Training your pet

Training helps to enhance the relationship between you and your pet. A trained pet is able to follow its owner’s instructions, and should be rewarded for its obedience. The training process helps to build and strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Training also helps you better understand your pet, resulting in greater respect of and appreciation for it.

Training your pet can be time-consuming and frustrating at times, but it is well worth the effort. Here are some tips on how to train your pet:

• Conduct "play training", where tasks take the form of fun games and are driven by your pet's playful side. Intelligent pets can be stubborn, so you may have to outwit them.
• Ensure that you are in control from the beginning. However, there is no need for extreme measures. Be consistent in the commands you give, and keep the commands short and simple. Speak to your pet firmly, but not in an angry tone.
• Have several short training lessons lasting 5 to 10 minutes each, instead of a single long lesson, especially if your pet has a short attention span.
• Start the training at a quiet place familiar to your pet. Ensure that there are few things and people around to distract it.

If you have a pet dog, you may engage one of our accredited trainers for basic obedience training. This training with an accredited trainer is compulsory if your dog’s breed is listed in the list of Scheduled dogs.

Which pets can be trained?

Almost all pets can be trained, but to different extents. In each case, patience and time are needed. Remember, pets cannot become fully trained overnight.

Dogs can be trained to do tricks, manoeuver obstacle courses, or even become working dogs. Working dogs include rescue dogs, guide dogs for the visually impaired, and hearing dogs.

Dogs, cats, and rabbits can also be toilet trained.