking in high-intensity activity in a dog park, and this shouldn’t be the benchmark for a social dog. If your dog is not their best in such an environment, you are not doing anything wrong. 👏👏 There is nothing wrong with your dog. 👏👏 Your dog is normal. 👏👏

19/08/2024

15/05/2024

BREAKING NEWS: after a brief break from classes, we are reopening for puppy classes on 1 June 2024. Booking is essential. Our classes fill up quickly, so bookings are handled on a first come, first served basis.
If your pup is between 9 & 16 weeks old and has had 2 of the 3 sets of vaccinations, you can enrol in our puppy classes. Pop us an email on [email protected] for more information.

03/01/2023

A pups socialisation phase ends at around 16 weeks of age. During this time everything they experience gets added to their 'toolbox' for them to reference later in life. This is the perfect time to introduce them to other dogs, people, novel stimuli such as noises, different surfaces etc. In our puppy classes your pups will be exposed to these sorts of things, we discuss common puppy owner challenges such as toilet training, nipping, jumping and destructive behaviours (digging and chewing). Your pups will learn some basic obedience exercises, plus a couple of cool tricks. 😉
Pups must have had at least 2 of their 3 puppy vaccinations. Space in the class is limited. Email us now on [email protected] or drop us a WhatsApp on +27 63 776 4479

24/03/2022

Easter Egg Biscuits for the Fur Babies 🐣 R75 a box ❤️🐾

16/03/2022

Pop in and see the ladies at Doggies First. They stock all premium brands of dog food too and lots of other goodies you may need for your doggies. Tell them I sent you... 😉

25/02/2022

As a trainer I am so happy that this is being put 'out there'. Bottom line... A Belgian Malinois is not a breed suitable as a family pet. One should never ever buy a specific breed just because you see a well trained one in a movie or TV series. They don't just come like that. Their owners spend hours and hours training them to that level.

12/02/2022

Many of you know that I am NOT a fan of dog parks or walking my dogs around the neighbourhood. I have often said that you do have to take your dog on walks in order to exercise them. Please give this a read.

Yes, you read that right. I give you permission to NOT walk your dog.

The obvious disclaimer here is that dogs need appropriate exercise and mental enrichment (the amount varies from dog to dog). We are strong advocates for meeting dogs’ needs (physically and mentally).

BUT. There is this idea in our culture of the walk as a “thing dog owners must do,” and sometimes it can cause more harm than good. A few examples:

- your dog is reactive, and walks are filled with explosive reactions and stress for everyone. Suggestions instead: do training exercises in the back yard, get outside your neighborhood to somewhere quiet for a “decompression walk” (and talk to a qualified behavior consultant)

- your dog is terrified of the outside, and shakes and trembles during the entire walk. Suggestion: keep outdoor potty breaks short, and play games indoors. You can try fetch, some wrestling/chase, or even “find it” games. (And talk to a qualified behavior consultant)

- your dog pulls like a freight train on walks and tries to chase every squirrel and leaf and you end every walk with a sore arm and lots of frustration. Suggestion: train your leash walking skills indoors, in your yard, or in another quiet space without distractions! Use a flirt pole, fetch, and other active games to burn off some energy. (And talk to a qualified trainer)

- you’re having a bad day and know that going for a walk is likely to upset you when your dog pulls, reacts, etc

- there are so many other reasons why a “walk” might not be the best option for you and your dog. If your dog is stressed during walks, or you feel emotionally exhausted after them- it’s probably time to reconsider whether a walk is your best option!

Saying no to walks (temporarily or long term) doesn’t make you a bad owner. It means you’re thinking carefully about how to meet your dog’s needs, and your own!

Remember, we still have to meet our dog’s needs for exercise and mental enrichment, and there are TONS of other ways to do that!

But a walk isn’t the only way to do this, and it’s ok to NOT walk your dog.

10/02/2022

Got a new puppy... Did you know that a puppy learns everything they need for their toolbox of life in their first 16 weeks? If your pup is between 9 & 12 weeks old and had the second lot of vaccinations contact us about enrolling in our classes.

25/01/2022

Bookings for our February puppy class are open. Space is limited. First come, first served. Pop us an email on [email protected] or a WhatsApp us on 063 776-4479.

02/01/2022

Our new puppy course starts on 15th January 2022. We have limited space available, book early to avoid disappointment. Pop us an email on [email protected] to find out more or to book your spot.

01/12/2021

It's so important to teach kids the safe way to interact with dogs. Gracie and I visited Little Miracles Preschool, Bromhof this morning. Gracie loved the extra sweeties and the kids loved the visit.

14/05/2021

Pups must be 8 - 10 weeks and had 2 of their 3 lots of vaccinations before they can join our classes. Strict Covid protocols apply.

14/05/2021

Our phone number is up and running again.... 😁

14/05/2021

Please note that our cell phone has been stolen. We have no access to WhatsApps or calls at the moment. Please contact us via email on [email protected] and we will responds a.s.a.p. Apologies for any inconvenience.

16/10/2020

We are in for a hot next few days! ☀️

Our pets are unable to respond to heat in the same way that we, as humans, do. We have sweat glands all over our bodies that help us to regulate our temperature, but dogs and cats, for example, only have a few in their feet and around their noses. Many animals rely on panting and external cooing to lose heat.

What is heatstroke?

It is a state of hyperthermia (an elevated core body temperature above the normal range) which can result in heat-related injury to tissues. Heatstroke occurs when the body’s generation of heat exceeds its ability to lose heat.

What are the main predisposing factors?

• A warm, hot, or humid environment with inadequate ventilation.
• Inadequate shade.
• Inadequate drinking water.
• Excessive exercise.

Are there any other predisposing factors?

Although all animals are susceptible, it is important to be aware of the following secondary factors:

• Obesity
• Brachycephalic anatomy (Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Persian, Chinchilla and Himalayan cats, among others)
• Breathing difficulties/Respiratory disease – collapsing trachea etc.
• Heart problems/Cardiovascular disease.
• Neurological disease.
• Age extremities.
• Thick/Long hair coat.

How do I prevent it?

• Provide your pet with a cool, well-ventilated space. Outdoor pets should always have access to shade.
• Always provide access to sufficient fresh, clean drinking water.
• Never leave your pet in a car.
• Avoid exercising your animals in hot weather.
• Avoid hat sand, concrete or tarred areas, or any other areas where heat is reflected.
What are the symptoms?
• Panting, which increases as heatstroke progresses.
• Drooling, salivation.
• Agitation, restlessness.
• Very red or pale gums.
• Bright red tongue.
• Increased heart rate.
• Distressed breathing.
• Signs of mental confusion.
• Dizziness, staggering.
• Lethargy, weakness.
• Muscle tremors.
• Seizures.
• Collapse.

How do I treat it?

• Remove your pet from the hot environment.
• Apply or spray tepid water onto their fur. Apply a fan to maximize heat loss.
• Do not use ice-cold water or ice, as this can worsen the problem.
• Bring your pet to a veterinarian immediately.
• Heatstroke is an emergency, that always requires veterinary attention. Even if your pet looks like they are recovering, or even if you just suspect heatstroke it is important that they should be checked by a vet.