Rehoming & adoption
How to Rehome a Dog Responsibly in Nairobi
Need to find your dog a new home, or thinking of adopting? How to rehome a dog safely in Nairobi and Kiambu, what to share, red flags, and helping the dog settle.
Canine behaviourist · Rehabilitation
Behavioural Training & Rehabilitation
Aggression, reactivity, fear and anxiety are stressful for the dog and the family. We find out why the behaviour happens and change it with a clear, safe plan.
What this service covers
- 01
Aggression
Towards people, visitors, other dogs or over food and toys. We assess the triggers and the risk first, then build control.
- 02
Reactivity
Lunging and barking at the gate, at dogs, motorbikes or people walking past the fence.
- 03
Fear and anxiety
Dogs that hide, shake, snap when cornered, or panic when left alone, during storms or at fireworks.
- 04
Everyday problem behaviour
Jumping on people, mouthing, destructive chewing, digging, nonstop barking and bolting out of the gate.
Understand the behaviour first
Problem behaviour is communication. A dog that lunges at the gate may be guarding, frustrated or afraid. A dog that bites when you reach for its bowl is protecting something it values. The same action can have very different causes, so the fix has to match the cause.
Our behavioural work starts with a careful assessment. We look at when the problem happens, what happens just before it, how the dog’s body language changes, and what the household does in response. We also ask about health, diet, exercise and routine, because a sore, bored or under-exercised dog behaves differently.
A plan you can actually follow
After the assessment you get a clear plan in plain language:
- Safety and management. How to prevent rehearsal of the problem while training happens: gates, leads, routines and, where appropriate, muzzle conditioning.
- Training. Step-by-step exercises that build calm alternative behaviour and control, at a pace the dog can handle.
- Your part. What everyone at home, including house help and askaris, should do and not do.
- Milestones. What progress should look like, so you can see it working.
Rehabilitation for dogs that need more time
Some dogs, especially rescues and dogs that have been neglected or badly handled, need more than a few lessons. Rehabilitation gives them a calm, predictable routine, time to build trust, and step-by-step training until they can cope with normal life again. It is slower work, and it is some of the most rewarding we do.
Behaviour cases are led by our lead trainer, David Karanja, who has more than 8 years of experience in behavioural training.
Safe, fair and realistic
We do not use cruelty or intimidation to “fix” a dog. Harsh punishment can suppress warning signs and make a dog more dangerous, not less. Our approach is fair, consistent and humane, with clear rules and rewards for the behaviour we want.
We are also honest. Some behaviour can be fully resolved; some needs to be managed for life. If we think your dog needs a vet to rule out pain or illness, we will say so.
Related help
If your dog is new to your home, read how to help a rehomed dog settle. Many behaviour problems also improve with solid obedience training.
FAQ
Behavioural training: your questions
Can an aggressive dog be trained?
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.
What causes aggression or reactivity in dogs?
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.
How long does behavioural training take?
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.
My dog bit someone. What should I do now?
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.
Read next
Helpful guides
Related
Other ways we can help
Obedience training
A dog that comes when called, walks without pulling and stays where you put it. Obedience is the foundation for a safe, relaxed life together.
Dog training
From the first sit to a reliable protection dog. We train the dog in front of you and teach you to handle it, so the results last after we leave.
Rehoming & rescue
Sometimes a dog needs a new home, and sometimes it needs a second chance first. We assess, rehabilitate where needed, and match each dog with the right home.
Nairobi & Kiambu
Let's talk about your dog.
Tell us your dog’s breed, age and what you want to change. A trainer will reply on WhatsApp with honest advice and the next step.
Open 24 hours Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri & Sat. Pricing on request via WhatsApp. Prefer email? Send us a message or use the contact form.