Always Loyal

Always Loyal Train. Thrive.

Always Loyal –Dog Matchmaking & Training
🐾 Ethical puppy & rescue matching
🎓 Reward-based training (virtual & in-person)
🤝 Lifetime behavioural support
💬 Message us to get started
✨ Match.

Always Loyal presents:🌿 The Not-So-Early Saturday Morning Puppy Class 🐾Bring your pup (8 weeks – 5 months) and join us f...
15/09/2025

Always Loyal presents:
🌿 The Not-So-Early Saturday Morning Puppy Class 🐾

Bring your pup (8 weeks – 5 months) and join us for fun, learning, and bonding!

📍 Under the trees in a relaxed park setting near Melrose Arch (easy access from the M1)
🕙 Saturdays, 10:00 – 11:00am
📅 6-week course: R1400 once-off
💳 Or drop-in: R250 per class

Together we’ll:
✨ Learn the basics of training and good manners
✨ Build a strong, lifelong bond with your pup
✨ Enjoy quality time outdoors in a supportive, social environment

🐶💛 Sign up now and start your puppy’s journey the right way!

This year has been a tough one—personally and with two demanding pups: a German Pinscher puppy and a teenage Dobermann. ...
08/09/2025

This year has been a tough one—personally and with two demanding pups: a German Pinscher puppy and a teenage Dobermann. My fourth Dobermann, my first Pinscher, and my first time raising two at once—what a ride!

There were moments I wished for a “quick fix,” but I stuck to my values and training philosophy. Progress may be slow, but it’s steady—and worth it.

They may not have hit every milestone, but they are happy, healthy, loved, and slowly growing into well-rounded gentlemen. Dogs know what safety, security, and happiness mean—they don’t need titles or ribbons. And honestly, getting through the day with my sense of humour intact around two teen working-breed dogs is something to celebrate too! ❤️

Security team reporting for duty 🚨🐾 One diva, one goofball, and one rookie—together, they run the house (and my heart) 💕...
26/08/2025

Security team reporting for duty 🚨🐾 One diva, one goofball, and one rookie—together, they run the house (and my heart) 💕 Happy International Dog Day! 🐶🎉

🐾 Train, Bond, and Thrive with Your Dog! 🐾At Always Loyal, we help you and your dog build a happy, balanced life togethe...
15/08/2025

🐾 Train, Bond, and Thrive with Your Dog! 🐾

At Always Loyal, we help you and your dog build a happy, balanced life together. Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy, managing a mischievous teen, or looking to refine manners and tricks, we’ve got you covered!

✨ What we offer:

Manners and basic obedience

Fun tricks to impress friends (and your dog!)

Behaviour modification tailored to your dog

Puppy training & teenage dog guidance

Socialising skills for a confident companion

Confidence building for shy or anxious dogs

Expert advice to help you find your perfect dog

Let’s create a bond that lasts a lifetime 🐶💛

📩 Message us today to get started!

🐾 A Story of Loyalty: From Layla to Legacy 🐾Introducing the New Look of Always LoyalThis isn’t just a logo update—it’s a...
18/06/2025

🐾 A Story of Loyalty: From Layla to Legacy 🐾
Introducing the New Look of Always Loyal

This isn’t just a logo update—it’s a reflection of my journey, and hers.
The old logo? That’s Layla—my first Dobermann, the dog who changed everything. Her silhouette, her strength, and that calm, watchful presence… she taught me more about training, trust, and loyalty than any textbook ever could.

Inspired by the Marine motto “Always Loyal”, our original logo was a tribute to everything she gave me—discipline, patience, and the spark that started my career.

But as the mission has grown, so has the vision.

✨ Our New Look
Our updated logo keeps Layla’s spirit at the center—but with a modern twist:
✅ Clean lines for clarity
✅ A professional edge for growth
✅ Still grounded in heart, loyalty, and real-world experience

It marks the evolution of Always Loyal from a trusted training service into a full companion-matching experience:

🐶 Ethical puppy & rescue matchmaking

🎓 Tailored training (virtual & in-person)

🤝 Lifetime support that actually means for life

💬 Why It Matters
Because the right dog isn’t just about a breed—it’s about the bond. And Layla reminded me, every single day, that loyalty isn’t taught. It’s built—with trust, care, and time.

I’m so proud to carry that legacy forward with a logo—and a business—that honors where we started and where we’re going.

Swipe to see the before & after and tell me what you think.
To Layla. To loyalty. To the journey ahead. 💛

We're Back! 🐾 Always Loyal Is Now Open for Private Training ClientsAfter a much-needed hiatus, Always Loyal is back—and ...
04/06/2025

We're Back! 🐾 Always Loyal Is Now Open for Private Training Clients

After a much-needed hiatus, Always Loyal is back—and we’re ready to welcome both familiar faces and new companions into our training circle. 🖤

Over the past while, we've taken time to reflect, recharge, and refine what truly matters: building respectful, positive relationships between dogs and their humans. Now, with renewed energy and focus, we’re excited to offer private training sessions again.

Whether you're dealing with teenage tantrums, recall woes, confidence building, or just want to deepen your bond with your dog—we’re here to help, using methods that work with your dog, not against them.

📍 Based in Johannesburg ( From Greenside to Edenvale and beyond)
📆 Limited slots available
📩 DM or WhatsApp 071 287 8280 to book or enquire

Let’s rebuild trust, one tail wag at a time.
Because loyalty goes both ways. 🐾

The Irony of “Trainable” Breeds and Outdated MethodsIt’s ironic how often the breeds labeled as the most “trainable”—lik...
05/04/2025

The Irony of “Trainable” Breeds and Outdated Methods

It’s ironic how often the breeds labeled as the most “trainable”—like German Shepherds, Malinois, Dobermanns, and other working dogs—are also the ones most frequently subjected to outdated, punishment-heavy training methods.

These breeds are known for being intelligent, biddable, and eager to work with humans. They’re the dogs we describe as “easy to train”—not because they’re robotic, but because they thrive on connection, clarity, and purposeful work. Yet despite this, many trainers and handlers still default to old-school approaches: compulsion, corrections, dominance narratives, and tools designed to suppress behavior instead of shape it.

Why?

Because there’s a long-standing culture around these breeds—one that equates control with respect, and force with effectiveness. But the truth is: many of these dogs are incredibly sensitive. They don’t need to be “put in their place.” They need fair leadership, structure, and communication that respects their drive and intelligence.

Punishment may exist in nature, but that doesn’t mean it should be the foundation of how we teach. These dogs deserve better—not because they’re fragile, but because they’re capable of so much more when taught with clarity, kindness, and consistency.

If we truly believe these dogs are smart and willing, shouldn’t our methods reflect that?

I've always advised against getting two puppies at once, and now I'm eating my own words. As a seasoned dog owner, I kne...
26/02/2025

I've always advised against getting two puppies at once, and now I'm eating my own words. As a seasoned dog owner, I knew the risks: double the work, double the costs, and double the stress. But when the opportunity to bring home Alfa, a rare German Pinscher, arose, I couldn't resist.

Before making the decision, I consulted with fellow experts to ensure it was the right move for my household, considering I already had 8-month-old Idris. Everyone agreed that if anyone could handle two young, male working breeds, it was me. The keyword being 'handle."

Let me tell you, it's been a wild ride. Despite the 6-month age gap, Alfa and Idris are partners in crime. Training, socialization, and managing their destructive tendencies have become a full-time job. Don't even get me started on the patience required.

Social media might make it look adorable, but trust me, it's serious work. I stand by my original advice: don't get two puppies at once. Wait at least 18 months before introducing a new furry friend to your household. Your sanity (and your furniture) will thank you.

16/02/2025

Let's talk recall.

I do not use e-collars, pinch collars, or slip collars. Over the course of my life, I’ve had many dogs, and with over 10 years of experience as a professional dog trainer, I’ve seen it all. I initially started with a more balanced approach (though I find that term misleading), using choke chains and martingales. I even alpha-rolled my first large dog—a German Shepherd mix—before fully immersing myself in the journey of dog training.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked with countless dogs, including rehabilitating special case dogs for the Walvis Bay SPCA, as well as providing training for both private clients and group classes. Despite my passion, I’ve found myself stepping back from training dogs at times, as the biggest challenge isn’t the dogs—it’s the people.

I’ll admit, I can be short-tempered and irritable at times. Life can be tough, and those frustrations sometimes affect my relationship with my dogs. My mom has been unwell for over two months, and I’ve been very aware of how that stress impacts my dogs. During particularly challenging times, I avoid training, as it would only lead to chaos for everyone involved.

One of the key challenges I face is the lack of consistency, self-awareness, and honesty in many handlers, particularly when it comes to companion dogs in home settings. I’m not talking about dog sports—I’m referring to everyday dogs in everyday homes. While I don’t expect perfection from either end of the leash, I do expect handlers to possess more insight and understanding than their dogs. Unfortunately, this is often lacking. Critical thought is another rare quality I encounter, but it's essential for progress.

A major issue I see is that many people expect too much too soon, without putting in the necessary effort. I understand life is busy, but if you’re considering bringing a puppy into your life, particularly one from an active breed, you need to genuinely assess whether you have the time and commitment to meet their needs.

Consistency is key. Remember, you’re working with a species that doesn’t understand human language. If you don’t want your puppy chewing your shoes, don’t give them an old shoe to chew. Use the same cue words consistently—don’t alternate between “down,” “lie,” and “platz.” Pick one and stick with it. It may seem like common sense, but you'd be surprised at how often it's overlooked.

Let’s talk about recall. Why do so many people struggle with this? The answer is simple: there’s no consistent relationship between the handler and the dog. When given freedom, the dog just isn’t invested. In fact, many dogs haven’t even been taught their own name. I’ve had clients whose dogs don’t even acknowledge them when called. This is more common than you might think.

Yes, some dogs do have genuine behavioral issues due to factors like genetics or health, but these cases are far less common than the issues caused by an incompetent handler.

If you want a dog who reliably comes back, you need to make sure they actually want to be around you. While this is easier with some breeds than others, the fundamental approach remains the same. I currently have a 9-month-old Dobermann and a 15-week-old German Pinscher. They are both reliable off-leash because I’ve made it worth their while to come back, consistently practicing recalls during every walk with treats and praise. I apply the same approach with my 4-year-old Dobermann, my 11-year-old Jack Russell Terrier (whom we inherited at 8 years old), and our 11-year-old rescue Chihuahua (we adopted when she was 9).

There’s no magic to it, no quick fix. It’s about consistency, positive reinforcement, and building a strong bond. This process takes time, but with patience and dedication, the results speak for themselves.

I have embarked on a new training adventure, a personal one.  We welcomed a German Pinshcer into our home on Saturday.  ...
22/01/2025

I have embarked on a new training adventure, a personal one. We welcomed a German Pinshcer into our home on Saturday. Little Alfa is from the first litter of German Pinschers to be born in South Africa bred by Darlin DP - German Pinschers 😎. Alfa and his litter were attacked by bees in their 7th week and only 4 of the 9 pups survived. Alfa was one of the puppies to suffer from the most bee stings so it's a miracle he survived.

We hope to do nose work, trick dog and possibly agility with him. We will see what this little man likes to do.

German Pinshcers are an old breed that have contributed to both the Dobermann and miniature Pinscher. Their closest living relative is a standard schnauzer. German Pinshcers were developed as all purpose farm dogs and vermin killers. They are a medium sized dog and part of the working breed group.

I am super excited to begin working this little guy with my Dobes.

After much reflection, I’ve decided to step away from professional dog training, and I feel it’s important to explain wh...
13/01/2025

After much reflection, I’ve decided to step away from professional dog training, and I feel it’s important to explain why. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some truly exceptional people in the dog world, many of whom remain close friends. However, I’ve also encountered individuals and practices that have made it increasingly difficult for me to continue in this field. The divisions within the dog training community are troubling. In any other profession, if overwhelming scientific evidence showed that certain practices were not only ineffective but also harmful, the field would adapt accordingly. Unfortunately, in dog training, the issue extends beyond poor methodology; it’s a question of ethics. We are working with sentient beings, not just bottom lines or products. While human handlers are the paying customers, the dogs are the true clients.

After much consideration, I’ve come to the conclusion that, for the sake of my mental well-being, I can no longer continue to fight a battle that often feels like swimming upstream. I remain deeply committed to animal welfare and to my personal work with dogs, but I’ve chosen to no longer try to convince others that techniques rooted in outdated, harmful practices have no place in the lives of dogs—creatures who give us unconditional love and loyalty in return for so much less.

The bond I share with my dogs is paramount. While ribbons, certificates, and titles are meaningful in their own right, the loss of my dog Levi to a heart attack last June reinforced just how precious and fleeting our dogs’ lives are. This experience has only deepened my commitment to providing the best possible life for my dogs—one that honors their individuality and addresses their specific needs and preferences. I can no longer align with those who view dogs as tools or extensions of their own ego. They deserve more—always.

2024 has not been the best year for me.  Losing Levi was a terrible blow on top of other events out of my control. I hav...
05/12/2024

2024 has not been the best year for me. Losing Levi was a terrible blow on top of other events out of my control. I have decided for the foreseeable future I will be focusing on my own dogs training and my healing. I will still post training posts and my journey with my dogs but for the moment no classes private or otherwise. I need time out to just focus on being the best version of myself for my dogs and the important people in my life.

We wish you a wonderful festive season 🎄⛄

Address

Johannesburg

Opening Hours

Monday 13:00 - 18:00
Tuesday 13:00 - 18:00
Wednesday 13:00 - 18:00
Thursday 13:00 - 17:00
Friday 13:00 - 17:00
Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
Sunday 10:00 - 11:00

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Always Loyal posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Always Loyal:

Share