It is a well-known fact that pets improve our mental health. Dogs provide emotional support, and scientifically it has been shown that owning a dog assists in reducing stress and they are linked to lowered heart risks such as heart disease and high blood pressure (1). Having a dog also encourages a daily walk and enjoying fresh air with your furry friend, and interestingly it is also stated that pet owners are also 60% more likely than non-pet owners to get to know people in their neighbourhoods and build support networks (2) The importance of having a pet in our lives should therefore not be underestimated.
However, owning a pet also brings to the fore the matter of responsible pet ownership. This becomes even more important when deciding to live in a sectional title complex or an estate, because these communities have HOA rules which will affect your pet(s). The body corporate can set restrictions on almost every aspect of pet ownership, from breed restrictions to size restrictions, and even whether you’re allowed to replace the pet after it has died.
The reason many estates are reluctant to allow pets is due to the perceived nuisance factor they supposedly represent. One of the best ways you can help is by being a dutiful pet owner. If you have a cat, make sure that it doesn’t spend all day wandering around other people’s property. If you have a dog, make sure that it is well socialised and that you adhere to any leash rules while on estate premises. And, of course, pick up your dog’s mess and keep the place clean. Some dogs will bark incessantly, and it’s your responsibility as a pet owner to address the issue before you start getting noise complaints. Trustees can withdraw permission to own a pet at any time.
Pets come with a lot of needs - from food, walks, and vet appointments, to training, vaccines, and companionship. More importantly, humans also need to understand their animal and their needs.
Belinda Bolte, a dog behaviourist from from 121 Puppy and Dog Training, offers expert dog training both in groups as well as one to one classes on puppy/dog training. All you need to participate is a dog on a collar, a lead, an array of treats, plus a willingness to learn the basic exercises to bond with your animal whilst having fun. Humans need to learn to relax with a dog on lead, to manage the dog, and understand why a dog reacts or behaves in a particular way. On the flip side dogs in the training classes learn to be comfortable with the lead, lead etiquette, meeting and greeting on a lead, as well as building social skills and behaviour.
Belinda also offers obedience courses in Teenage Canine, Bronze, Silver and Gold categories. These courses also include how to take dogs out into various sized shopping malls and restaurants and how humans need to react in these areas. As a town Ballito is way behind most other areas that have a dog friendly culture, where dogs are part of daily routines, are part of the everyday social life and where most rental and community properties are pet friendly.
That said however, some estates, and particularly the newer developing estates in Ballito are now starting to offer pet-specific amenities. These amenities range from doggy parks, grooming parlours for animals of all types, and even dog socialisation and training classes. These estates are leading the way in showing that having a pet does not decrease the quality of life in an estate, but instead, increases it.
If you would like to participate in any of Belinda’s courses, please contact Belinda of 121 Puppy and Dog Training on 083 560 0462
References:
1 American Heart Association
2 Mental Health Organisation UK