SA Dog Training

Deseré

My journey with SADTC started a little different than most. I had a deep desire to learn how to speak with dogs and looked for a training school that could teach me this. I had a very senior Labrador at the time that was already very well trained when I got him through a rescue and he taught me more about dogs than I could ever have imagined. It was because of him that I wanted to know how to be better for my dog. I didn’t only want to know how to train a dog, I wanted to know why. There were a few instructors courses online, but after reading their profile and the amazing reviews from previous students, there was no other choice than S.A.D.T.C for me.

I booked my leave with my ‘adult job’ and started my level 1 instructors course. It was two whole weeks of dogs, dogs and more dogs! I was in paradise! I remember the first night of the course everyone had these big reasons and dreams what they would do with their instructors course once they are done, but for me it was a little more intimate, it was about my dogs presently and those still to come.

Just before I started the course, my husband and I adopted our Vicky. A senior Staffordshire Bull Terrier with the most loving personality. She was to be a companion to our senior labby. During my instructors course, I had a very sad goodbye with my Labrador. I was lucky to be between a group of people who understood the impact something like this can have and Chris and Christine gave me so much support. And plenty of comforting hugs. I will never forget that. They even allowed me to take Vicky in for an assessment to see if she was coping with all the changes happening around her. I saw there that it’s not about the money for them, they do this for the dogs.

A little while later, our Odin came to us. Also a rescue from Stafford Rescue. He was a little over a year old and had no previous training. Where to take him for training was an obvious choice. We drive 45minutes every Saturday to go to training at S.A.D.T.C and I would not change it for the world. He has grown so much since being there. We had class with Sandra and Keith, who were absolutely phenomenal. (Not surprising because we know where they got there training? ) Even having done the instructors course, I still learn at every lesson we go to. The years of experience that the instructors bring is priceless.

Odin has come into his own and he learns faster than I can keep up… I think he is training me. He is such a smoocher and loves attention, Mr Smooth Operator. He is always close to me and follows me to every room. As much as he loves wrestling with Vicky, he also enjoys her nurturing him. They have bonded very closely in a very short period of time and it is inspiring to see the trust and devotion that they give to each other and to us, even after having gone through hardships. We have only been with the club for 5 months now and the changes are tremendous. Vicky has been with Biata for behaviour shaping which has helped us so much. And Romayne, she has been amazing! Her gentleness and passion is inspiring, always there to assist over phone or email and giving extra love when our babies stayed at the Canine country club.

Being at the club is being part of a family. Always having someone to count on and always having guidance. We are privileged to have found our way to S.A.D.T.C and want to thank them for everything they have done for us so far. Our relationship with Vicky and Odin is growing closer and stronger because of what they teach us.

Training type: Dog Training Paulshof