Given the correct training, your playful family pet can also become your protector against criminals.

This is according to Mignon Smit, owner of Broadlands Kennels and K9 Training, which recently opened in the Standerton district.

The events that led to the birth of this facility can almost be described as a twist of fate. A few years ago, Smit and her family made a significant investment to rebuild a nearly 40-year-neglected family farm, Broadlands, at Cedarmont in the Standerton district.

They renovated buildings and employed a Dutch Shepherd named Trigger as a personal protection dog for two elderly parents.

“After the unfortunate passing of my mother and a few health incidents, my father could not stay on the isolated farm alone,” explained Smit.

Overnight, the family was faced with two concerns: a new purpose for Trigger and a security issue on the farm that left the investment of the past four years vulnerable.

Roy van Rooyen, a dog trainer from Standerton, came to the rescue. On the farm, he could continue his training of dogs in basic obedience and personal protection for homeowners.

“Our security issue was minimised, but the farm had more potential,” said Smit.

Things rapidly changed in December when Trigger’s trainer, Kian Kruger, had to give up his lease.

“We offered him an opportunity on the farm. We built 10 kennels and applied for a PAPA licence.”

Smit believes Broadlands Kennels and K9 Training is a chance to give back to the community, a home for Van Rooyen, and an opportunity for Kruger to establish the only accredited training site in this area on the Highveld.

Kruger and Van Rooyen are both DH5 handlers, accredited dog trainers and kennel masters, with extensive backgrounds in training security dogs.

Van Rooyen began his career in the police dog unit, where he was also a dog trainer, before moving to various companies and working in countries such as Mozambique, Kenya, Angola, Afghanistan,

Somalia and Iraq. He brings experience of working with over 700 dogs in various conditions and situations. He is also well-equipped to understand underlying security issues in South Africa, especially on farms.

Kruger brings experience from working at a K9 training company as a bite-work trainer. New training methods in bite work are a game-changer, and owners no longer need to fear highly aggressive dogs.

Owners can be at ease with a dog that bites on command, can be a home-based pet, and remains safe around children.

Kruger’s passion is understanding each dog’s personality and body language, and matching it with the best role to suit its temperament. These trainers focus on each dog’s temperament.

“Basic obedience is always key, and we provide this service to all dog breeds,” said Smit. Important corrective behaviour training is also available for all breeds.

Personal protection training, especially on farms, is a key focus for Broadlands Kennels and K9 Training.

“Personal protection is available to all breeds, given the right temperament. Pet owners can come for a free assessment,” said Smit.

Tactical training is mostly for the working dog industry, and Broadlands Kennels and K9 Training is qualified and equipped to train dogs for all industries.

“At Broadlands, we create opportunities. We have established an accredited, elite kennel facility for our two K9 trainers, where dogs can thrive on over 270 hectares of training ground,” explained Smit.

“The community has access to training for their canine companions to reach the same standard as K9s employed in the security industry. We aim to serve the Highveld business community with detection, tracking and protection K9s.

“At Broadlands, we care about our trainers, our clients’ dogs, and the safety and well-being of the community — making South Africa a safer and better place, one dog at a time,” concluded Smit.

For more information, contact Broadlands Kennels and K9 Training on 083 254 1335, visit their website at Broadlands-country-stay.co.za, or find them on Facebook.