Study to become a dog trainer
Geluksdal – “Being a dog trainer is a career to consider after matric for those who love dogs,” says Thulani Manana.
Manana (24) is a qualified dog trainer who completed his diploma in dog obedience training at the South African Dog Training College in Klipriver.
In his field of work, Manana specialises in anti poisoning and protection.
He says in order to become a dog trainer, a person needs to love dogs and be patient.
Manana explains that in order to qualify to work with dogs, a person can study a three month, six month or a three year diploma.
He says to train a dog to bite on command takes about 12 weeks and that when the dog is fully trained, it only listens and takes instructions from its trainer or owner.
Manana, who owns three Rottweiler and a Jack Russel, says he enjoys working with all kinds of dogs.
“There are no breeds of dogs which are stubborn. All dogs need is a good trainer,” he says.
Manana worked at the Brakpan SPCA from 2012 until 2013.
“I am now busy training dogs for drug searches, which I will use to help the police and schools fight against the use of drugs by learners,” says Manana.
He encourages those who want to become dog instructors after matric to start playing with their dogs to build a good friendship with them. He also encourages interested trainers to study their dog’s behaviour and it reacts when strangers are around.
Manana, Morné Tressel, Sabestion Jacobs and Davin Van Wyk train dogs every Saturday at Brakpan Primary School.
