Dog Training

Our Trainer

Amanda de Wet - Qualified Instructor and Pro Dog Trainer

Amanda loves all animals and especially dogs. She grew up in a family where there were always family pets and dogs present. At the age of 22, she welcomed Tasha, her first Yorkshire Terrier into her life.

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" from Denmark. 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.

In 2013 she organised and hosted 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 family, her beloved Flatcoated Retrievers and the charaterful Bella (Smooth Fox 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, strengthen 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's Training Qualifications