Compassion-First Dog Training & Behaviour Modification
Nurturing a happy, stress-free dog and a harmonious household for all.
Nurturing a happy, stress-free dog and a harmonious household for all.

Based in Cape Town, Keelan is a COAPE accredited dog behaviourist and trainer who offers virtual and in-person behavioural consultations and training services for dogs and their guardians.
Through a lifetime surrounded by dogs and several years of studies, Keelan has attained an intimate understanding of canine behaviour and learned to foster a positive-only relationship between man and his best friend.
With an eye toward modern research, Keelan offers positive-reinforcement, force-free, science-backed training methodologies, catering to your dog’s individual needs.
Keelan has attained several qualifications, including the COAPE CertAT, CertAB levels, and having completed the COAPE DipcABT, as well as a certification in Canine Nutrition through PetSense College.
Featured in Happy Tails and WeLovePetsSA magazines, partnered with Lickimat SA, and acting as a practical invigilator for PetSense College, Keelan is passionate about educating the public on how to ethically raise and care for their canine companions.

Happy Paws offers personalised dog training and behaviour support across every stage of your dog’s journey — from puppy raising and building strong foundations, to navigating the challenges of adolescence, and supporting adult and older dogs. Services include puppy development, obedience and life skills, behaviour modification, reactivity support, confidence building, leash manners, tricks to engage your dog and build on your relationship, and helping owners better understand their dogs’ needs and communication. Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy, working through behavioural challenges, or simply wanting a happier, stronger relationship with your dog, training is tailored to both you and your dog’s individual needs.

- Karen Pryor
To book a consultation, or if you have a special request, send us a message, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Open today | 09:00 – 17:00 |
Please reach us at happypawsdogbehaviour@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Puppies can start training as early as 8 weeks old. It's important to start early to establish good habits and prevent bad ones from forming.
No — it’s never too late to start training your dog. Dogs can learn at any age, and with the right approach, adult dogs can successfully develop new skills, behaviours, and confidence.
Dog reactivity is an exaggerated emotional response to certain triggers such as other dogs, people, sounds, vehicles, or environments. Reactive dogs may bark, lunge, growl, whine, or become overly excited because they feel overwhelmed, frustrated, fearful, or overstimulated.
We use positive reinforcement training and behaviour modification techniques such as desensitisation and counter-conditioning to address unwanted behaviours, including reactivity, aggression, fear, and separation anxiety. We also include management strategies and lifestyle adjustments to set dogs up to succeed.
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