Funda Nenja's mission is to promote the human-canine bond in previously disadvantaged communities by using dog training classes as a means to develop respect and compassion for all living things.
The project runs in the township of Mpophomeni, near Howick, in the KZN Midlands of South Africa. An average of 100 children and their dogs attend the weekly dog training sessions which happen on Friday afternoons at Zamethule Primary School in the township.
As seen above, once the young dog handlers have passed the entry level stage of the program, they are taught how to teach their dogs to "stay" using positive reinforcement.
The kids get a big kick when this is achieved and they also learn, inadvertently, that force is not necessary to reach one's goals.
The dogs begin to relax and thoroughly enjoy their training once they realise that it offers many opportunities for extra treats and petting.
News supplied by Funda Nenja.