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K9 & Conservation Program

Dive Into Wildlife Conservation with Expert K9 Training

Embark on an exhilarating 12-day adventure with our K9 and Conservation Program.

Set in the heart of South Africa’s breathtaking wilderness, this program is designed for individuals passionate about both wildlife protection and working with dogs. You'll receive hands-on training in K9 obedience, detection, and bite work, guided by professionals such as Arne Samyn — an accomplished Belgian dog trainer with a background in the private security sector and certifications from police and military institutions. Through immersive field experiences, participants will explore anti-poaching techniques, wildlife tracking, and gain a deeper understanding of conservation challenges and solutions. This program uniquely combines practical K9 work with conservation education, empowering you to contribute meaningfully to wildlife protection worldwide.

Factsheet

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Duration

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Pricing on request. 

The K9 & Conservation program takes place over a period of 12 days. 

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Group Size

The program is available to groups of 10  people. Bookings are made per group. 

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Availability

The K9 & Conservation program hosts 2 groups per year. 

Sold out in 2025.
Open for 2026 requests. 

What you can expect

Dive into Dynamic K9 Training and Conservation Efforts

Embark on an exhilarating journey with our K9 and Conservation Program. The program includes a variety of dynamic experiences, but please note that wildlife conservation is not a controlled environment, and each trip is unique. The range of activities and wildlife experiences may vary depending on the circumstances during the specific program you attend. However, we promise to provide you with an action-packed, adventure-filled program.

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  • Intensive training by Arne Samyn

    • Obedience and Animal Welfare

      • Basic principles of obedience for a broad foundation.

      • Understanding communication to reduce frustration.

      • Recognizing body signals and turning negative reinforcement into positive.

      • Motivating dogs to perform exercises with pleasure.

    • Detection

      • Comprehensive material knowledge.

      • Internal and external rewards.

      • Environmental influences on scent and search results.

      • Different search patterns and their applications.

    • Tracking

    • Bite Work

      • Control and focus in bite work.

      • Preventing frustration and focusing on defense.

      • Verbal and non-verbal commands.

      • Guard mode vs. non-guard mode.

  • Snake handling.

  • First aid for K9's.

  • Talks with conservationists.

  • K9-oriented conservation activities.

  • Bushveld Braai experiences.

  • Pilanesberg National Park day tour (optional).

  • Hartbeespoort dam day visit to the Chamelon Village (optional).

  • K9 Anti-Poaching and Wildlife Farm Introduction.

  • Rhino Sanctuary work.

  • Wildlife experiences.

  • Informative talks and experiences on wildlife conservation.

  • Contributing to wildlife conservation.

  • Workshirts, water bottles, and other goodies.

  • Shopping trips and experiences.

  • Game drives

How will you benefit?
 

  • Expert Instruction: Learn from seasoned trainers like Arne Samyn, with extensive military and police experience.

  • Hands-On Training: Gain practical skills in K9 obedience, detection, and bite work.

  • Conservation Techniques: Understand wildlife tracking and anti-poaching strategies.

  • Real-World Scenarios: Participate in realistic training exercises that simulate field conditions.

  • Wildlife Conservation Insight: Learn from talks with conservationists and participate in sanctuary duties.

  • Unique Environment: Experience the diverse ecosystems of South Africa, enhancing your learning in a unique natural setting.

  • Increased Awareness: Develop a deep understanding of the ethical and practical challenges in wildlife conservation.

  • Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in South African culture and conservation practices, broadening your global perspective.

About Arne, Dogs In Balance

Arne Samyn is a highly skilled and passionate dog trainer from Belgium, now bringing his expertise to South Africa. At 34 years old, Arne has built a solid career working with dogs in the private sector, where he specialized in detection, obedience, bite work, and tracking.

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He received his certifications through police and military institutions and previously underwent military training himself — though his professional canine work has primarily been in private assignments. His projects have included high-security environments such as Belgian airports, NATO bases, and EU summits.

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Arne is known for his hands-on approach and his ability to form strong, task-focused teams between handler and dog. His practical teaching style and real-world experience make him an invaluable part of the K9 and Conservation Program.

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