Shannon McKay has always had a love for animals and more importantly, dogs with a brave heart. So eager to help all her canine friends, she decided to start McKaynine Training Centre.
When she started the training centre in 1991, her first thought was to offer small classes every week. However, success barked its way into her life and within 18 months, she decided to take up dog training on a full-time basis. Her training school was the first school in South Africa to offer the ‘Canine good Citizen’ training course. This means your dog would be trained on domestic obedience and not just competitive training. Among its many achievements the centre has also received the World of Dogs and Cats Award in 2009.
Mckay pointed out that people have a lot of misconceptions about dogs and most importantly, about the different breeds. She explained that although training could influence a dog’s interactions, their genetic traits and temperaments play an even bigger role in their behaviour. She further stated that adult dogs can be trained, though its better to train while they are still puppies. She also added that people should research the type of dogs there are and if they would be a good match for their family. Certain breeds like: German shepherds, Labradors and Border Collies are very active dogs and need a family or an owner that will be able to handle all of that energy.
She also explained that it is not a good idea to get two pups at one time and that good breeders will warn you on why not to.
“The puppies’ bond with each other is very strong and because of this, they see one another as a unit and not individuals. Rather get one puppy at a time and get its behaviour where you’d want it to be then get another one.”
McKay concluded that people should support good breeders who breed responsibly.
Details: McKaynine Training Centre info@mckaynine.co.za or 082 565 6160
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