Petra du Toit
Petra du Toit is the founder, owner and Chief Instructor of Happy Tails Dog Training. Her journey in dog training began in 1994 through competitive obedience, where she gained a solid foundation in traditional training methods. As her understanding of canine behaviour evolved, so did her passion for helping dogs and their owners build stronger, more rewarding relationships through modern, science-based training.
In 2003, Petra graduated cum laude with an Advanced Diploma in Dog Behaviour from the Pretoria Technikon, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to professional education and continual development.
Petra’s greatest passion lies in empowering people to understand and train their own dogs. Whether working with a young puppy, an adolescent dog or a behaviour case, she believes that successful training is built on trust, clear communication and practical skills that enhance everyday life.
In 2015, Petra became the first dog trainer in South Africa to earn the internationally recognised CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed) certification, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards.
Beyond her work with clients, Petra serves on the board of the South African Board for Companion Animal Professionals (SABCAP), where she is registered as a Professional Dog Trainer, Behaviour Consultant and Animal Assisted Activities Practitioner. Through both her teaching and professional involvement, she remains dedicated to advancing ethical, evidence-based dog training and supporting the continued development of the companion animal profession in South Africa.
