Questions dog owners ask us

We work with dog owners across Nairobi and Kiambu County, including areas like Karen, Runda, Westlands, Kilimani, Lavington, Kiambu Road, Ruaka, Ruiru, Juja and Thika. Send us a WhatsApp message on 0706 781 874 with your location and we will agree the best arrangement for your dog.

Everything dogs: dog training (puppy, obedience, behavioural and protection or K9 security training), canine behaviour and rehabilitation, grooming and canine hygiene, the G.A.P dog motel (boarding) plus dog walking and pet sitting, and rehoming, rescue and responsible breeding. We also share free guides on dog food, puppies, accessories and dog care.

We are open 24 hours on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and closed on Wednesday and Sunday. The best way to reach us is WhatsApp or a call on 0706 781 874.

Pricing is on request via WhatsApp. The cost depends on the programme, the dog and the goals, so tell us your dog’s breed, age and what you want to change, and we will explain the options.

Training is led by David Karanja, who has 8+ years of experience in behavioural training and a deep, all-round knowledge of dogs. G.A.P on Everything Dogs has been working with dogs for 8 years.

G.A.P stands for “God Answers Prayers”. It sits alongside our motto: “After God, trust your Dog.”

Yes. We train all breeds and mixed breeds, including German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Belgian Malinois and Boerboels, as well as small companion dogs.

Yes, that is the goal. Every programme includes handing over to you: we teach you the commands, timing and handling, practise with you, and follow up.

The fastest way is WhatsApp (0706 781 874). You can also call us, send an email, or use the contact form on this website.

Pricing is on request via WhatsApp. It depends on the programme, your dog's age and the problem we are solving, so we quote after a short assessment. Send us a WhatsApp message with your dog's breed, age and what you want to change and we will tell you the options.

Puppies can start gentle foundation training at around 8 weeks, as soon as they come home. Adult and older dogs can learn too; it is never too late to improve behaviour.

Yes. We work with all breeds and mixed breeds, from small companion dogs to large working breeds like German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Dobermans.

Handing over to you is part of every programme. We show you exactly what to say and do, practise it with you, and follow up so the dog responds to the family, not just to us.

We work with dog owners across Nairobi and Kiambu County. Tell us where you are on WhatsApp and we will agree the best arrangement for your dog.

Most aggressive dogs can improve a great deal with the right plan, management and consistent handling. We start with an honest assessment of the triggers and the risk, and we will always tell you what is realistic for your dog.

Common causes include fear, poor early socialisation, guarding of food or territory, frustration, pain and inconsistent handling. Because pain can drive aggression, we may suggest a vet check before or alongside training.

It depends on how long the behaviour has been happening and how intense it is. Many owners see changes within the first few sessions, but lasting change needs practice at home. We agree a plan and timeline after the assessment.

Keep everyone safe first. Manage the dog so it cannot repeat the behaviour (secure areas, leads, and a muzzle if needed), make sure any injured person gets medical care, and contact us for an assessment. Do not punish the dog harshly; that often makes aggression worse.

Start the day your puppy comes home, usually at around 8 weeks. Early lessons are short and play-based. The most important socialisation window closes at roughly 12 to 16 weeks, so do not wait for the puppy to "grow up first".

Yes, with care. Training at home and in clean, controlled places is safe. Avoid areas where unknown dogs gather until your vet says your puppy's vaccinations are complete, and follow your vet's schedule, including rabies.

Puppies explore with their mouths. Stop play when teeth touch skin too hard, redirect onto a toy, give enough rest (overtired puppies bite more), and never encourage hand-wrestling. We show you the exact steps in the first session.

Yes. Choosing the right breed and a healthy, well-bred puppy prevents many problems. Message us before you buy and we can talk through breed, temperament and what to look for.

Basic obedience covers the core commands (sit, down, stay, come, heel and leave it) in easy settings. Advanced obedience proofs those skills around strong distractions, at a distance and, where safe, off lead.

Dogs do not generalise well. A command learnt in a quiet room is a different task at the gate or on a busy road. We practise in progressively harder places so the behaviour holds everywhere.

Yes. Reliable obedience, especially the out (release) and recall, is essential before any protection work. It is what makes a protection dog safe to own.

No. Protection work needs a physically healthy, mentally stable and confident dog. Nervous or fearful dogs should not be pushed into bite work because it can make them dangerous. We assess every dog before recommending protection training.

Done properly, no. Good protection training teaches control. The dog learns when to engage and, just as importantly, when to stop. Obedience comes first, and the dog must remain social and handleable.

Foundations such as obedience, confidence and drive building can start young, but serious protection work usually starts with physically mature, stable adult dogs. The right timing depends on the breed and the individual dog.

German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Rottweilers, Dobermans and Boerboels are common choices. Temperament, health and training matter more than breed alone.

Yes. A protection dog is only as safe as its handler. We teach you how to control, exercise, and secure the dog, and how to keep training sharp.

Most dogs benefit from a full groom every four to eight weeks, with brushing at home in between. Long or double coats need more frequent brushing; short coats need less. Dogs that swim or roll in mud may need more baths.

Send us a WhatsApp message with a photo of your dog, its breed, size and age, and anything we should know about its coat, skin or behaviour. We recommend what it needs and agree a date, time and place with you.

Because we are trainers as well, we are used to handling nervous and difficult dogs calmly. Tell us about your dog's behaviour when you book, so we can plan the session and keep everyone safe.

Usually no. A double coat helps regulate temperature and protects the skin from sun. De-shedding (removing the loose undercoat) keeps them cooler and more comfortable than shaving.

Pricing is on request via WhatsApp. It depends on your dog's size, coat and condition, so a photo helps us tell you what it needs.

Send us an enquiry on WhatsApp with your dog's age, breed, sex, health and vaccination records, and any behaviour concerns. We assess the dog and look for a suitable home. Be honest about any problems; it is the best way to make the new home work.

Tell us about your home, family, other pets and experience, and what kind of dog you are looking for. If a suitable dog is available we arrange a meeting, check that the home is a good fit, and plan the handover together.

Yes. Matching includes questions about the home and, where possible, a home check, so we are confident the dog is going somewhere safe and suitable.

Yes. Rescue and rehabilitation are part of what we do. Dogs that need it get time, care and training before they are rehomed.

Responsible breeding is part of our work. Health, temperament and finding the right homes come first. Ask us on WhatsApp about available puppies.

It depends on the dog and the arrangement. Message us on WhatsApp and we explain how it works, including any costs, before anything is agreed.

Yes. The G.A.P dog motel takes dogs for boarding while their owners are away. Send us your dates and your dog's breed, age and needs on WhatsApp and we will confirm availability.

It is our name for dog boarding. Your dog stays with us for a few nights or longer, and we look after feeding, exercise, rest and its general wellbeing until you collect it.

Your dog's usual food, any medication with written instructions, the vaccination card, a lead and collar with an ID tag, and something familiar like a blanket. We confirm the list when you book.

Yes. For the safety of every dog, vaccinations (including rabies) and tick and worm control must be up to date. Bring the vaccination card.

Pricing is on request via WhatsApp. It depends on the service, how long you need it and your dog's needs.

We are open 24 hours on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and closed on Wednesday and Sunday. Drop-off and collection times are agreed on WhatsApp when you book.