Dog School Training & Support

Dog Training for a Happier, Well-Behaved Dog

Every dog deserves training – it’s the foundation for a well-mannered, happy companion and a harmonious home. From the day your furry Bestie becomes part of your family, training plays a key role in shaping their behaviour and your future together. Whether it’s housebreaking, walking calmly on a leash, avoiding excessive barking, or greeting guests without jumping on them.

Basic manners and skills training like “sit,” “down,” “come,” and “stay” are invaluable tools for building trust and communication with your dog. Enrolling in a training class is a great way to get started, and you may find that it’s not just your dog who enjoys it – you might discover a passion for ongoing training or even fun dog sports!

Why choose Best Friends Dog School in your dog training journey?

Outcome-Based Approach:
We focus on creating meaningful progress for both you and your dog.

Customised Training:
Every dog is unique, and we adjust our methods to suit their personality and learning style.

Supportive Environment:
Whether your dog is too shy, easily distracted, or full of energy, we provide the patience and expertise needed to help them thrive.

Positive Results:
Our programs are designed to improve behaviours, strengthen bonds, and empower owners with knowledge that build lasting skills for both dog and owner.

Choose a Dog School Program:

Board & Train
Basic Manners & Skills
Fun Agility Classes with Elmarie
Detection Dog Training
Puppy Start Right Program
Train the Trainer Program
Dog Training for Kids (Ages 10-16)

1. Board & Train

Our Board & Train program offers an immersive experience where your dog stays with us for the duration of their personalised training program.

Board & Train is designed to support a variety of needs, including:

Busy owners or those new to training.
Dogs needing a fresh approach or a change of environment.
Dogs that missed puppy school or early skills development.
Dogs that struggled in group class settings due to shyness or overexcitement.
Dogs with behavioural challenges requiring consistent, structured training.
Dogs needing a refresher in basic manners and skills.

Why choose Board & Train?

Accelerated Learning: Dogs receive consistent, professional training throughout the day, which helps them learn faster.
Convenience: Perfect for owners with busy schedules, as your dog is fully cared for during their stay.
Socialisation: Dogs gain confidence by navigating safe and structured socialisation opportunities.
Professional Assessment: Trainers assess your dog’s behaviour over an extended period to create an effective plan.
Focused Attention: Specific needs are addressed with dedicated one-on-one time.
Consistency: A strict routine reinforces new behaviours effectively.

What to Expect

Personalised Plan: Your dog will be assessed, and your training goals discussed in detail. We then create a customised training program based on this evaluation. Dogs are individuals, and each one learns at their own pace.
Daily Training: Your dog will participate in daily sessions with expert trainers, combined with ample exercise, play, and care.
Owner Involvement: You will attend a minimum of 2-3 training sessions during your dog’s stay, including a final handover session. This ensures you understand the training techniques and can continue the success at home.

Continuing the Training Journey

Training doesn’t end when your dog returns home. To maintain and further good behaviour, you must reward it through positive reinforcements like treats, toys, games, and praise. Training is a lifelong pursuit that strengthens the bond between you and your dog.

Our program ensures that:

You learn all the cues, hand signals, and techniques taught to your dog.
You can build a solid relationship where your dog listens to you because they trust and respect you.

Why It Works

Board & Train provides concentrated learning in a calm, controlled environment. Our commitment extends to supporting owners in continuing the new skills at home, helping both dog and owner achieve long-term success.

More Information

2. Basic Manners & Skills

In person, one-on-one training for building and developing your dog’s basic manners and skills. This is our most flexible training solution for a hands-on training partnership. These sessions allow you to work directly with Wanda to address specific goals or challenges.

Your training sessions will include:

Discussing you and your dog’s individual needs.
Creating a tailored session programme to set you and your dog up for success.
Practical training elements.
Action plan and handouts to follow between your training sessions.

Who It’s For

Hands On Owners looking for custom solutions for their dog’s behaviour or skills.

Why It Works

We work at you your dog’s pace and adapt our methods to what works best for you, ensuring you see tangible progress.

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3. Fun Agility Classes with Elmarie

Channel your dog’s energy and curiosity with our engaging agility classes! Agility training is a great way to bond with your dog while boosting their confidence and fitness.

Who It’s For

Active dogs of all ages and sizes who love a good challenge.

What to Expect

Navigate obstacle courses with tunnels, jumps, and weave poles in a supportive, fun-filled non-competitive setting.

Why It Works

Agility not only enhances your dog’s physical abilities but also sharpens their focus, improves obedience, and strengthens your connection.

Level 1 - Intro to Fun Agility

R8505 Classes - Saturdays

Group Class
1 Hour
Per Dog

Level 2 - Fun Agility Skills

R8505 Classes - Saturdays

Group Class
1 Hour
Per Dog

Level 3 - Agility Ongoing

R6804 Classes - Saturdays

Group Class
1 Hour
Per Dog

Level 1 - 3

R15005 Classes - Saturdays

Individual Classes
1 Hour
1-2 family dogs welcome

More Information

4. Detection Dog Training

Unleash your dog’s natural instincts and skills through our specialised Detection Dog Training. This program is designed to teach dogs scent detection techniques that are as fun as they are enriching.

Who It’s For

Dogs with a strong sense of smell and a curious, driven personality.
Fun level detection games.
Professional detection training.

What to Expect

Learn the foundations of scent work, from identifying specific odours to searching in various environments.

Why It Works

Scent work taps into your dog’s innate talents, providing mental stimulation and a rewarding sense of purpose.

More Information

5. Puppy Start Right Program

Start your puppy’s journey right with Wanda and Karen Pryor’s Puppy Start Right Program!

Are you a new puppy parent?

At Best Friends Dog School, we understand how important it is to set a strong foundation for your puppy’s future. That’s why we proudly offer the Karen Pryor Puppy Start Right Program, now available in South Africa!

What is the Puppy Start Right Program?

This scientifically backed program focuses on positive reinforcement to help puppies develop confidence, learn essential skills, and become well-adjusted companions.

Why choose this program?

Builds trust and strengthens your bond with your puppy.
Socialisation techniques for a happy, adaptable dog.
Step-by-step guidance from professional trainers.
A fun and engaging experience for you and your pup!

Who It’s For

Perfect for puppies aged 7-16 weeks, the critical period for socialization and learning.

This program starts at home and have 4 hands practical lessons once your puppy has been fully vaccinated.

More Information

6. Train the Trainer Program

Empowering Domestic Helpers and Aspiring Pet Sitters

At Best Friends Dog School, we recognise the essential role that domestic helpers and professional pet sitters play in providing excellent dog care. That’s why we’ve developed our Train the Trainer Program – a comprehensive and practical course designed to equip participants with the confidence, compassion, and skills needed to care for dogs at the highest standard.

Why this program?

In South Africa, domestic helpers often assist with household pet care, especially on farms and in busy homes. Likewise, aspiring pet sitters are in high demand as trusted caregivers for pets while their owners are away. This program ensures that dog carers are prepared to handle these responsibilities with ease and professionalism.

What sets our program apart?

Comprehensive Learning: We cover both theory and practical application, offering participants the knowledge they need and the hands-on experience to apply it effectively.
Progressive Achievement Levels: The program is designed with customisable, step-by-step levels of achievement. By breaking down information into manageable portions, we ensure that participants are never overwhelmed. Each stage builds on the previous one, tailored to the individual’s pace and abilities.
Flexible Scheduling: We adapt the program to fit around work hours, making it accessible for domestic helpers and professionals with busy schedules.

What You’ll Learn

Our Train the Trainer Program focuses on science-based, practical training to prepare participants for a wide range of dog care responsibilities:

Daily Care Routines: Feeding, grooming, and exercising dogs to maintain their health and well-being.
Understanding Canine Behaviour: Recognising body language to prevent problems and build positive, trusting relationships.
Safety Protocols: Learning safe handling practices, especially for managing multiple dogs or handling challenging situations.
Enrichment Techniques: Creative ways to keep dogs mentally stimulated and happy, preventing boredom and unwanted behaviours.
Health Monitoring: Identifying signs of illness or distress early and knowing when to seek professional veterinary care.

Who It’s For

Domestic Helpers:
Whether new to dog care or looking to enhance their existing skills, domestic workers will gain the knowledge and confidence to provide top-quality care for household pets.

Aspiring Pet Sitters:
This program is an excellent foundation for building a successful career in pet sitting, giving participants a competitive edge and ensuring peace of mind for their clients.

With decades of experience in professional dog training and care, our team has trained everyone from detection dog handlers to family pet owners. We’re passionate about sharing our expertise and helping participants provide the best possible care for dogs.

More Information

7. Dog Training for Kids (Ages 10-16)

At Best Friends Dog School, we believe that nurturing the bond between young people and their dogs builds compassion, responsibility, and lifelong skills. Our Dog Training for Kids Program is specially designed for young dog lovers aged 10 to 16, offering a fun, interactive, and educational way to learn how to train and care for their canine companions.

Why this program?

Kids have a natural connection with animals, and our program channels that energy into constructive learning. This program helps children:

Build confidence in handling and training dogs.
Develop patience, empathy, and problem-solving skills.
Strengthen the bond with their family dog through teamwork.

Lay the foundation for future pursuits in dog sports, showing, or animal care careers.

What They’ll Learn

Our program is tailored to suit the age and experience level of each participant. We focus on fun and practical lessons, including:

Basic Obedience Training: Teaching essential commands like sit, stay, come, and loose-leash walking.
Positive Reinforcement Techniques: Using rewards and praise to encourage good behaviour.
Canine Body Language: Understanding what dogs are saying through their movements and expressions.
Trick Training: Fun activities like teaching a dog to spin, fetch, or high-five.
Responsibility and Care: Lessons on feeding, grooming, and daily care routines.

Program Highlights

Hands-On Learning: Kids will work directly with their own dog under the guidance of experienced trainers.
Interactive Activities: Games and challenges that make learning fun and engaging.
Customised Goals: Each child sets training goals with their trainer to focus on areas they are most interested in.
Certificates of Achievement: Celebrating milestones and rewarding progress.

Who It’s For

Kids with family dogs who want to learn how to train them effectively.
Young dog enthusiasts interested in pursuing hobbies like agility, obedience competitions, or dog sports.
Families looking for a constructive and enjoyable activity for their children and pets to bond over.

Help your child unlock the joys of having a canine Best Friend!

Why choose Best Friends Dog School for your dog’s training?

Outcome-Based Approach: We focus on creating meaningful progress for both you and your dog.
Customised Training: Every dog is unique, and we adjust our methods to suit their personality and learning style.
Supportive Environment: Whether your dog is too shy, easily distracted, or full of energy, we provide the patience and expertise needed to help them thrive.
Positive Results: Our programs are designed to improve behaviours, strengthen bonds, and empower owners with knowledge that build lasting skills for both Dog and Owner.

At Best Friends Dog School, we are passionate about helping dogs and their owners build a bond based on trust, understanding, and positive outcomes. Whether your pup missed puppy classes or traditional training didn’t quite work for your dog, we’re here to help!

Our programs are outcome-based, meaning we tailor our training to your dog’s unique needs, working at a pace that’s comfortable for both of you.

Every bit of progress matters, and every step forward counts.

Ready to take the next step in your dog’s journey?

Please use the form to contact us today and learn more about our training programs, or schedule a consultation.

Together, we’ll help you and your dog reach their full potential!

🎓 Training Program Safety

At Best Friends Dog School, safety and wellbeing are our top priorities — even in the classroom! Before starting your course, please review our Health & Safety Guidelines to learn how we maintain secure, positive, and enriching environments for every dog in training.