Lilongwe Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (LSPCA)

Animal Welfare

Dog Training

Did you know that one hour of positive reinforcement training is equivalent to five minutes of physical exercise, which means you have a very tired dog after just 30 minutes of dog training! And a tired dog means one happy owner!

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LSPCA offers basic dog training which is primarily based on positive reinforcement (giving a reward) thus producing quick and reliable skills that are welcomed by the whole family! LSPCA opposed the use of Alpha Theory and Dominance training methods (such as negative reinforcement and positive punishment) as it can pose a serious problem; if owners believe that a dog does something to ‘achieve status’, ‘control them’ or ‘be the boss’ it naturally tends to lead people to use coercive training techniques (such as shock collars and hitting with sticks).

This technique relies on inducing a negative emotional state (fear or anxiety) in a dog in order to inhibit a behaviour. However, all that is happening is that a behavioural symptom is being supressed instead of addressing the underlying cause which in turn will increase anxiety and fear in your dog even further! This is now a welfare issue which will cause your dog to become (more) aggressive and produce other unwanted behaviours, leading to greater frustration between yourself and your dog. Eventually this dog will be surrendered to LSPCA or abandoned on Lilongwe’s streets.

This technique relies on inducing a negative emotional state (fear or anxiety) in a dog in order to inhibit a behaviour. However, all that is happening is that a behavioural symptom is being supressed instead of addressing the underlying cause which in turn will increase anxiety and fear in your dog even further! This is now a welfare issue which will cause your dog to become (more) aggressive and produce other unwanted behaviours, leading to greater frustration between yourself and your dog. Eventually this dog will be surrendered to LSPCA or abandoned on Lilongwe’s streets.

LSPCA actively encourages optimum health care and welfare and is happy to give any advice you require if you are experiencing a problem with your dog. For a one-to-one consult or to enquire about our dog training services, please contact us. 

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Directions

You'll find us in Kanengo-Roberts/Area 28, on the outskirts of Lilongwe city. When driving from the city center/Lilongwe town on the M1, just passed Area 30 police, turn at Total filling station, then take your second turn to the right, then first turn left, and about 300 metres you'll see our signpost.

Hospital Opening Hours

Monday to Friday 07:30-16:30

Saturday 08:00-12:00

Sunday 10:00 - 12:00

 +265 994 682 900 - Emergency (24/7)