Top Tips for Puppy House Training: A Complete Guide for New Dog Parents
House training a puppy is one of the first big challenges new dog owners face – and one of the most important. With patience, consistency, and the right approach, your puppy can learn quickly and confidently. Below is your complete guide to house training a puppy, packed with proven tips, positive-reinforcement methods, and expert advice […]
10 Signs Your Horse Might Be in Pain (and Not Just Naughty)
When a horse bucks, refuses jumps, or pins their ears, the first thought many riders have is: “My horse is being naughty.”But what if that behaviour is actually your horse’s way of saying, “I’m in pain”? Horses are prey animals, and their natural instinct is to hide discomfort. That means pain often shows up as […]
Understanding Pain & Behaviour Changes in Cats
Why Recognising Pain in Cats Is So Important Cats are masters of disguise. In the “wild”, showing pain makes them vulnerable, so they’ve evolved to hide it, even from the people who love them most. Unfortunately, that means a cat in pain may look perfectly “fine” on the surface. 1. How Pain Affects a Cat’s […]
Helping Your Senior Dog Live Their Best Life
Understanding the Needs of an Ageing Dog As dogs grow older, their bodies and minds change – just like ours. Senior dogs often slow down, sleep more, and may face health issues like joint stiffness, dental problems, or decreased hearing and vision. But ageing doesn’t mean their quality of life must decline. With the right […]
Species-Appropriate Living: The Foundation of a Happy, Healthy Horse
When we think of horse welfare, many of us picture shiny coats, clean stables, and good nutrition. But true welfare starts much deeper – with how a horse lives every day. What Is “Species-Appropriate Living”? Species-appropriate living means allowing horses to live in ways that reflect their evolutionary design. Horses are herd-dwelling grazers who move […]
Why You Might Need a Cat Behaviourist
When Your Cat’s Behaviour Becomes a Mystery. Cats are complex, sensitive creatures; deeply emotional, yet often misunderstood.If your cat has started biting, hiding, urinating outside the litter box, or showing sudden aggression, it’s not “bad behaviour.” It’s communication. At Gentled Animals in Cape Town, our certified animal behaviourists specialise in understanding why cats behave the […]
How an Dog Behaviourist Can Help Your Dog Thrive
Just like people, dogs can develop behaviours that affect their happiness, health, and relationships with others. From excessive barking to separation anxiety, these challenges can leave owners feeling frustrated or helpless. This is where an animal behaviourist comes in. What Is an Animal or Dog Behaviourist? An animal behaviourist is a professional trained in animal […]
Why Your Horse Might Need an Animal Behaviourist
When your horse shows signs of stress, unwanted behaviours, or difficulties under saddle, it can be frustrating and worrying. This is where an equine behaviourist can make all the difference. Animal behaviourists specialise in understanding the why behind a horse’s actions, helping you and your horse build trust, improve communication, and overcome challenges. What Is […]
How to Help Your Kitten Be More Confident
Bringing a new kitten home is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming for such a tiny creature. Some kittens are naturally bold, while others are shy, hiding under furniture or avoiding new people and sounds. Just like people, confidence isn’t something all cats are born with- it’s something that can be nurtured over time. […]
Introducing a New Puppy Into Your Home: A Mini Guide
Few things are more exciting than bringing a new puppy home. Those wagging tails and playful eyes bring joy and warmth to any household. But with all the cuteness comes responsibility: your puppy is learning about the world for the very first time, and how you guide them now will shape their future. 1. Prepare […]