The Smart Dog- Animal Behaviour and Training Centre

27/10/2025

We so proud of one of our junior handlers who is fostering one of our guide dogs, entered his first CGC Puppy with Buddy and passed. WELL DONE, as they say "In the back of the net". Thank you to everyone involved.

27/10/2025

Blindness isn’t always black and white — it’s a spectrum. 🌈

According to the American Foundation for the Blind (), only about 18% of people who are visually impaired are totally blind. Most experience different types of vision loss — like central, peripheral, or blurred vision — often caused by disease, injury, or inherited conditions.

👁️ Central Vision Loss – Damage to the macula (the part of the retina responsible for color and fine detail) can make it hard to see what’s directly in front of you.
👁️ Peripheral Vision Loss (Tunnel Vision) – Conditions like glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa can narrow your field of view, making it feel like you’re looking through a straw.
👁️ Spotted/Blurred Vision – Diabetic retinopathy or eye injuries can distort or blur the entire field of vision.

At Smart Service Dog, we’re dedicated to helping people with visual impairments live more independently and confidently with the support of trained service dogs. ❤️🐕‍🦺

👉 Learn more about our work and how you can support or apply for a guide dog at smartservicedog.co.za

In our post images, you’ll see how these three types of vision loss might look — featuring a golden retriever playing with his teddy 🐾, each photo simulating a different way someone with low vision might experience the world.

15/10/2025

🦯 October 15 is White Cane Day!
Today, we celebrate independence, confidence, and awareness for people who are blind or visually impaired.
The white cane is more than a mobility tool — it’s a symbol of freedom and safety, helping users travel confidently while reminding motorists of their duty to stop and yield.
At Smart Service Dog, we’re proud to support this message through our Orientation & Mobility (O&M) training — empowering individuals to move safely, independently, and with confidence.
💬 What does the white cane mean to you?
Share your thoughts below — let’s spread awareness and celebrate the power of independence together!
Learn more about White Cane Day and the importance of mobility here:
👉https://smartservicedog.co.za/white-cane-day/

October 15

13/10/2025

October is Sight Awareness Month 🌟

This month, we shine a light on the importance of eye health, early detection, and the incredible role that guide dogs play in empowering people who are visually impaired.

At Smart Service Dog, we believe independence and confidence begin with partnership — and there’s no greater example of that than the bond between a guide dog and their handler. 🐾💛

Guide dogs do more than lead; they provide safety, companionship, and freedom. From navigating busy streets to helping with daily routines, these highly trained dogs change lives in ways that go beyond vision.

👁️‍🗨️ Did you know?

A guide dog can help someone with sight loss navigate obstacles, find doors or crossings, and safely travel routes they’ve learned together.

They also offer emotional comfort and a sense of independence that restores confidence and dignity.

This Sight Awareness Month, take a moment to learn more, spread awareness, and celebrate those life-changing partnerships.

🐶 Learn more about how Smart Service Dog trains and supports these remarkable partnerships:
👉https://smartservicedog.co.za

💬 Together, we can build a world where no one walks alone.

29/09/2025

KZN Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club held a puppy CGC on a rainy 24 September 2025.
We had great fun in the rain with our Dog Guides and their fosters/trainers who both qualified .
Well done to Jason with Caleb/ Robin and Simon with Dobby.
Thank you to Charmayne Ann van Rijsbergen and our judge Eleanor Gow for a well run wet morning.

26/09/2025

🐾 Autism Assistance Dogs – More Than Just Companions 🐾

At Smart Service Dogs, we’ve seen first-hand how autism assistance dogs bring calm, comfort, and confidence to both kids and adults on the spectrum.

✨ They help ease anxiety in busy places
✨ Provide comfort during sensory overload
✨ Encourage routines through play, walks & care
✨ Support social confidence and emotional balance

And the best part? Every dog is specially trained and matched to fit their handler’s unique needs. 💙

Families often tell us: “Our dog doesn’t just help us cope – they help us thrive.”

Research agrees too – these dogs reduce stress, improve sleep, and make daily life feel safer and more connected.

👉 Could a Smart Service Dog change your life or your child’s? Let’s find out together.

17/09/2025

𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗴𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲

Let’s get this paw-ty started! Today is our official day to Make Every Cuppa Count and we’re taking a moment to enjoy some tasty tail-wagging treats with a cuppa.

Are you hosting a tea party, coffee morning, or bake sale for Smart Service Dog - Guide Dogs?

We’d love to see your photos and updates!

Visit our website for more information https://link.msgsndr.com/sp/a4afff86348

11/09/2025

Its just Amazing to see one of our doggy students, Sunday aka Sunny is doing such amazing work.

Here is a recent article by www.goodthingguy.com

https://link.msgsndr.com/sp/0aa9d9842b5

Visit our website for more information https://smartservicedog.co.za or mobile 0812704672

10/09/2025

Do you have a new puppy?

Well here is our assistance to you.

Stop pulling out your hair with doggy issues, dog peeing on the carpet, biting etc.

There is no puppy manual included with your puppy.

We are here to help you, pop over for access to our Free yes Free Puppy Course.

https://link.msgsndr.com/sp/5c2063108e2

03/09/2025

National Service Dog Month

September is National Service Dog Month! Service dogs are dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.

This month is dedicated to raising awareness and educating the community about service dogs that provide greater independence and support to their partners.

For years, Smart Service Dogs has been providing service dogs to children, adults and veterans with disabilities, transforming the "lives of families one dog at a time".

Robin, Dobby and Buddy, are the next generation of service dogs who are preparing to make a life-changing difference.

Service dogs are professionally trained and partnered with adults and children with disabilities to assist with daily tasks and increase independence. They help with a variety of tasks that make a significant impact on the lives of their partners.

Tasks could include pulling wheelchairs, picking up dropped items, alerting people who are hard of hearing, mitigating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and more.

At Smart Service Dogs , every service dog spends their first 14 to 16 months with a volunteer puppy raiser to learn basic tasks and socialize in public and private settings and 45 tasks before graduating.

29/08/2025

The Usual suspects applying to become an Assistance Dog, only 1 will make it.

Can you guess who will make it?

Choosing the correct assistance dog puppy/dog is important.

Pop over to our website and read our blog post.

https://smartservicedog.co.za/how-to-choose-the-correct-assistance-dog/

If your require more information drop us an email [email protected] or mobile 0812704672

Visit our website for more information https://smartservicedog.co.za

26/08/2025

Certify you dog Today!!!!

Whether you’re aiming to set up a unique canine partnership.

Do you want to certify you own dog as a:

Therapy Dog

Emotional Support Dog

Assistance Dogs

We can assist you via our team of accredited Guide Dog Mobility Instructors, Dog Trainers and Behaviourists.

From Physical to online courses with our trainer in you pocket app.

Drop us a email at [email protected] or whatsapp us on 0812704672