Family: My wonderful husband and best friend…. Patrick of 15 years. We also share our home with 2 budgies and plenty fish.
My Dogs: Have 3 wonderful companions, Tara a Great Dane at 8 years old, the matriarch! Jaega a Rottweiler at almost 4 years old, took him on at 18 months old, from a family who fell on hard times and lost their home. Quba, also a Rotti who has just turned 1 year old. (Presently known as a juvenile delinquent.)
My Story: I absolutely love Rottweilers, for their family devotion, work ethic and nobility. Just one of a kind. I spend a lot of time climbing/walking in the mountains and they are just the best companions to share this passion of mine with. My previous dogs I took through competition training, but realized this is not where my passion was. Yes I wanted well trained and behaved dogs that could go anywhere with me, but I didn’t want to do competition. Our dogs go with us every where now, even when we go on our annual holiday to Durban. We do the trip in 2 days with them and stay at pet friendly accommodation.
They are a true credit to having well behaved dogs! I am presently doing dancing classes with Quba and going to start carting with Jaega. Tara is officially retired although she loves coming to demos and restaurants with us.
I have one saying that I live by: “What you allow you teach!”. I read this long ago in a book and it has such truth and meaning behind it. Training dogs, you have to reinforce all you teach on an ongoing basis for the rest of your life.
I love clicker training but it takes a lot of dedication. I try to use a balance of all the methods I know to help people end up with wonderful family pets. I recommend you read and read some more and use what you feel is right for your situation. If you do not feel comfortable doing something then don’t! You must be happy and comfortable within yourself to get it right with your dog! Your dog will mirror who you are so you need to make sure you are a calm, confident dog owner! I LOVE helping and training puppies….if we can get the owner to do the right things at this stage, both dog and owner will end up with an extremely happy life together.
My dogs are not my whole life, but they certainly make my life whole!
Visit my website for behavioural help, grooming, private training and raw dog food www.dogzathome.co.za
Quba and I winning Happiest Dog and Handler (and 4th place) at a dog dancing competition.
