meet the dog WHISPERER

step at a time. Hitting dogs is out. Dogs disciplined in this way end up conflicted because they fear their owners but still feel called to protect them.

He also doesn’t believe that dogs should be smothered with love. Avoid spoiling a puppy and put in place the boundaries that will make for a well-behaved and healthy adult dog from the outset, he advises.

Emmanuel uses his voice to communicate with and reward a dog for the right behaviour, and prefers not to resort to treats.

Along the way, he admits that he also gets to hear about pet owners’ problems and often adds some advice here, too. “Believe it or not, owners’ insecurities and personal problems often manifest in their dogs’ problems,” he points out.

“During phone calls, owners tell me about their problems. The minute I meet the dog, I realise the situation is completely different. I feel that this is a gift from God. As soon as I take the lead, I get this feeling that the dog understands that I am not a threat, that I am there to help,” he explains.

He says that post-Covid he is dealing with a great deal of anxiety and aggression. Dogs that have been confined at home with their owners fear being left alone, and many struggle to socialise with strangers and other dogs.

In addition to helping suburban dogs, Emmanuel has a passion for educating owners in poorer communities to properly care for and appreciate their dogs. He has worked with a demonstration dog to take his message to learners, and has helped the Department of Agriculture to vaccinate dogs against rabies.

His focus is now on improving his business skills so that he can train and employ others as his operation grows. He is also keen to provide therapy dogs to help the disadvantaged. * FOR MORE INFO 072 774 7092