From problem pets to perfect partners
Qualified animal behaviourist based in Stellenbosch
Hello, my name is Nancy! I am a COAPE Certified Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) having graduated with my Diploma in Animal Behaviour (DipCABT) from COAPE in 2022. I currently offer training and behaviour consultations for both dogs and cats, for problems ranging from house training and basic leash manners to reactivity and aggression. I am based in Stellenbosch, South Africa, but also offer virtual consults.
My approach to training and behaviour modification uses reward-based and force-free techniques to build trust and teamwork between you and your animal. I have a passion for the role of choice and consent in treating fear-related behaviours such as reactivity and aggression, and using these to build an animal's confidence and ability to cope with the world they live in.
In addition to individual behaviour consultations, I am the resident behaviourist for Vineyard Dog Agility, as well as offering group reactivity classes in Stellenbosch. I am a lecturer and tutor for COAPE International and play a role in keeping our courses updated with the latest science in animal behaviour. I also had the pleasure of contributing a chapter to Karin Pienaar's "Mood Matters", a book dedicated to the role of animal emotionality in the treatment of behaviour problems.
(See more reviews here)
"Nancy has been the silver lining in our tumultuous journey with our Milly Pup. We had spent thousands on training prior to meeting Nancy, and saw minimal improvement with Milly's fear-based aggression. We were hesitant to try someone new, but Nancy has been the best decision we have made for our Milly. Nancy has given us so much hope, and we can't express our gratitude sufficiently. We will forever be indebted to Nancy."
Caitlin, Ewald, Brandon, and Milly
Cape Town, Dec 2023
"Nancy has been a beacon of hope for us and our problem child, Oliver. From hardly being able to leave the house and not being able to get on a soccer field with another dog - to confidently being able to meet new doggy friends and going for stress-free walks everyday! Nancy is nothing short of a miracle worker and we are endlessly grateful for her help and guidance!"
Tayla, Brandon, and Ollie
Stellenbosch, July 2023
"Thanks to Nancy's guidance, my rescue dog Rocky has undergone a remarkable transformation. Previously nervous, edgy, skittish, and fearful, he is now calm, relaxed, and confident. Nancy taught me how to read Rocky's body language and how to provide comfort and support while preventing or managing triggers that cause anxiety. Thanks to her advice and tips, Rocky has become the most confident and gentle dog I could have imagined. Nancy is more than just a dog-trainer; she is a lifesaver!"
Pauline and Rocky
Stellenbosch, May 2022
"Nancy was a great help when we got a Malinois puppy as a gift. Phoebe, our 10-week-old puppy, caught one of our prized chickens and then turned her focus on our cat. We contacted Nancy for assistance in training Phoebe and teaching us how to handle her behaviour. Thanks to Nancy's help, Phoebe and the cat now live in harmony."
Marisca, Eugene, and Phoebe
Stellenbosch, April 2023
If you are interested in help with training or behaviour, you can fill out this consultation form, email it to me at nancy@barktobasics.co.za, and I will get back to you with a suggested plan of action. Depending on what you and your animal would like help with, this could involve a home visit, a private training class, a group reactivity class, or a full behavioural consultation.
Training focuses on teaching an animal to perform a particular exercise, such as sit, lie down, and stay, or something more involved like running an agility course. Behaviour tends to refer to the more emotional side of things, such as aggressive behaviour that is driven by fear. In a behaviour consultation we focus on understanding and addressing the underlying emotions that drive a behaviour in order to achieve long-term success.
I work in Stellenbosch and the surrounding areas. Consultations outside of Stellenbosch may include an additional travel fee. I also offer online consultations and training via Zoom.
Luckily, yes! Dogs and cats can learn at any age, and that includes developing social skills or addressing problem behaviours such as fearfulness, reactivity, and aggression.
Absolutely - I can help with problem behaviours for cats, including spraying, scratching, aggression towards people or other animals, fearfulness, or integrating a new cat into the family.
| Behaviour consultation | 90-120 mins | R1000-R1250* |
|---|---|---|
| Includes: post-consult behaviour plan, vet report if required, on-going support via phone or email. | ||
| Behaviour follow-up sessions | 60 mins | R350-R500* |
| Packages available. | ||
| Group classes for reactivity | 60 mins (per class) | R1000 for 4 classes |
| Training, good manners, and life skills | 60 mins | R350-R500* |
| Packages available. | ||
* Exact price will depend on the behaviour being addressed. Travel fees not included.
Icons by icons8. Branding by GIULIO | Design House.