Over the years a further 3 Yorkies joined the family and they all reached ripe old ages. It was only 18 years later that she imported her first Flatcoated Retriever - "Liquorice". This led the way to a great interest in dog training and eventually instructing and animal behaviour. The dream of Zimzala was born.

Driven by the desire to know as much as humanly possible about her passion - dogs, she is constantly reading and learning; remaining current in all things dog by attending seminars, workshops and certified courses in her quest to improve her ability and skill as a trainer - Qualifications.

In 2013 she was instrumental in organising and hosting the Progressive Reinforcement Seminar presented by world renowned dog trainer Emily Larlham, promoting positive reinforcement training, using gentle force free, non-confrontational and intimidation free methods of dog training. Choosing to focus on and reward the behaviour that we do want from our dogs, instead of harping on the negative.

She shares her home with her her family, 4 Flatcoated Retrievers, an English Springer Spaniel and a Jack Russell Terrier  She trains and works all her dogs in a variety of disciplines, proving their worth and achieving results in all fields. She believes the route to a true friendship with her dogs, their relationship of trust and wholehearted loving, lies in training, working and relaxing together. Owners should enrich the lives of their dogs through structured activities, strenghthen that closeness through handling and grooming. In so doing they will be able to keep their ear tuned, to hear what their dogs have to say about each and every aspect of their shared lives."

Amanda is responsible for the Puppy, Gundog and Private Training in addition to training our "Boot Camp" visitors.

Ilse has had a lifelong fascination with behaviour and a deep love and passion for all four legged creatures, especially dogs. Growing up she had two dogs, a small Maltese rescue and Border Collie as well as a cat. They were her childhood best friends and she trained them all, even attempting to get the cat to walk on a lead!

It was clear that from a young age Ilse relished in imagining and creating worlds, so it only seemed natural that she would pursue studies in drama. Her focus was not on acting, but rather writing and directing; figuring out why a character says what they say and act in a particular way.

She delighted in this study of behaviour; the reason we do things, what motivates us and decided to also study psychology during her undergraduate degree. Fast forward a few years and Ilse completed her Masters Degree at UCT. 

After a stint in marketing and PR, Ilse developed her own communication and voice-training course. This enabled her to help people become more comfortable and confident with the way they speak and how to effectively communicate. 

She became involved with dog training again after adopting a small, bouncy boy from the Cape Dachshund Rescue and tried her hand at positive reinforcement and clicker training since early 2015. She has her CertCAB (Animal Behaviour and Ethology certificate) from the Centre Of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPESA) and is studying towards her DipCABT Diplomas at COAPESA. 

Her goal as a trainer and teacher is to ensure that her clients have a happy and manageable dog who will find learning a joy. 

Ilse has a soft spot and passion for rescues. She volunteered for the Cape Dachshund Rescue and DARG and currently volunteers for the Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch Team. Ilse is responsible for the Young to Adult Training, instructing CGC Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates, Private Training (1-on-1) in addition to training our "Boot Camp" visitors.