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The Da Gama Park Dog Club, an initiative aimed at fostering healthy interactions and relationships between dogs and residents in Da Gama Park, was launched on Saturday 15 April.
Coordinated by the Cape Peninsula Civil Conservation (CPCC), children were given the basics of why dogs, as the saying goes, are “man’s best friend”.
CPCC chair Lynda Silk says many dogs in Da Gama Park were not contained so residents and children had regular encounters with them.
“Anybody living in Da Gama, whether they have a dog of their own or not, will regularly encounter dogs. Da Gama Dog Club was created for people to bring out the best in their dogs, to have healthy relationships with healthy animals where dogs can be an asset within the community.”
Children had the opportunity to interact with Zara, a service dog, while a South African Navy dog handler showed them how to interact with a dog safely and healthily.
“Dogs can be an asset to a household, personal security, a companion to adults as well as something lively and playful for younger ones to enjoy. People take on a dog for beautiful reasons; nobody brings home a dog to make a problem,” says Silk.
However, sometimes difficulties do arise.
“Those who are afraid of dogs were frightened by the appearance of a working dog when they encountered Zara at the inaugural session. Fears were soon assuaged though when they saw a trained and well-loved and cared-for dog is gentle and responsive and will not attack for no reason. A lot of fun followed with throwing and retrieving balls, Zara’s favourite thing.”
Sonia Van Wyk, a dog handler and navy instructor, says children were excited to interact with Zara.
“We showed the children that dogs do listen if you treat them right. A dog is loving, they are pets and a dog is man’s best friend.”
Van Wyk added that the children did not expect Zara to be so playful and friendly.
“When they interacted with Zara some of the children were fearful at first because they thought all dogs were aggressive.
“We taught them if you treated dogs right, gave them attention and affection then they would return that affection.”
For the next 12 weeks, children will meet and interact with various canines, including dogs from Tears Animal Rescue.
“Dogs, much like children, need physical care and as they also have feelings, they need good connection and appropriate upbringing or training.” The programme will be led by Banele Nondlala and Phumzile Tayi of Tears Animal Rescue who will bring practical assistance with dog training, together with a broader understanding of dog behaviour and dog psychology.
On Saturday 22 April, residents brought their dogs along as they interacted with dogs and handlers from Tears Animal Rescue.
“Some residents brought dogs with them and we saw the importance of sterilisation when an unsterilised dog had many dogs following her,” says Silk.
Meanwhile, Nondlala explained that sterilising reduced tension between dogs. “Both male and female dogs who are sterilised live longer lives. This is because unsterilised male dogs are more likely to fight and to wander, and pregnancy puts a tremendous toll on the body of the female dog who does not carry just one puppy but often as many as 10 puppies through one single pregnancy.”
While there are key areas of focus there are different aspects to the programme, such as those who are afraid of dogs and need to be educated on how to behave around dogs.
“Some really like dogs but can’t have their own dogs due to living in a flat but would like to better understand the dogs around them, some have dogs and can have a more rewarding relationship or a more manageable safe dog.”
Meanwhile, to continue the programme in the long run, donations are very much needed. “Dog Club is a collaboration involving residents, navy K9 dog handlers and includes a short programme by Tears Animal Rescue. We would like to secure funding for the Dog Club programme to continue as a long-term ongoing programme because the range and depth of needs cannot be fully met in only three months.
“Tears is available only for 12 weeks of facilitation, thereafter ongoing facilitation by a different team of experienced trainers is needed as Tears Animal Rescue has other commitments.”
For more information contact Lynda Silk of Cape Peninsula Civil Conservation (CPCC) at info@cpcc.org.za
