Dogs
Which Pet Insurance Plans Cover Animal Behaviour in South Africa?
When your pet struggles with fear, anxiety, reactivity, or other behavioural challenges, getting the right professional support can make a
December 11, 2025
We believe in positive reinforcement, compassion, and training methods that respect your dog’s emotional and physical wellbeing. Every behaviour plan is customised to your dog’s needs, your lifestyle, and your goals.
Whether you’re dealing with pulling on the lead, barking at visitors, or struggles with everyday manners, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to “just live with it.”
At Gentled Animals, we specialise in dog behaviour support that is ethical, practical, and tailored to each unique dog. No dominance. No outdated “pack leader” methods. Just kind, evidence-based approaches that focus on trust, communication, and confidence.
1. Schedule the Initial Consultation
Once you reach out, we’ll arrange a time that suits you and your dog best.
2. In-Home Consultation
The first session takes place in your animal’s home environment – where they feel most secure. During this visit, we discuss your concerns, review your dog’s history, and observe their natural behaviour.
3. Behaviour Modification Plan
Following the session, you’ll receive a personalised Behaviour Modification Plan – a practical, compassionate guide designed specifically for your animal.
4. Implementation Period
You’ll implement the plan over an agreed period.
5. Check-In Support
We’ll stay connected through WhatsApp for progress updates, questions, and encouragement as you work through the plan.
6. Follow-Up Consultation (if needed)
Together, we’ll decide if a follow-up session is needed to review progress and refine the plan.
Initial Consultation — R700
Travel is free within 15km of Durbanville. Beyond that, the standard AA rate applies.
Multi-Pet Household — R850
For households with more than one animal being assessed during the same visit.
Follow-Up Consultations — R550
I’m Paige Grala, a Qualified Animal Behaviourist (DipCABT) – recognised by the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC), based in Cape Town. I specialise in ethical, species-specific behaviour support for horses, dogs, and cats using positive reinforcement and science-led methods. I’ve worked with rescue organisations and shared my life with animals for as long as I can remember. I currently have two young horses raised with R+, a retired thoroughbred who challenged everything I thought I knew, two rescue cats, and a rescue dog.
I’m also studying animal osteopathy through The London College of Animal Osteopathy, to deepen my understanding of how physical and emotional wellbeing are connected. I am a qualified graphic designer and art director – a creative background that helps me think differently and communicate clearly.
At Gentled Animals, I bring together experience, education, and empathy to help people and animals live with less stress and more trust.
A behaviour consultation includes a detailed assessment of your animal’s behaviour, history, emotional needs, and environment. You’ll receive a personalised plan with practical steps to support lasting change.
Consultation durations vary from 45-60 minutes depending on the complexity of the case.
Some behaviour issues are resolved with one session, while others benefit from ongoing support. We’ll recommend next steps based on your animal’s specific needs during the initial consultation
All work is based on science-backed, force-free, reinforcement-based methods rooted in modern animal behaviour principles.
A veterinary check can be helpful to rule out medical causes of behaviour, but it is not always required.
Payment options (e.g., EFT, card, cash) and details will be provided when booking your session.
Yes – we offer discounted rates for animals adopted from shelters or rescue organisations. Supporting newly adopted pets during their transition is important, and we’re committed to making behaviour support more accessible for them.
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