Julie Bezuidenhout
Founded in 1995 by Julie Bezuidenhout, The Dog Club has built a trusted reputation for providing professional, compassionate and expert pet care and training services. With decades of hands-on experience and extensive academic qualifications, Julie has dedicated her career to improving the relationship between people and their pets through education, understanding and positive training methods.
As the founder, senior trainer and animal handler at The Dog Club, Julie is an accredited Animal Behaviour Consultant (with the former ABC of SA and SABCAP) with a wealth of knowledge in animal behaviour modification, dog training, pet grooming, kennel management, animal handling and human-animal interaction.
Julie studied Ethology (Animal Behaviour) at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Onderstepoort, and furthered her education in Animal Assisted Activities and Pet Grooming at Pretoria Technikon. She also completed Advanced Canine Behaviour and Avian Behaviour studies under the late Professor Johannes Odendaal through the Ethology Academy.
She is an Accredited Animal Behaviour Consultant with the former ABC of South Africa and served as a former executive member of the South African Board for Companion Animal Professionals (SABCAP). Julie also contributed her expertise as a member of the editorial panel for Canine Zone Magazine.
Her areas of expertise include canine, feline and avian behaviour, domestic dog obedience and personal protection training. As a licensed animal wrangler under the Performing Animals Protection Act of 1935, Julie has trained and handled numerous animals for television commercials and feature films.
Julie is especially passionate about the Rottweiler breed and is the proud owner of Lefa LaRio Rottweilers, a KUSA-registered kennel known for producing exceptional dogs with outstanding temperament and quality. At The Dog Club, Julie’s passion, experience and commitment to animal welfare continue to shape a business dedicated to helping pets and their owners live happier, healthier lives together.
Julie Bezuidenhout’s qualifications
The full list of Julie’s professional qualifications.
- Basic Dog and Cat Ethology — Pretoria University, Faculty of Veterinary Science 1999
- Accredited Status — former Animal Behaviour Consultants of SA 1999
- Animal Assisted Activities — Pretoria Technikon 2002
- Advanced Dog Behaviour — Pretoria Technikon 2002
- Pet Grooming (cum laude) — Pretoria Technikon 2003
- Companion Animal Grooming — Pretoria Technikon 2003
- Special Platinum Award — Animal Anti-Cruelty League 2006
- Animal Welfare Course presented by the AACL 2007
- Avian (Bird) Ethology — Ethology Academy 2009
- Former Executive Member, South African Board for Companion Animal Professionals 2006–2024
