Congratulations on

your new puppy!

Your new pup has the potential to be  an excellent companion, but he can't  teach himself. With the expert guidance of a certified Super Pup trainer, you can be shown  how to teach your pup to be the best  he can be. Super Pup assesses trainers to ensure that their classes meet the high standards of the association. Training principles, positive reinforcement usage and commitment to excellence is our benchmark. Super Pup is a puppy owner's mark of quality. Your pup deserves Super Pup!

NEWS

Trainer levels to accommodate

your needs as a dog owner

Training should continue after puppyhood. We can also provide you with a listing of awesome obedience instructors...

Congratulations to our newest Gold

level trainers!

• Ann Shaw - Port Shepstone • Mignon du Preez - Pretoria Super Pup trainers benefit from continuing education and a support network for syllabus and class accessories...

What’s special about a Super Pup puppy class...

Puppy classes are very important to start with, and if your instructor has the Super Pup “seal of approval” then you know that your pup and you are in the best possible hands! Not only are our instructors assessed, but they are also graded according to level of experience and qualifications. All of our instructors also undergo continuing education to ensure that they stay abreast of developments in the field of dog training and canine behaviour. What happens in Super Pup puppy classes... Puppy school is a fantastic opportunity to teach your puppy desired behaviours as well as exposing him to a variety of stimulus in a safe environment. A pup that has been well socialised is able to be a calmer and more reliable companion and less prone to destructive, anxious or boisterous behaviour. The entire family is encouraged to attend classes as this ensures that the puppy's training is understood by all concerned. It's also lots of fun! Sometimes owners wait until their dog's behaviour has become a problem before they start training. While progress is definitely on the cards with older dogs, the impact that a good puppy socialising school has on a puppy throughout its life cannot be understated. In addition to being socialised with other dogs (which greatly reduces aggressive behaviour as an adult) puppies also learn to apply a thought process to new stimuli i.e. they don't automatically use aggression or fear to handle new situations as adults. Puppy school provides the perfect opportunity for puppies to polish their canine communication skills, which are interrupted when they leave their mother and littermates. Puppies also get socialised to children and different types of people. This is one of the most valuable lessons you can teach your new puppy. All types of puppies (pedigreed and crossbreeds) should enrol in a recognised puppy school. Family pets, show dogs and working dogs in particular benefit as the training stands them in good stead for their future "career", be it family guardian, show stopper or lovable mutt! As a good owner you ensure that your puppy receives his vaccinations to prevent disease - puppy school could be likened to a behavioural vaccination. A lot of potential problems can be averted by undergoing the puppy classes with a Super Pup trainer.  Owners are taught how to get their puppy obeying simple commands such as: sit, down, stay and heel. All puppy training commands are taught with hand signals from Day One, which is particularly useful for domestic purposes. A treat or toy is given as a reward for complying. Because this training is reward-based the puppies do it because they want to - NOT because they are avoiding punishment. This type of training conditions the dog to LOVE TO LISTEN and is much more pleasant and effective for the puppy and the owner. Dogs also learn much quicker with reward-based training and it's easy for the whole family to do. Over the past decade we have refined the use of reward-based training to an art. Even when treats are phased out the dogs still respond smartly and reliably. How the classes operate... Each Super Pup trainer runs their own puppy courses under their own banner. Most courses run for two months, with 6 - 8 one-hour lessons. Puppies can start at 8 - 10 weeks of age. They should have had the second of their three puppy inoculations and must be suitably protected against ticks and fleas and up to date on their deworming programme.  Please request exact class details from the Super Pup trainer in your area. Super Pup trainers each have a  set list of goals for owners to achieve with their pups. This goal-setting ensures that we all actively work toward something - it's easy to get side-tracked with all those cute pups running around! Super Pup trainers ensure that play becomes learning and learning becomes play! The goals also ensure that owners are shown the tools to get the most from their lovely pups.   Quality assurance Super Pup trainers undergo an application process which includes theory and practical knowledge. Trainers are categorised according to their level of experience and qualifications - Gold, Silver or Bronze. Trainers are assessed by one of the country's leading canine behaviour and training specialists. And it doesn’t stop there... All trainers adhere to a code of ethics and are obliged to attend on- going education opportunities to retain their certification. All trainers also agree to abide by a Code Of Ethics and any violation of this is taken very seriously. Any complaints are please to be reported to watchdog@superpup.co.za. Most Super Pup trainers operate enrolments on these courses on a "first come first served" basis. Please request exact details from the Super Pup trainer in your area or drop us a line and we’ll put you in touch!

For Trainers

Being a part of Super Pup allows you to gain recognition, credibility,

continuing education and backup - plus accessory and product support

from one of South Africa’s leading dog food manufacturers.

Super Pup is an independent certification programme for trainers, with a comprehensive on- going education programme. Super Pup recognises skills and knowledge and promotes this to the public. Since Super Pup’s inception in 2009 this association has fast become the premier trainer’s association in the country. Being a part of Super Pup is being a part of a highly experienced and professional network, which is dedicated to bringing owners and their puppies and dogs a training experience of the highest standard. Gold Super Pup trainers receive the following benefits: • Option of a comprehensive week by week innovative and tested syllabus reviewed quarterly • Option of a puppy owner’s guide containing a plethora of information reviewed quarterly • Highly experienced and qualified support and back-up • Monthly professional development programme • Regular workshops • Webpage dedicated to your services • Owner feedback service • Goals monitoring database • Promotion of classes to public via magazines, websites etc If you want to start your very own puppy group and you would like the support and expertise of a highly successful, proven and reputable organisation then this is the opportunity you have been looking for. For well-established puppy group instructors, Super Pup certification will recognise and promote your knowledge and experience and give you a professional association. To get the full scoop on Super Pup drop us a line. We would love to hear from you!

CPD’s

CPD’s will be directly emailed to trainers.

Janine da Silva

Gold Level Trainer

Janine has been running puppy groups for the past eight years and holds a number of prestigious qualifications: • Dogwise Canine Behaviour Psychology (Thinking Pets) • Animal Behaviour, Confi Pup - Adult Dog, Beginner Agility • Advanced Diploma - Fundamentals of Canine & Feline Behaviour (COAPE SA) Janine also offers a puppy playgroup in addition to puppy classes, adult obedience and Canine Good Citizen classes.

Mignon du Preez

Gold Level Trainer

Mignon studied at the Ethology Academy under the late Prof Johannes Odendaal and completed the Basic Behaviour Course for Dogs in 2006, as well as the Advanced Behaviour Course for Dogs, with a distinction, the following year. She is currently studying for her Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour Management through PetSense (a Compass Education and Training Partner). Based in Pretoria, Mignon has been practising full time as a dog behaviour consultant since 2008 and has instructed dog training courses and classes for puppies as well as young and adult dogs since 2009. Affiliations: • Committee member of the Animal Behaviour Consultants™© of Southern Africa • Certified member (No. 10439036) of The International Pet Professionals Guild • Certified Student Member (No. 2929) of the International Society of Animal Professionals

Adam Lax

Gold Level Trainer

Adam's career started  in 2009. With his love for Nordics and determination to gather knowledge, he became an assistant trainer at Happy Hound Puppy School. Soon his natural and kind methods gained him the opportunity to open and run his own school - S.C.A.R (Social Conduct And Respect). Adam not only enrolls in classes with his own Alaskan Malamute but is also always broadening his canine knowledge. “It’s important to understand all perspectives, the pup, the handler and the instructor'.' He strives to help both handlers and pups create a fun and happy lifestyle. Adam is a partner of S.C.A.R Canine Training and Behaviour, situated in Randparkridge. S.C.A.R officially opened in 2010 and hosts puppy classes every Sunday and weekly social groups. Adam has also developed a unique course, Bespoke Obedience, designed for those who are unable to attend regular group classes. Adam believes in providing a support system to assist handlers and their special pups along their journey together. ''I believe that whether you are working, teaching or playing with your dog, young or old, it should always be fun. It’s all about learning how to communicate as a team and so building a lifelong relationship".

Natasha Lax

Gold Level Trainer

Natasha started her career within the equine community and under expert guidance, began working with Friesians, Thoroughbreds and Welsh Cobbs. This experience fueled her determination to follow her dream and pursue a full time career within the canine environment. Natasha started by mentoring under a seasoned reward based school and instructor in Randparkridge, this lead her to a position within a Veterinary Hospital after matric. After much hard work and exceptional skill development , Natasha is not only the Practice Manager of said Hospital but a proud partner of S.C.A.R Canine Training and Behavior School. She has gained Diplomas and Certification in Project Management, Marketing, Nero Linguistics and is currently pursuing further certification in First Aid, Veterinary Assistance and Canine Behavior. As Natasha states: "You are never too old to learn." S.C.A.R hosts a variety of course options from puppy to adult, as well as a unique Bespoke program designed around the individual.  Group classes are held on a Saturday and Sunday while alternative Bespoke Programs are scheduled. Natasha prides herself on S.C.A.R. creating a growing community of healthy, happy and balanced canine/human family units and relationships. She concludes: "Considering breed, age, background and even human history, every pet and family are individuals with unique personalities and should be treated as such”.

Andrea Joubert

Gold Level Trainer

Andrea grew up with many types of animals, having had the privilege of living on a small holding. Her favourite animal has always been the wolf. Therefore it was easy for Andrea to love a dog. Her home always had about 5 dogs at a time as there was the space to keep them. The dogs taught Andrea how dogs communicate with each other and humans, how they interact with each other. They also taught her about canine body language and also how to successfully train them. Throughout her life Andrea owned more dogs who taught her more. She then acquired a very special little white Bull Terrier bitch that she named Ayla's White Flash (1997 - 2011). Ayla was not Andrea’s first Bull Terrier but she was certainly the most special dog Andrea ever have had the privilege to own. Ayla was not only the founder of Andrea’s Dog Training Institute, but also the instigator to get Andrea to study, qualify and research in the different fields of dog and puppy training, behaviour and nutrition. Andrea is now fully qualified in Dog Behaviour and Dog Obedience and Puppy Training, making her a fully fledged Canine Health Ethologist (definition: Health Ethology is the scientific study of the needs of domestic animals in their usual environment. The Health Ethologist aims to place the animal's needs in balance with its environment.). While Andrea specialises with the Bull Terrier breed this is not exclusively so and she is knowledgeable about most breeds with her methodology being geared to train them all. She is constantly researching dogs, whether it be behaviour, nutritional needs, health or genetics. If Andrea has not yet researched, she will be doing so soon.

Celia McCulla

Gold Level Trainer

"I believe in motivating dogs to learn and believe dogs can love the training process.  I will not use force or corrections in order to see results.  This stands for training and any behaviour problems" Celia is the owner of Happy Pack Dog Training and Behaviour Management located in Linksfield.  The school opened in Jan 2012 and offers training for puppies from the ages of 10 weeks up to adult.  Classes are  held on Saturday and Sunday mornings.  Celia also offers private lessons for those people who can't attend group lessons or have specific training requirements and is able to help with a wide range of behaviour problems. She is very passionate about dog behaviour and has been studying the subject since 2011, completing the following courses: • Certificate: Canine Communications – Basic Training and Behaviour • Diploma: SADTC – Obedience Instructor • ADIP-CBM(UK) with distinction She also holds the following accreditations: • Registered Dog Training Practitioner – DT/016-SABCAP • Registered Companion Animal Behaviourist – AB/036-SABCAP • Professional Dog Trainer – Pet Professional Guild for Force Free Trainers (USA) • Certified Gold Super Pup Instructor • Animal Behaviour Consultant - Intern  -  Animal Behaviour Consultants of SA - Species Canine Keeping abreast of new developments in the industry is very important to Celia and she has attended the following seminars and workshops: • ABIG Conference – 2014 • First Aid Course for Pet Owners – 2013 • Canine Cognition – Pet Professional Guild - 2013 • Loose Lead Walking – Pet Professional Guild – 2014 • Clicker Training for small Pets – Pet Professional Guild – 2014 • Separation Anxiety – Pet Professional Guild – 2014 • Tellington Touch – Weekend Workshop – 2011 Celia volunteers for Top Dogs Therapy Dogs and is also a committee member of the Animal Behaviour Consultants of SA. She enjoys sharing her canine behaviour knowledge and has given a talk on puppy socialisation at a conference in 2012 and is due to give another at The Beagle Day Conference.  One of Celia’s passions is educating owners about socialisation and how important it is in helping their canine companion grow up to be a well adjusted pet.

Theo Smit

Gold Level Trainer

Theo strives to provide effective, convenient solutions to owner and dog training needs.  Customers can join group classes or private classes are available for owners who find it difficult to attend group classes with their dogs.  Theo works with puppies and dogs seven days a week addressing basic obedience and/or behavior problems. His philosophy includes: positive reinforcement training methods, use of treats, proper socialisation of puppies, owner education and communication between owner and dog. Industry related literature and attending several seminars per year keeps Theo passionate and up to date with new training methods. His facilty, Midrand Dog Training School, puts clients first and is respected and referred to by local veterinarians and the Midrand SPCA. Theo own two dogs, a Belgian Shepherd and a Miniature Pinscher and both are trained in obedience.  Qualifications: • Basic Animal Behavior- Dogs (Cum Laude) • Advanced Behavior ­- Dogs (Cum Laude) • Registered at South African Board For Companion Animals Professionals as Companion Animal Behaviorist • Certified Royal Canin Super Pup Certified puppy and dog training • Owner of Midrand Dog Training School

Morag Barkhuizen

Gold Level Trainer

Morag has had a love of animals since a child, particularly dogs. She has been training dogs since 1994, and became a trainer in 1997. Morag started training for the Birch Acres Dog Training Club in 1997, and became a puppy trainer when this activity was started at the club. She has attended numerous workshops and seminars on positive dog training, clicker and TTouch. Morag received a qualification as a puppy instructor and also ran private classes for a year. She is currently undergoing the Canine Culture Program. In her personal capacity Morag has trained and competed in classic working trials, trained and qualified as a Canine Search and Rescue handler, and qualified as a Therapy Dog Handler with Paws for People and Top Dogs. At this point in time Morag is also training her Golden retriever in the Classic Working Trials Field. Morag comments: "Puppies are so misunderstood, and the most important stage of dog training is at the puppy stage, if we can achieve a good grounding for these puppies, hopefully there will be less dogs in the shelters".

Ady Hawkins

Gold Level Trainer

Adrienne grew up in an animal household - cats, birds, Miniature Poodles and a Great Dane X Ridgeback and when she was 20 she bought her first GSD, a 2-year old male who's owners were emigrating.  Always wanting a career in dogs Adrienne had to unfortunately put it on the back burner as life and career took over.  In hindsight, probably the best thing to happen as she believes without maturity and life experience she would not have been able to succeed in her chosen field. After years in public relations, restaurants and recruitment where she honed her people counselling skills she began studying dog behaviour.  Adrienne opened her company Talking Dog at the beginning of 2012 and she offers behaviour consults, dog walking, one-on-one dog training, group dog park walking / park etiquette, transporting of dogs to physio, hydro therapy etc and boarding at her home for clients dogs.  In 2012 Adrienne was approached by Shannon McKay to run her new Craighall branch puppy school as well as to step in for Shannon and take her Honeydew puppy classes when needed.  On 26th November 2013 Adrienne was Super Pup accredited. In 2012 Adrienne was approached by Scotty Valadao to become part of the Friends of the Dog Education Scheme.  Irwin's, CLAW and PAWS4Us form part of her portfolio. She has successfully completed: • Canine Culture Behaviour and Instructor Course (Shannon McKay 2013)  • Advanced Animal Behaviour (Ethology Academy 2011) - Best Practice • Basic Animal Behaviour (Ethology Academy 2010) • Basic Training and Behaviour Course (Canine Communications, Lotte Griffiths 2010) Adrienne feels that it is vital to keep abreast of new trends so is always attending seminars and workshops, reading books and watching DVD's. In this vein she has attended: • First Aid Course for Pet Owners (Dr Fredirique Hurly 2013) • Social / Dominance / Aggression Seminar (Dr Fredirique Hurly 2012) • Rabies Talk (Prof Andrew Leisewitz 2012) • Separation Anxiety in Kids and Dogs (Tamarin Epstein and Louise Thompson 2011) • Calming Signals and T-Touch (Scotty Valadao 2011) • Breed Compatibility (Melvyn Greenberg and Carol 'O Leary 2010)  • Prof Raymond Coppinger Seminar (2010) • Canine fear, anxiety and phobia (Dr Fredirique Hurly 2011) Currently Adrienne owns and trains three rescue dogs.  Oscar, a Border Collie X has qualified up to A-Test Obedience, he has his Bronze CGC, he is part of the McKaynine Demo team and is currently enrolled in Agility and Advanced Obedience.  Cassy, a rough coated JRT who has her Bronze CGC and is currently training in Flyball.  Charlie, a CLAW, bottle fed dog has, after lots of patience, achieved his Gold CGC status and is currently tracking under Steve McLean and has been involved in a scent matching research project run by Shannon. Adrienne's passion is helping dog owners understand their dogs better, help them be able to read their dogs' body language and through this enrich the lives of both owners and dogs  

Lisa Wardle

Gold Level Trainer

Lisa is a head trainer at Four Paws and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise to the training of puppies and dogs of all breeds and ages. She started training dogs and competing successfully in KUSA obedience shows in Pretoria and Johannesburg back in 1989. In recent years, Lisa has trained dogs up to IPO 3 level, has twice been awarded Eastern Cape Provincial Colours for IPO dogsport, trained the KUSA National IPO Champion of 2011, won the 2014 GSDFSA IPO National Championships, represented South Africa at the World IPO Championships in the USA as Team Captain in 2013 and was selected to represent South Africa as a competitor in the 2014 World IPO Champs but sadly her dog, Asco, was diagnosed with a terminal illness a week before the event. Lisa keeps up to date with modern training theory and methodology, regularly training her own dogs with World renowned trainers from Germany, Canada, Cape Town and Johannesburg. Lisa has years of experience helping others achieve a high level of training with their dogs using modern clicker training methods. Together with her mother, Lynda, a qualified Canine Behavioural Consultant (COMPASS UK), they opened up the Four Paws Dog Training Club in Lilyfontein, East London. The tranquil and beautiful country setting, together with the vast number of puppy sensory obstacles, the modern clubhouse and floodlit training fields, offer the East London public the very best of facilities. 

Lynda Jones

Gold Level Trainer

Lynda is a head trainer at Four Paws and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise to the training of puppies and dogs of all breeds and ages. She has  been involved with training dogs for more than fifty years and has gained a wealth of practical and theoretical experience over this time. She has further expanded her knowledge by completing United Kingdom Compass Courses; Canine Behaviour & Psychology Diploma, and the Canine Communication Diploma, both with distinction. In terms of personal achievements with her own dogs, Lynda has competed in most KUSA dog training disciplines including Obedience to ‘C’ Test level in Johannesburg and East London, Working Trials, ITT tracking, and in the breed ring, gaining many qualifications. Lynda is currently competing at a National level with her second German Shepherd Dog in IPO and is also very involved with the PAT Dog Association with her second therapy dog. She  keeps up to date with modern training theory and methodology, regularly training her own dogs with World renowned trainers from Germany, Canada, Cape Town and Johannesburg. Lynda has years of experience helping others achieve a high level of training with their dogs using modern clicker training methods. Together with her daughter, Lisa, they opened up the Four Paws Dog Training Club in Lilyfontein, East London in 2010. The tranquil and beautiful country setting, together with the vast number of puppy sensory obstacles, the modern clubhouse and floodlit training fields, offer the East London public the very best of facilities. 

Dick Cook

Gold Level Trainer

Dick’s initial interest in dog training was sparked off by a demo of Rhodesia Prison Service dogs doing IPO work at Chikurubi Prison, where he was posted for his National Service in 1977. His first venture onto the training field was in East London some years later in 1993. Dick was roped in as a Learner Instructor that same year, under the mentorship of the late Terry Collins and Alistair Mackenzie. Most of the methods used back then involved compulsion, but Terry was keen to try motivation and so tracking with food was started. After his first seminar with Vera Drummond, Dick and a few others were convinced that food or toy with the clicker was the only way to go. Since then, Dick has attended seminars under the supervision of world class instructors from Canada, Germany and South Africa, who have broadened his knowledge and understanding of motivational training. Over the years Dick has trained his own dog to ‘B’ test in Kusa obedience, TD2 EX in Working Trials (Classic), ITT3 and IPO3 to National level, winning Best IPO3 Tracking Title in 2013 and 2014, finishing 4^th place overall in 2014. Dick has also represented Eastern Cape in 2012 and 2014. He currently instructs classes at the Four Paws Dog Training Club in Lilyfontein, East London.

Shadi Henrico

Gold Level Trainer

Shadi started training dogs in 1983. After 28 years of training with older techniques, Shadi decided to start her own training school in 2011 using the principles of positive reinforcement training. The change has not been easy, but in Shadi 's words "Change is difficult, but change is good! And the positive reinforcement method really works". In September 2011 Shadi opened The Dog Academy with Werner Roos, and the school continues to grow each month. While Shadi is a very experienced instructor, she is very open to new learning experiences and often spends time observing different trainers in action. Shadi provides private training sessions as well as private training. In her personal capacity over 35 years Shadi has competed in various grades and disciplines including KUSA obedience trials, Beginners, Novice A Class, Working Trials as well as Companion Dog and Canine Good Citizen. She has also competed in breed shows and frequently handled dogs for different people. She is an active IPO handler. Since starting the new school and using positive reinforcement techniques, • Canine Culture (McKaynine ) • DH 1-5 Course (SASSETA Certified Dog Handler) • SME Assessor Course (SASSETA Certified) • SME Facilitator Course (SASSETA Certified) Shadi has trained and prepared puppies as well as young dogs for scent detection work at airports. Shadi currently has 2 GSD's and her daughter, Benita owns 2 Border Collies which participate in agility as well as obedience, tracking and bite work. Benita is currently third Junior Agility Handler in SA (2018).

Petra du Toit

Gold Level Trainer

Petra is a 2003 graduate of the Pretoria Technikon with a diploma in Advanced Canine Behavior and is South Africa's first Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed, through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. She has attended numerous workshops and seminars about positive dog training methods, as well as studied a wide range of books and videos on this subject. She is a professional member of SABCAP (South African Board for Companion Animal Professionals), as well as of the Pet Professional Guild, and member of the ABC SA (Animal Behavior Consultants South Africa). Petra's training philosophy is based on building a relationship between owners and their pet dogs, with the emphasis on education pet owners in understanding the needs and emotions of their dogs. Her classes are designed to assist owners on an individual basis with their potential problems and she offers personalised advise for each client. Apart from high quality puppy socialization and basic obedience classes, she offers a concept that is very new in South Africa. Once she is satisfied that a dog is well socialised and has basic obedience skills, he may join the supervised play classes. Here, the school has off leash play sessions with many different breeds and sizes, under the careful supervision of Petra and her assistant trainers. The owners are further coached in doggie language, can practice more obedience skills and generally just have fun with other like minded owners. When not coaching and instructing at her training school, Petra enjoys therapy dog visits with her Russian Black Terrier Aleks and Golden Retriever Kimba, at hospitals, old age homes, and schools for disabled children. Petra's latest endeavour is training a Diabetic Alert Dog for a 4- year old child, and she is part of the process of founding a non-profit organisation that specialises in training service dogs for various purposes. Certified qualifications obtained: • Basic Animal Behaviour (Dogs and Cats) November 2001 - Diploma Pretoria Technikon • Advanced Animal Behaviour (Dogs) (Cum Laude) November 2003 - Diploma PTA Technikon • Super Pup Trainer Qualification December 2011 - Shannon McKay • Pet First Aid & CPR August 2012 - Sheilagh O'Sullivan • Dog Training Basics (Foundation Skills) December 2012 - Myra Fourwinds • Working with Aggressive Dog Cases (May 2013) - Trish King • 6-Week Group Class for Dog Trainers (May 2013) - Rachel Friedman • Understanding Canine Behavior (Sep 2013) - Barbara Handelman • Certification ADT (Jul 2014) - International College of Canine Studies • Certification as CPDT-KA (Sep 2015) - Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainer Seminars attended: • 1-day TTouch seminar with Jodi Frediani (Windhoek 2000) • 5-day training seminar with Fanie Vermeulen (Windhoek 2001) • 1-day training with K9 police unit instructors from Germany (Windhoek 2002) • 2-day behaviour seminar with Ray Coppinger (Johannesburg 2008) • 3-day training seminar with Dr Ian Dunbar (Johannesburg 2008) • 1-day seminar with Martin Rutter (Germany 2009)

Gia Girard

Gold Level Trainer

Gia has been passionate about animals her entire life and is particularly passionate about the bond between humans and their dogs. She started her mentorship ten years ago with Elwyn Pelzer - one of the foremost animal behaviour consultants in South Africa and the founder of the South African Police Services animal training unit. Gia believes dog training is an important part of any dog's life and improves character, confidence and stability. It is vital in helping the dog to adapt to the role it has to play as part of the family. She trains out of the Lonehill Play Park (Calderwood Road,  Lonehill) and offers fun social classes on both Saturday and Sunday, from puppy training to advanced classes. Gia is a member of the  Animal Behaviour Consultants (ABC) of SA and also does volunteer work at the SPCA. Training Days: Saturdays, Sundays Training Times: Puppy Class: Saturday 10h00 - 11h00                                                                         Basic Handling: Saturday 09h00 - 10h00 or Sunday 10h00  - 11h00 Intermediate Handling: Saturday 10h00  - 11h00  Advanced/Intermediate Handling: Saturday 09h00  - 10h00 or Sunday 09h00- 10h00 Duration of Course:  6-8 Weeks Approximate number of pups in class: 6-8 per instructor Age of pups in class: Less than 6 months Requirements • Proof Inoculation Required (all  puppies need to  have a minimum of 2 sets of injections prior to joining) • Prior Booking Required • Owners are welcome to start as soon as the inoculations are up to date About Our School Founded  in 1994, Dog Handling Techniques will fulfil all your dog training and obedience requirements. Dog training is an important part of any dog's life and improves character, confidence and stability. It is vital in helping the dog to adapt to the role it has to play as part of the family. Dog handling techniques offers a variety of training to meet a variety of  needs. Other  Services Offered • Puppy class • Basic Handling • Intermediate Handling • Advanced Training • Tracking Class once a month, to registered students only • Agility Classes to registered students only • Behaviour Sessions Method of Training We use positive  reinforcement as the main method of instruction. This is proven to be  the  most effective and enjoyable for the dogs and the handlers. Nothing gives us greater pleasure than to see a dog smiling and wagging its tail while performing an exercise. All classes except puppy socialising are run on a roll-on roll-off basis, which means you can join at any time and stay as long as you need to, to achieve your goals.

Louise Welsford

Gold Level Trainer

Louise has been training Labrador retrievers for competitive work, mainly field trials, since the mid 90's. Louise has recently been promoted from being a B panel judge to an A panel judge for field trials, and has made up one of her dogs to a field trial champion, as well as gaining Working Hunting Retriever status for two of her dogs. Louise also occasionally breeds working Labradors. Along the way Louise became fascinated by dog training techniques which are based on learning theory, and which utilise the clicker as a training tool -  even though most field handlers at that time used the more traditional methods of training.  Louise currently conducts classes in Kloof as well as private lessons at clients’ homes in and around Kloof and Hillcrest.  Before opening her own puppy and dog school 7 years ago, she worked for Matthew Berry's Boavida Canine Lifestyle Centre, collaborating with him in designing and running training programmes for pet obedience classes and puppy socializing classes.   Louise recently passed the Canine Culture Puppy Course with merit and is currently in the process of completing the Canine Culture Adult course. "The more I work with dogs and their owners, the more I believe that education can lead to greater understanding of dogs as a species and in doing so create a relationship based on mutual respect”.

Adrienne Olivier

Gold Level Trainer

Adrienne was born into a family of dog lovers and from an early age had a deep love of all animals, especially dogs. She was introduced to dog training as a child of 12 years when her mother took the family’s unruly German Shepherd to the local dog training club for some basic training. Adrienne was hooked and after enthusiastically helping to train the family dog, received her own puppy for her 13th birthday and together they successfully entered the world of competitive obedience. Since those early days Adrienne has trained numerous dogs to championship status in the disciplines of Obedience, Tracker and Police Dog Working Trials, as well as qualifying dogs in Schutzhund and the Breed ring. She started instructing classes at a young age and was the Chief Trainer for both Pinetown GSD Club and Pietermaritzburg Kennel Club until she opened her own dog school in 1988. She has bred German Shepherds since the 1970’s as well as a few litters of Shetland Sheepdogs and Australian Shepherds and has enjoyed showing and qualifying her dogs in the Breed Ring. Adrienne qualified as an Obedience Judge as a young adult and was a senior Judge for several decades before retiring in order to concentrate on her Dog School and animal welfare volunteer work, which includes organizing an annual Township Dog Show and weekly dog training classes in the local township of Mpophomeni. A qualified teacher by profession, Adrienne also holds a Certificate in Companion Animal Behaviour from the University of Pretoria and because she believes in keeping up to date with modern trends, attends as many seminars and workshops as possible, in addition to reading relevant subject matter whenever possible. Over the years she has participated in numerous courses covering training, behaviour modification, clicker, T.Touch and animal communication. She is a member of ABC of SA, KUSA and GSD Federation of SA. She currently shares her home with four cats who all help to keep the three German Shepherds, two Boxers and a Japanese Shiba in check, while the six dogs in turn, help to remind her that she still doesn’t know it all. Adrienne’s passion and goal is to enhance the relationship between people and their dogs by not only helping them learn how to train using positive motivational methods, but to better understand their canine companions through education.

Tracey Lander

Gold Level Trainer

Tracey started her canine career in 1997 with her German Shepherd Dog Jessie. After many years of competitive obedience work earning both KUSA and Club qualifications, she was introduced to the discipline of agility and dog jumping. She competes in top grades nationally with her different dogs.  Through K9 training Centre Tracey was able to grow her learning to include working trials, tracking and protection work. She is an active instructor with the club and offers assistance regarding the teaching of obedience classes to novice handlers. Tracey studied Ethology under Professional Odendaal in 2000 and has completed many local instructor training programmes. She prides herself in researching canine learning trends internationally and highly recommends clicker training and positive reinforcement in her training methodology. She started "PuppyLand" a training school specialising in the development and foundation training of all breed of puppies. "PuppyLand" is affiliated to K9 training centre and K.A.D (Kyalami Academy for dogs). Classes are appropriate for social as well as competitive handlers. Tracey is a canine behavioural member of the S.A.B.C.A.P and member of A.B.C.

Louise Botha PhD

Gold Level Trainer

Louise Botha, owner of Canine Capers, serves the puppy and dog training needs of the people in the picturesque coastal town of Hermanus and environs. She is currently reading her Advanced Diploma in Dog Behaviour Management with Compass (UK) and is a member of the International Society of Animal Professionals (UK). She keeps up to date with current literature in the industry and regularly attends seminars and workshops to aid in her continuous professional development. Canine Capers dog training school is referred to by local and regional veterinarians. Louise is a member of the South African College of Dog Grooming and has a certificate in Emergency First Aid for Dogs. She also trains and assesses dogs as therapy dogs and coordinates Pets as Therapy in the Hermanus area.  When not having fun with her clients in training their four legged companions and grooming, she spends time with her own Boxer and Rough Collie romping around on the beach.

Gill Painter BSc

Gold Level Trainer

“Animals are my life and give me so much joy and companionship. I want to help all my clients feel the same enjoyment”. Gill’s school is called “Companions for Life “, as this is her goal - empowering owners to train with positive reinforcement methods and reach the place where they enjoy their canine companion to the full. For Gill, this is so rewarding to initiate and to be invested in the on- going process. Gill’s career in dog training and behaviour starts with an interesting story... To encourage her son to study for matric, Gill joined him by undergoing the late Professor Odendaal’s Ethology courses. When Gill moved to Cape Town in 2002 and had to reinvent her life and career, she turned to Puppy Socialisation and Training to complement her Behaviourist studies as her full-time profession. Gill has specialised in puppy and young dog training as she believes that a good foundation of early training, advice and guidance is what puppy owners need . Gill’s classes are held at Blaauwklippen WIne Farm (Stellenbosch) and at her home in Joostenbergvlakte (Northern Suburbs Cape Town). The Puppy Course is followed with a Basic Home Obedience Course in which all owners are prepared to achieve their Canine Good Citizen Bronze certificate. Gill also stewards at KUSA shows for CGC Bronze, Silver and Gold  as well as Special Beginners, Beginners and Novice obedience (shown above). Qualifications: • BSc Zoology & Botany - UCT (1975) • Basic Animal Behaviour (Dogs & Cats) Cert - Technikon Pretoria (2001) • Basic Animal Behaviour (Horses) Cert - Technikon Pretoria (2002) • Advanced Animal Behaviour (Dogs & Cats) Cert - Technikon Pretoria (2002) • Puppy Socialisation Workshop - Dr Quixi Sonntag (2002) • Beyond Puppy Classes - Dr H.E.Zulch (2003) • Clicker Training - Dr H.E.Zulch (2003) Seminars • Prof Ray Coppinger (2003) • Dr Ian Dunbar (2008) • Massage and Positive Stretching for Dogs - Dawn Jones (2004) • Introduction to Animal Communication - Wynter Worsthorne (2005) • Mindscape - Dale Fox (2010) • Super Pup Workshops (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015) • Progressive Reinforcement - Emily Larlham (2013) Memberships/Affiliations: • Animal Behaviour Consultants of South Africa (C) • Registered Member of SABCAP  (Since inception in 2007 - current) • Super Pup Gold Certified Trainer  (2009 - current)

Maxine Quinton

Gold Level Trainer

Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Maxine Quinton started her career as a dog handler in Durban, using what was then the most recognized method of training dogs i.e. positive reinforcement combined with compulsion.  In 1988 Maxine started to explore clicker training, and quickly became convinced that this is the most effective way to train and better communicate with animals.  Maxine has qualified a number of different breeds of dogs (e.g. German Shepherd, Jack Russell Terrier, Malinois, Border Collie, cross breeds, Boxer) in disciplines such as agility, dog jumping, breed, obedience, International Tracking Trials, International Working Trials, dog carting, Classic Working Trials, Breed working trials, etc. Her highest achievement was qualifying her German Shepherd, Kenzo as Police Dog Champion and winning the title Working Trials Dog of the Year in 1995. She has worked with many different species of animals, and has given workshops throughout South Africa and Namibia. She also teaches various canine disciplines in the Johannesburg and Pretoria areas on a regular basis. Maxine has written many articles for various magazines, and has appeared on television many times demonstrating clicker training and its uses.  She has trained a variety of animals (e.g dogs, cats, pigs, goose) for well known TV advertisements and movies.  She has also trained a large variety of non domestic animals and presented several clicker seminars for the professionals. She has also been called in to train animals at the zoos.  The behaviours required ranged from minimizing stereotypical behaviour, to getting animals to lose weight and training them to offer various body parts for examination and blood sampling. She has worked with Chimpanzees, Orang Utans, Spectacled Bears, Tiger, Giraffe, Komodo Dragon, Okapi, Elephant, Camel, etc. You can read articles pertaining to the training of some of these animals on Maxine’s web site, which is  www.clickersa.co.za Maxine currently lives in Johannesburg, South Africa with 7 Malinois, a small cross breed and 2 Rottweilers.  She also keeps a number of chickens, cockatoos and other birds which she trains from time to time.

Candice Reynolds

Gold Level Trainer

Candice holds a Masters degree in Culture Studies (i.e. Human-Animal Studies with a specific focus on dog-human partnerships and training techniques in dog sport). Her preceding degrees include a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in psychology and business management) and Honours in Psychology (with a focus on Animal-Assisted Therapy). Candice was elected as a dog trainer on the committee of the local GSDFSA dog club in 2012 where she went on to assist in training German Shepherds of all ages using motivational techniques. Upon diverging from the GSD club in 2014, Candice and her colleague Christa opened Fetch! Puppy School in July of the same year. In just one year, over 30 puppies have graduated from the program. Candice then went on to establish Fetch! K9 Services: a personal dream for many years, which officially opened its doors early in 2015. The doggy day care program and boarding facility has afforded her the invaluable opportunity to expand on her knowledge in dog behaviour, training, and management on a daily basis. Beyond dog clubs and entrepreneurial endeavours, Candice has attended numerous dog training and behavioural seminars conducted by Vera Drummond (an acclaimed dog behaviourist and professional trainer in SA) and frequently travels to Johannesburg for supplementary training with her mentor. Her Masters dissertation allowed her to travel extensively throughout SA shadowing some of the top trainers in the country as well as research a vast range of training and kennel management methods.

Christa Henning

Gold Level Trainer

Christa began her dog training career in 1985 when she trained her first dog (a Rottweiler/GSD cross) – they went on to complete their beginner obedience course at the Kimberley dog training club.  Christa joined the Bloemfontein GSD Club in 2013 with her dog, Tess, who went on to obtain her BH Qualification in 2004 and was also placed 2^nd in an agility competition.  Christa was a trainer at the GSD club for several years before she was appointed as Training supervisor in 2008 (using positive/motivational techniques – a new concept in Bloemfontein). Her second dog, Diesel, qualified with a BH in 2009.  At present, Christa is training her GSD, Duke for IPO (a German, three-phase dog sport). Over the years, Christa has handled many GSD’s at various breed shows across the country (including the National GSD Breed show), has attended numerous training seminars by South African, Canadian and German professionals in their field, and has spent copious amounts of time in independent study ( i.e. researching and applying various dog training and behavioural techniques).  Christa’s wish is for all dogs and owners to have a happy and balanced relationship by using motivational training methods and to become true partners in their lives together.

Joy Christopher

Gold Level Trainer

Joy started training in 1996, shortly after she and her husband adopted two puppies.  After 6 months of chaos, she joined a group class where she learnt how to manage her rambunctious babies.  The training bug bit, and before long she was invited to take part in a trainer’s course at the Cape Province Dog Club.  She trained beginner’s class until a job opportunity took her and her husband to the USA.  During the 9 years spent in the USA, Joy furthered her training as a trainer and was employed by Petsmart, a national pet shop chain, as a trainer.  Here she trained puppies and older dogs and was introduced to clicker training.  Joy was also a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and a Certified American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator while in the USA.  She also raised 2 guide dog puppies, one of which is currently a working guide in Canada.  Her second puppy was chosen to be a breeder. Joy has two special interests.  Firstly, to teach the modern family and pet how to understand each other in a home setting, thereby ensuring their continued place in the home.  Her second interest is the field of service dogs.  She hopes one day to train service dogs to assist the physically and emotionally handicapped members of our society.

Belinda Thomas

Gold Level Trainer

Belinda trained her first dog, a Labrador/Maltese cross, at the age of 15, in her parent's backyard using training tips that she had had read in books. Her dog training interests took a back seat for a while as she became more involved in horses, left school and started a career. An interest in all things horse and hound however remained a hobby that she enjoyed for many years. In the past Belinda has run her own stable yard and also been a horseback guide for game reserve trails. During this time, she also ‘backed’ and trained horses and competed in the odd show jumping and dressage show. A serious riding accident made Belinda look towards an activity that was a little safer – hence her return to dog training. In 2005, Belinda started assisting in puppy groups and shortly thereafter she completed both the Canine Culture Instructors Course and Behaviour Course, receiving a merit pass in both courses. Belinda then began instructing obedience classes and has turned her hobby into a full time profession. Belinda currently own four dogs; two Labradors and two Beagles. Hobbies include horse riding (when time allows), cooking, reading, sailing and the odd DIY job.

Shannon McKay MSc

Gold Level Trainer

Shannon’s overriding goal as a dog behaviourist is to enhance the owner’s enjoyment of their dog through understanding and benevolent leadership. She is an ardent follower of positive reinforcement techniques, while ensuring that fair boundaries are instilled. Shannon draws on her extensive technical training and wide-ranging experience to assist owners and their dogs to an enjoyable and timely outcome. As a trainer that “walks the talk”, Shannon ensures that she does not forget what it’s like to be a dog owner. Over the years she has achieved many awards with her own dogs, including five breed champions, multiple obedience and agility qualifications and six CGC titles. She has also trained a number of animals for television and photographic advertisements as well as handled show dogs professionally, achieving breed champion status with eight dogs. Notwithstanding these achievements Shannon's greatest source of pride with her own dogs is their friendly and sociable manner with people and other animals. Shannon is also very committed to ensuring that dog owners receive a professional and competent service bar none and to this end she has also served as an official for numerous non-profit organisations. She holds numerous qualifications including: • MSc (Zoology) - University of Witwatersrand • BSc Honours  cum laude (Zoology) - University of Witwatersrand • Certificate in Companion Animal Behaviour - University of Pretoria • Senior Accredited Animal Behaviour Consultant - ABC of SA • Certified Super Pup Trainer • Member - Association of Pet Dog Trainers (USA) In addition to these qualifications Shannon has also undergone courses in biopsychology, psychology, psychology in society, anatomy and physiology as well as numerous dog training and behaviour seminars and workshops. Her MSc dissertation pioneered a new biological survey technique using dogs trained to scent match via neutral proxies. She has also been a guest on numerous television and radio shows, including Animal Planet and BBC Channel 5 programme on her work done on training scat dogs for wildlife conservation. Shannon trained her first dog in 1979, started instructing classes in 1995 and established the McKaynine Training Centre (JHB) in 1999. McKaynine has since become one of the premier facilities in South Africa, offering a diverse range of classes from two branches in Johannesburg and one branch in Pretoria. Shannon has also provided instructor training courses since 2002, which have been based on her extensive practical experience and theoretical training. She has written extensively for newspapers and magazines over the years and currently provides the “Wag The Dog” column for Showdogs website and the “Dog Behaviour” column for All About Dogs magazine. Shannon is also the only African "blogger" on the American website, Dog Star Daily. In her spare time Shannon enjoys a variety of sport, photography, reading, music and socialising with friends.  

Contact

Suite 40 Private Bag X11 Honeydew 2040 Gauteng e: enquiries@superpup.co.za