Lorraine Leibbrandt: Animal Behaviorist and Dog Trainer
My journey with animals began with a profound passion for canine companionship. I welcomed Dexter, my loyal Labrador companion, into my life. Additionally, I adopted Dee-Dee, my beloved Africanis, from the SPCA, enriching my understanding and connection with rescue animals. I embarked on my career by becoming a qualified dog training instructor through the esteemed Mkaynine Academy Instructor program in 2015. This laid the groundwork for my mission to understand and enhance the lives of animals.
In 2017, I established Dogwarts – School of Training and Trickery, a renowned puppy, obedience, and trick training school in Pretoria. Over the course of three enriching years, driven by my fervent dedication to early puppy development and training, I had the honor of fostering numerous strong bonds between dogs and their owners.
In 2021, I relocated to Plettenberg Bay and further expanded my expertise. I pursued a Diploma in Animal Behavior from COAPE, achieving merit in my studies. This enabled me to delve deeper into the intricacies of animal behavior, ethology and therapy. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a profound love for all animals, I aspire to extend my services to diverse animal species.
Today, my focus lies in providing personalised assistance to pet owners in their homes, addressing complex behavioral issues such as separation distress, fear, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, aggression and leash reactivity. I am deeply committed to fostering meaningful connections between humans and animals. My dedication to continuous learning is evident in my pursuit of various qualifications and courses, including:
- Diploma in Animal Behavioural Therapy (DipCABT)(COAPE)
- Certificate in Learn Canine Training Instructor (McKaynine Training Centre)
- Certificate in Dog Emotion and Cognition (Duke University Online)
- Certificate in Introduction to Animal Psychology (Elmira Strange)
- Certificate in Crucial Concepts in Dog Behavior and Training (Ian Dunbar)
- Certificate in Growl Class (Ian Dunbar)
- Certificate in Puppy Raiser Foundation (Nikki Ivey)
- Certificate in SIRIUS Dog Training Academy (Ian Dunbar)
I firmly believe that an anima’ls potential is only limited by the effort invested by their caregivers.
My dedication to staying informed with the latest research and scientific advancements fuels my holistic approach to animal behavior and training. As I progress on my journey, I remain committed to integrating cutting-edge knowledge into my practice, making a positive impact in the lives of animals and their companions, one training session at a time