Marks Park All Breeds Dog Training.
Where Every Dog Learns to Shine.
About Us
The Club
The Dobermann club was established in 1927 in Johannesburg and is one of the oldest running breed clubs in Gauteng. Over time the club saw a need for training in the area for other breeds, not just the Dobermann, and the Marks Park All Breeds Dog Training Club was established under the Dobermann Club. This allows us to utilize the clubhouse and fields, providing excellent facilities and support for a range of dog training activities.
We encourage owners and dogs to, above all, have fun. Training is a wonderful way to bond with your dog and establish a relationship to benefit both dog and handler for years to come. We offer a wide range of classes, all run by dedicated trainers with many years of experience in their fields.
Come and have fun with your dog.
Our Classes
Please Note!
If you are interested in joining our club an orientation lesson is compulsory for new members or members who have had a lapse (This lesson is without your dog). Assessments are for all new dogs (even if the human member is not new). Entry to the more advanced classes is pending an assessment and owners may be required to complete additional obedience and beginner classes before being able to join.
Prices are subject to change without prior notice and the correct price will be given on the day of registration.
When do we train
We train exclusively on Sundays from 07:30 to 11:00
Your specific class time will be confirmed when you register and orientation times will be confirmed when you book for the compulsory orientation class
Term times
Our terms are ten weeks (lessons) long (prices given are per term)
Dogs may be added and qualified from classes during the term at the discretion of the trainer.
Most classes allow dogs to enter throughout the term, classes will be confirmed at orientation or assessment.
NB! - We do not deal with aggression or extreme reactivity as dogs MUST be able to go into a group setting. We, unfortunately, DO NOT offer individual classes at this time. If during an assessment your dog displays problematic behaviours we can direct you to alternate groups who will be able to assist and we have trainers we can recommend for you to contact for individual lessons but this will be PRIVATE and at the rate and venue they determine (i.e. not our rates). If you are unsure we can determine if this is a concern during orientation and assessment.
Meet The Team
Marks Park All Breeds Dog Training
Darren Granger
COAPE Qualified Animal Behaviourist | Trainer & Behaviour SpecialistDarren joined Marks Park in January 2025 and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team. As a COAPE-qualified Animal Behaviourist (DipCABT), Darren specialises in understanding canine behaviour and helping owners build strong, positive relationships with their dogs. He teaches Assessments, the Prep Class for dogs with little to no prior training, and One-to-One lessons. A lifelong German Shepherd enthusiast, Darren shares his home with Mia (9, German Shepherd), Maddie (1, rescued German Shepherd), and Vardy (1, rescued Golden Retriever).
Mike Greyling
Trainer | Canine Good Citizen (CGC) & Companion Dog | 20 Years of ExperienceMike has been training at Marks Park for around 20 years, specialising in Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Companion Dog classes. His journey into training began when he was competing with his own dog and discovered not only a love for the sport, but also a genuine passion for working with people and their dogs. A lifelong fan of Boxers, Mike also shares his home with several much-loved rescues. His strong connection to both purebred and rescue dogs reflects his broad appreciation for all breeds and backgrounds. Outside of training, Mike holds degrees in Psychology, which enhance his ability to understand both human and canine behaviour — a skill that translates directly into his teaching. With his calm approach, love of Boxers, and decades of experience, Mike is a trusted guide for handlers pursuing success in CGC and Companion Dog training.
Jessica Moolman
Trainer | Foundation & Puppy Classes | Canine BehaviouristJessica joined Marks Park in February 2024, driven by her passion for dogs and canine behaviour. She leads the Foundation and Puppy Classes, guiding new owners through the crucial early stages of their dog's training journey. She is a canine behaviourist and Veterinary Nursing student, with hands-on experience training her own Dachshund and Pitbull using clicker methods. Jessica proudly achieved CGC Gold with her Dachshund at just 14 years old.
Erica Le Gassick
Trainer | Kindergarten Class | 50 Years of Dog Training ExperienceWith over 50 years in dog training, Erica brings unmatched experience to Marks Park. She began in 1975 at the German Shepherd and All Breeds Club in Roosevelt Park. At Marks Park, Erica's dogs Fox and Levi became well-loved "calming dogs" and Fox achieved multiple obedience titles. Today, Erica leads the Kindergarten Class, focusing on teaching new handlers how to understand dog behaviour and communication. She now shares her life with Buff, a clever Canis Africanis.
Lynn Hewitt
Trainer | Intro to Clicker | Head Training CoordinatorLynn has been training dogs for over 30 years and has been part of Marks Park since 2009. She is the club's Head Training Coordinator and teaches Intro to Clicker, introducing handlers to positive reinforcement training. Her career began with Boxers before moving into Poodles, a breed she grew up with and has loved ever since. Today, she shares her home with two Standard Poodles and a Miniature Poodle. Lynn has qualified multiple dogs through Canine Good Citizen and achieved Champion level in tricks.
Penny Abbott
Trainer | Advanced Agility & Hoopers | Club SecretaryPenny became a trainer at Marks Park in 2024, after years of participating in Agility with her own dogs. She now leads the Advanced Agility Class and, in August 2025, introduced the new sport of Hoopers. Her English Springer Spaniel, Scally (Xcalibur), has been competing in Agility for 6 years. Together, they also participate in Companion Dog (Working Trials), Man Trailing, and Canine Nose Work. Before Scally, Penny enjoyed over 30 years with Bouviers, training her last two in Agility.
Naomi Cullinan
Trainer | Beginner Agility | Chairperson (2025)Naomi began her Marks Park journey in 2021 with her Standard Yorkshire Terrier, Charlie, who went on to achieve CGC Gold and three KUSA Trick Titles. Inspired by this experience, Naomi trained as an instructor and now leads the Beginner Agility Class. Outside of training, Naomi is a high school science teacher. She is currently working with her Toy Pomeranian, Molly, who has started agility training with great enthusiasm. In 2025, Naomi also became Chairperson of Marks Park.
Cody Horner
Trainer | Puppy Class | Client LiaisonCody has been training dogs for over 30 years and teaching for 24 years. She began at just 9 years old, training her first terrier cross, and by 15 was assisting in classes. In 2009, she joined Marks Park with her family, initially helping in Agility before specialising in the Puppy Class. As Client Liaison, Cody ensures that new handlers feel supported as they begin their training journey. She is also a professional animal behaviourist, co-owner of a holistic dog food business, and runs a house-sitting company focused on pets.
Happy Clients
Dogs Trained
Hours Of Dog Training
Staff
Gallery
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Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age for a puppy to start training?
Training at our school is not based on a specific age but on vaccinations. Puppies may begin once they have received at least their first two vaccinations.
Which vaccinations are required to start?
Puppies must have received their first two puppyhood vaccinations and a valid certificate must be presented on the first day.
What must I bring with me on the first day?
Please bring your dog’s valid and up-to-date vaccination certificate.
Do I bring my dog with me to orientation?
No. The orientation is for humans only.
How old is too old for a dog to start training?
A dog is never too old to start training! However, the process may take longer with older dogs and requires more patience and consistency from the owner. Dogs also need to be comfortable around other dogs; if not, a group training environment may not be suitable.
Can I train more than one dog at a time?
This is not advised. Training is most effective with a one-dog, one-handler policy. However, the handler does not need to be the same person every session.
Can my child train the dog?
This depends on the child’s age. We are a family-friendly environment and encourage children to attend. However, under-18s must always be accompanied and supervised by a legal guardian.