Our Story
Jolly Dog School is more than just a place to train your dog — it’s a welcoming community where Saturday afternoons are spent learning, connecting, and enjoying good company. It’s the perfect outing for dog owners who want to build a stronger bond with their dogs while being surrounded by friendly faces, helpful guidance, and warm, positive energy.
The JDS school year runs from the middle of January to the end of November. In November, we have a few fun days, and our prize-giving at the end-of year lamb on the spit, which is included in your fees.
Our History
In the early days, obedience training was mainly associated with German Shepherds and Dobermans, while smaller breeds had limited access to formal training classes.
Dr. von Haebler, Miss Liddicoat and Mr. Ian Badham founded the Jolly Dog School in 1958 as Johannesburg’s first all-breed obedience school.
The school first operated from Joan Liddicoat’s backyard, giving owners of all breeds the opportunity to train and progress their dogs in obedience.
The name “Jolly” came from Dr. von Haebler’s Schipperke kennel name, and the club became known as the Jolly Dog School.
A constitution was drawn up, with Ian Badham serving as chairman and Dr. von Haebler as secretary and treasurer.
Schipperkes became an important part of the club’s story, proving themselves as willing and intelligent small dogs in obedience training.
Dr. von Haebler’s Jolly Rex von Ponderland became the first obedience Champion and CD Ex Schipperke in South Africa.
The Jolly Dog School badge represents Ian Badham’s black Labrador and Dr. von Haebler’s Schipperke.
In 1965, JDS trained at Pirates ground in Greenside, also known as Lionel Phillips Park, with only two classes at the time.
The “baby” classes were run by Clare Goodlad, while the senior class was led by Dr. von Haebler, who was highly respected in the obedience community.
After Toni Baumann retired as chairman, Norman Phillips became President and Ed Bradley became Chairman of the club.
Looking for a better training venue, Ed Bradley secured a little-used municipal park in Risidale, where the school continued to grow.
Today, Jolly Dog School runs from Technisa, Hugenot Road, Bordeaux, Randburg, and remains one of the few all-breed dog obedience schools left.
JDS is KUSA registered and holds a Championship Show every two years, offering Obedience, Agility, Jumping, Carting, CD and Canine Good Citizen.
How We Work
We use positive reinforcement in our training. Hitting or physically punishing your dog is not permitted by either KUSA or The Jolly Dog School.
General training takes place every Saturday from 15:30 to 16:30 during summer and from 14:30 to 15:30 during winter.
Agility training is included in your training fee and starts one hour before the general training session.