Dog & Cat Training in Kenya

Expert backed training methods to help your pets become well-behaved companions.

Why Train your Pet?

Stronger Bond

Training builds trust and understanding between you and your pet

Stronger Bond

Training builds trust and understanding between you and your pet.

Better Behavior

Reduce destructive behaviors and create a peaceful home

Better Behavior

Reduce destructive behaviors and create a peaceful home

Safety

Essential commands can protect your pet in dangerous situations

Safety

Essential commands can protect your pet in dangerous situations.

Mental Stimulation

Training exercises your pet’s brain and prevents boredom

Mental Stimulation

Training exercises your pet’s brain and prevents boredom

Dog Training Guides

Step-by-step training for dogs.

Dog Training

Essential Commands Every Dog Should Know

Teaching your dog basic commands is the foundation for all other training.

  • Sit: Hold a treat above your dog's nose and move it back over their head.
  • Stay: Start with short durations and gradually increase distance.
  • Come: Use a happy voice and reward enthusiastically when they respond.
  • Down: Lure your dog from a sit position down to the ground with a treat.
  • Leave it: Essential for preventing your dog from picking up dangerous items.

Tip: Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) and always end on a positive note.

House Training

House Training Your Puppy or Adult Dog

Consistency and patience are key to successful house training.

  • Establish a regular feeding schedule and take your dog out frequently.
  • Choose a designated potty area and always take your dog there.
  • Use a command like "go potty" while they're eliminating.
  • Praise and reward immediately after they finish.
  • Watch for signs like sniffing, circling, or whining.
  • Clean accidents thoroughly with enzymatic cleaner to remove odors.

Note: Puppies can typically hold their bladder 1 hour for every month of age.

Leash Training

Leash Training: Stop Pulling

Teach your dog to walk politely on leash without pulling.

  • Start training in a low-distraction environment.
  • When your dog pulls, stop walking immediately.
  • Only move forward when there's slack in the leash.
  • Reward your dog when they walk by your side.
  • Use treats to lure them into the correct position.
  • Consider a front-clip harness for strong pullers.

Alternative: The "turn around" method - when your dog pulls, turn and walk the opposite direction.

Behavior Issues

Common Behavior Problems & Solutions

Addressing unwanted behaviors with positive reinforcement.

  • Barking: Teach "quiet" command and reward calm behavior.
  • Chewing: Provide appropriate chew toys and puppy-proof your home.
  • Jumping: Ignore jumping and reward four paws on the floor.
  • Separation Anxiety: Gradually increase alone time and create positive associations.
  • Begging: Feed your dog before your meal and ignore begging behavior.

Important: Never punish your dog for behavior problems - this can make them worse.

Training Your Cat: What's Possible

Cats can learn commands and tricks with the right motivation and patience.

Litter Box Training

  • Choose a quiet, accessible location for the litter box.
  • Keep it clean – scoop daily and change litter regularly.
  • Use unscented litter (most cats prefer it).
  • If accidents occur, clean thoroughly with enzymatic cleaner.

Clicker Training for cats

  • Associate the clicker sound with treats (charge the clicker).
  • Click and treat for desired behaviors like sitting or touching a target.
  • Keep sessions short (2-5 minutes).
  • Train before meals when your cat is hungry.

Scratching Post Training

  • Place scratching posts near furniture your cat likes to scratch, this encourages healthy habits and redirection.
  • Use catnip or toys to attract your cat to the post and stimulate curiosity.
  • Reward with treats when they use the post to reinforce positive actions and learning
  • Use deterrents like double-sided tape on furniture to discourage scratching through unpleasant texture.

Pet Training Resources

Discover professional trainers, essential tools, and recommended books to help your pets become well-behaved companions.

Dog trainer

Professional Trainers

Find certified dog and cat trainers in Kenya who can help with obedience training, behavioral issues, and specialized skills.

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Professional Pet Trainers in Kenya

Working with a professional trainer can make a significant difference in your pet's behavior. Kenya has several certified trainers specializing in different areas:

Top Dog Trainers:

  • Canine Training & Behavior Kenya - Offers comprehensive obedience training, behavioral correction, and specialized puppy training programs. Based in Nairobi.
  • Pawsitive Vibes Kenya - Specializes in positive reinforcement techniques for dogs of all ages and breeds.
  • K9 Services Kenya - Provides guard dog training, obedience classes, and agility training for working dogs.
  • Bark Avenue Kenya - Offers both group classes and private sessions, focusing on basic commands and socialization.

Cat Behavior Specialists:

  • Feline World Kenya - Helps with litter training, scratching behavior modification, and cat socialization techniques.
  • Cat Behavior Solutions Kenya - Specializes in solving aggression, anxiety, and other behavioral issues in cats.

How to choose a trainer:

• Look for certified professionals with verifiable references

• Ask about their training philosophy (positive reinforcement is recommended)

• Visit their facility if possible before committing

For current contact information and availability, please contact us or check our Facebook page for updates.

Dog training tools

Training Tools

Discover essential tools that make training easier, from clickers to interactive toys available in Kenya.

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Essential Training Tools

The right tools can make training more effective and enjoyable for both you and your pet. Here are essential items available in Kenya:

For Dogs:

  • Clickers - Available at Petworld Kenya and other major pet stores. Perfect for marker training (typically KSh 300-500).
  • Training Leashes - 6-foot leashes for obedience training (available at VetCare and other pet shops).
  • Treat Pouches - Convenient waist bags for reward-based training (KSh 800-1,500).
  • Interactive Toys - Kong toys and puzzle feeders available at Pet Empire and online stores.
  • Training Collars - Martingale collars and front-clip harnesses for better control (available at specialized stores).

For Cats:

  • Clickers - Same as dog clickers, effective for cat training too.
  • Interactive Toys - Feather wands and laser pointers available at most pet stores.
  • Scratching Posts - Redirect natural scratching behavior (available from KSh 1,500).
  • Puzzle Feeders - Stimulate your cat's mind during mealtime.

Where to buy in Kenya:

• Petworld Kenya - Multiple locations in Nairobi

• Pet Empire - Online and physical store

• Jumia Pets Section - Various training tools

• Jiji Pets - New and used training equipment

Pet training books

Books & Resources

Recommended reading materials and online resources to help you train your pet effectively.

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Recommended Training Books & Resources

Educate yourself with these top-rated training resources available in Kenya through bookstores and online platforms:

For Dog Owners:

  • The Art of Raising a Puppy - Monks of New Skete (Available at Text Book Centre for ~KSh 2,500)
  • Don't Shoot the Dog! - Karen Pryor (The bible of positive reinforcement training)
  • Zak George's Dog Training Revolution - Modern approach to dog training (Amazon Kindle available)
  • 101 Dog Tricks - Kyra Sundance (Fun activities to bond with your dog)

For Cat Owners:

  • Think Like a Cat - Pam Johnson-Bennett (Available at Nuria Bookstore)
  • The Trainable Cat - John Bradshaw (Debunks myths about cat training)
  • Catification - Jackson Galaxy (Creating cat-friendly spaces)

Online Resources:

  • Karen Pryor Clicker Training - clickertraining.com
  • Zak George's YouTube Channel - Free dog training videos
  • Jackson Galaxy's Cat Mojo - Great cat behavior resources
  • Kenya Veterinary Association - Local training seminars

Where to find these resources in Kenya:

• Text Book Centre - Physical stores and online

• Amazon Kindle - For instant digital downloads

• Nuria Bookstore - Often stocks pet training books

• Bookstop Kenya - Can order specific titles

Training FAQS

Answers to common training questions

How long does it take to train a dog in Kenya?

Basic obedience training typically takes 4-6 weeks of consistent practice for most dogs to learn commands reliably. However, training is an ongoing process throughout your dog’s life. More complex behaviors or addressing behavioral issues may take longer. Puppies have shorter attention spans, so training sessions should be brief (5-10 minutes) but frequent.

Absolutely! While the saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is common, it’s not true. Older pets can learn new behaviors, though they may take slightly longer than younger animals. The key is patience, positive reinforcement, and understanding that older pets might have physical limitations or established habits that need to be gently modified.

 

If your pet isn’t responding to your training efforts, consider these steps:

1) Evaluate your training methods – are you being consistent?

2) Try higher-value rewards (better treats).

3) Shorten training sessions.

4) Reduce distractions in the environment.

5) Consult a professional trainer who can assess your specific situation. Some behavioral issues may require specialized approaches.

 

Several options for affordable training in Kenya:

1) Check with local animal shelters or rescue organizations – they often offer low-cost training classes.

2) Group classes are typically more affordable than private sessions.

3) Some veterinary clinics offer basic training.

4) Look for community education programs that might include pet training.

5) Consider online training resources as a supplement.

 
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