Dogs in Rwanda now have an opportunity to attend a proper training school, thanks to an enthusiastic duo in Kigali. The dog school plans to pursue advanced training methods followed by European and American training schools. Rwanda’s first school for dogs will teach them essential skills, something we humans missed at school.
Many dog owners in Rwanda rued the lack of a proper training system for their dogs. The dogs could not familiarize themselves with the family or learn basic skills. Young conservationists Simon Katimba and Eric Gahamanyi both started Rwanda’s first school for dogs. They named the school Sibemba Kennels.
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The Sibemba Kennels Academy at Kagarama, district of Kicukiro, is geared to provide both basic and specialized training in obedience, problem-solving, training in skills. They also provide training at home, hydro-bathing services, education in getting familiarized with puppies. You can also buy dogs, get veterinary assistance and even have a photo-album made. The dogs are trained to bring about behavioral changes and imbibe values to make them interact better with humans.
The two men decided to set up Rwanda’s first school for dogs enthused by their love and enthusiasm for dogs. Katimba, who is a trained dog handler, has specialized training in dog sniffing, obedience and security while friend Gahamanyi has been among dogs from an early age.
They have acquired all the educational materials and accessories necessary for proper training. They initially began by training dogs at the owners’ homes mainly for security needs. But they realized that many dogs in Kigali had no access to proper training. The initial success encouraged them to start a professional dog training school.
The duo at present has 12 dogs at their school. The second batch is expected to start in November. They charge Rwf 100,000 (around $110) per month.
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The owners take the dog to Rwanda’s first school for dogs every morning and pick them up at the end of the day – five days every week. The owners are also trained to communicate better with their dogs. Over the weekend, the trainers visit dogs that need specialized training.
Gahamanyi contends that it is easy to recognize a dog that has received proper training as they interact better with the family. Rwanda’s first school for dogs has started in a small way but the two feel that there is an immense prospect in this venture.
The duo has an ambitious plan to take Rwanda’s first school for dogs to other countries in Africa. But they first need to educate owners on the importance of training.
Like children, dogs, too, have a right to have fun, a proper education, and exercise so that they interact better with their family and also other dogs.
