The Smart Dog- Animal Behaviour and Training Centre

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South Africa
Durban
The Smart Dog- Animal Behaviour and Training Centre

Puppy classes and dog training. Animal Behaviour and Care. Detector Dog Scent Training. Online dog Do You Want a Dog Who Can Go Anywhere? We can help! Book a call"
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We are a full service dog training company located in Durban KZN. We offer a number of different training programs to meet the needs and skill level of you and your pup from teaching basic foundation skills to modifying unwanted behavior. Each program is subject to a consultation during which your trainer will assess the behavioral needs of your dog or puppy and work to formulate a personalized tr

aining plan to help you achieve your goals. We understand that our clients live active and busy lives, and we are pleased to offer many flexible training options such as: Board & Train, Private Coaching, Group Classes and our All day Puppy School.

21/08/2025

Guide for the corret protocol when seeing a Guide or Assistance Dog.

Guide dogs and assitance animals are more commonly recognized today and are often seen with their handlers in a variety of public spaces and daily life activities.
These highly trained animals are essential to their handler’s safety, independence, and quality of life. They have undergone specialized training and certification to support their human, and it is important that we interact with them in ways that respect the critical role they play.

For more reading pop over to our blog page and read further on this article or several others.

https://link.msgsndr.com/sp/b3f76fc29ef

18/08/2025

Please stand behind us with this Bill to change laws for Guide and .Assistance Dogs.

🐾 EVERY HERO DESERVES ACCESS

Assistance animals are more than companions, they are lifelines that restore independence and dignity to people with disabilities. Yet too many are still denied access to public spaces, restaurants, and transport.
The DA is taking action. Our Private Member’s Bill will protect the fundamental right of people with disabilities to access public spaces with their assistance animals.
Your voice matters. 💬

Have you or someone you know been turned away because of an assistance animal? We want to hear from you. Share your experiences, both positive and challenging, to help us build the strongest possible case for this legislation.
Together, we can break down barriers and build an inclusive South Africa. 🌍

📧 Share your story: [email protected]

14/08/2025

"The emotional toll on assistance dog handlers is also considerable, leading to feelings of exclusion, anxiety, and frustration. This is exacerbated by the need to continually advocate for their rights before receiving equal treatment" visit our website for more information https://smartservicedog.co.za

11/08/2025

This Month is International Guide and Assistance Dog Month 🐾

My name is Buddy, I'm a Golden Retriever puppy born 2 months ago.

All month, we're celebrating the extraordinary work of guide and assistance dogs and especially the unique role that autism assistance dogs play in supporting autistic individuals and their families.

At Smart Service Dog, we train dogs to perform life-enhancing tasks like:
🔹 Deep pressure therapy
🔹 Medication reminders
🔹 Retrieving dropped or essential items
🔹 Interrupting self-harm
🔹 Responding to meltdowns with calm, trained support

Every dog is trained with care, compassion, and a deep respect for the needs of each handler.

💙 Join us throughout the month as we share real stories, community voices, and insights into what makes these partnerships so vital.

Want to support our work or learn more?
Visit https://smartservicedog.co.za/ or mobile 0812704672

08/08/2025

The Paws for Access report published by International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International has highlighted the ongoing challenges Assistance Dog handlers face globally when it comes to exercising their legal right to access public spaces. Despite laws in place across Australia and many other countries protecting these rights, discrimination is still occurring at an alarming rate.

Here’s what the report found:
🚫 43% of Guide and Assistance Dog handlers globally were refused access to a public place in the last 12 months.
📊 In Australia, the figure is even higher—58% of handlers experienced public access refusal within the past year.
😟 40% of survey participants said they had considered avoiding public areas due to previous negative experiences.
🚕 56% reported access issues when using transport options such as taxis, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, and even public transport.
🐾 65% of respondents had experienced interference from untrained or fake Guide or Assistance Dogs including biting, lunging, or snapping, which can create anxiety, danger, and further barriers for legitimate Guide and Assistance Dog teams.

These numbers highlight just how much more awareness and education is needed in the community—especially among business owners and frontline staff. Access refusal not only breaks the law but also limits independence, safety, and quality of life for people living with disability. 🧡

Please feel free to contact us regarding assisting you.

07/08/2025

It’s International Assistance Dog Week 🐾❤️⁠
⁠
A time to celebrate the dogs that change lives, and to raise awareness about the importance of public access for assistance dog teams ⁠
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At Smart Service Dogs our guide and assistance dogs support our clients every day — helping them regain independence, confidence, and connection.⁠
⁠
But access matters. Denying entry to a trained assistance dog doesn’t just break the law — it breaks trust, dignity, and progress.⁠
⁠
Read more about why access is vital 👉 https://link.msgsndr.com/sp/ec85bf466f7

06/08/2025

This year’s , we aim to also provide awareness of HOW to support in your community .
Remember to follow these simple rules to make sure that Assistance Dogs can continue working hard with their family:

✅ Don’t pet them if they are wearing a jacket.
✅ Don’t feed them, even if they are giving you puppy dog eyes
✅ Talk directly to the handler/family if you are interested in knowing more about service dogs

Find out more about Smart Service Dog Heroes and how you can support drop us a message on whatsapp 0681528266 or an email: [email protected]

04/08/2025

Happy International Service Dog Day! Today, we recognize the exceptional service dogs who make an extraordinary impact in the lives of people with disabilities. Whether they’re offering guidance, alerting to medical needs, or assisting with daily tasks, these four-legged heroes inspire independence and confidence every day.

If you’re a handler, advocate, or simply an admirer of these amazing animals, help us spread the word! Post a picture of your service dog or share a memorable service dog story in the comments—or tag us using . Let’s work together toward a world that’s accessible and inclusive for everyone.

A heartfelt thank you to every service dog and their dedicated handler for their invaluable contributions! 🐾

29/07/2025

DID YOU KNOW ?

Transportation poses significant challenges for assistance dog handlers. 56% of respondents globally experienced refusals in taxis or rideshares such as Uber and Lyft. Guide dog handlers reported even higher refusal rates at 63%. And very worryingly, 40% of assistance dog users said they avoided going out at all due to past refusals.

Please help us educate people and businesses regarding the rights of assistance dogs and their guardians.

Feel free to contact us at Smart Service Dog to assist you or to give a talk at your school or business.

Mobile 0812704672 Office 0878221144

10/07/2025

URGENT: Seeking all puppy lovers and Smart Service Dog Supporters! We are in critical need of Seeing Eye puppy raisers to help us continue our mission of providing enhanced independence to people who are blind. 📢

Puppy raisers are volunteers of all ages, from all walks of life, who care for a golden retriever puppies for its first year (from 2 months old to about 14 months old).

There is no experience required, and it’s ok if you have pets in your home already. The Smart Service Dog provides you with the resources to teach house manners, basic obedience skills, and socialize them to all kinds of people and everyday experiences.

You aren't alone in this adventure! Every puppy raiser is part of a puppy club in their community, which allows you to connect with other puppy raisers and receive support from club leaders and Smart Service Dog members.

If you're still not convinced, Smart Service Dog covers the cost of all veterinary bills and provides food.

Learn more about how you can make a difference by joining a warm and supportive community of volunteers through the link in our bio.

19/06/2025

Raise a Puppy and change a Life!

Out: ”I’m only going to raise one puppy”

In: Raising two more puppies at the same time

We’re looking for puppy raisers! Whether you prefer the traditional or hybrid puppy raising program, we’re here to help you throughout the whole journey. Learn more at the link in our bio or DM us

30/04/2025

International Guide Dog Day is celebrated on the last Wednesday in April each year. It marks the establishment of the International Federation of Guide Dog Associations on 26th April 1989. International Guide Dog Day is an opportunity to celebrate the work of guide dogs around the world and raise awareness of the importance of guide dog services to help people who are blind or have low vision live life on their terms.
This International Guide Dog day we want to thank everyone who contributes to building a world where people who are blind or have low vision can access quality guide dogs and live life on their terms.
We thank the hardworking volunteers, trainers who have been able to train new Guide Dogs and support teams
We thank our Guide dog handlers for your advocacy, determination, and the trust you put in your relationship with "man's best friend".
And we thank members of the public who support Guide dogs and their handlers through your efforts to curate more inclusive and accessible communities.
In June, the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) and Assistance Dogs International (ADI) will announce the results for a collaborative survey aimed to uncover the challenges faced by assistance dog handlers in accessing the community. The results of this survey will help us promote change through legislators, businesses and the public that meets the needs of Guide dog handlers around the world.
So what steps can we take as a community to support real assistance dog handlers and their dogs in day to day life?
Support us in awareness campaigns and familiarize yourself with your local assistance dog harnesses and brands.
Donate or Sponsor a Guide Dog or Assistance Dog and make a difference in someone’s life.
Check the laws surrounding assistance dogs. Often real assistance dogs will wear a logo of a regulatory body and equipment relevant to the organisation that trained the dog. Dogs should also meet certain behavior standards.
Encourage small businesses to reach out to local Guide Dog organisations for advocacy and accessibility training.
Follow our social media pages.
Feel free to contact us on mobile: 0812704672 or office 0878221144

Address

180 North Ridge Road
Durban
4001

Telephone

+27812704672

Website

http://www.thesmartdog.co.za/

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