In Kenya, many homes—whether in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, or rural areas—keep dogs for security, companionship, or both. Local dog breeds in Kenya, often called “Kwach” (Luo), “Mbwa ya kienyeji” (Swahili) or simply “village dogs,” are smart, loyal, and tough.

But most people don’t realize that these local dogs can be trained just like German Shepherds, Rottweilers, or other imported breeds.

This guide will teach you how to train your local dog easily at home in Kenya — without spending big money on professional trainers.

Why You Should Train Your Dog

Training helps your dog:

✅ Follow instructions
✅ Behave well with kids, guests, and family
✅ Bark only when necessary
✅ Learn guarding and protection
✅ Become cleaner and easier to manage

Whether your dog is a puppy or already grown, it can still learn with patience and consistency.

Step-by-Step Guide to Training a Local Dog in Kenya

1. Begin With Basic Commands

Start training when the dog is young (about 2 months old). Older dogs can also learn with repetition.

Teach these basic commands first:

• “Sit”

• “Come”

• “Stay”

• “No”

• “Go home” (to enter its kennel or sleeping area)

Use small treats like meat, bones, or ugali crumbs to reward your dog when it follows a command.

2. Use Local Language or Swahili

You can train your dog using Swahili, English, or your local dialect — just be consistent.

Examples:

• “Kaa chini” – Sit down

• “Njoo” – Come

• “Acha!” – Stop that

• “Rudi nyumbani” – Go home

• “Ngoja” – Wait

Use the same words daily so the dog links them to actions.

3. Reward Good Behaviour

Dogs learn through positive reinforcement — not beating.

✅ Say “Good dog!” or “Mzuri sana!”
✅ Rub its head or scratch its back
✅ Give a small treat
✅ Smile or clap when it obeys

🚫 Avoid shouting or caning — it creates fear, not obedience.

4. Set a Routine

Dogs are like children — they learn better with daily routines.

• Feed your dog at set times (morning and evening)

• Train for 10–15 minutes twice daily

• Let it play, walk, or run around the compound

A stable routine builds trust and improves discipline.

5. Socialise Your Dog

Don’t keep your dog isolated. Let it get used to:

✔️ People in the home
✔️ Neighbours and regular visitors
✔️ Other animals and dogs
✔️ Children (under supervision)

This helps the dog know who belongs and who is a stranger.

6. Train It to Guard Your Home

If you want your local dog to act as a security dog:

• Keep it where it can watch the gate

• Let it walk around the compound

• Use commands like “Who’s that?” or “Shika!” (attack — only with care)

• Reward it when it barks at real strangers

Never encourage unnecessary aggression. A good guard dog is also calm around family.

7. Use Simple Tools You Already Have

You don’t need expensive gadgets. Use:

• Rope or leash – for walks

• Plastic bowls – for food and water

• Old sack or blanket – for bedding

• Tins or sticks – for distraction training

• Food leftovers – for treats (but in moderation)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Don’t keep changing commands
🚫 Don’t lock the dog in a kennel 24/7
🚫 Don’t use harsh punishment
🚫 Don’t forget about health care
🚫 Don’t ignore poor feeding habits

Bonus Tricks You Can Teach

Once your dog masters the basics, teach fun and useful tricks like:

• “Leta” – Bring/fetch

• “Salimia” – Shake paw

• “Lala” – Lie down

• “Enda ndani” – Go inside

These build a strong relationship between you and your dog.

Dog Health Tips for Kenya

To keep your dog happy and strong:

✔️ Deworm every 3 months
✔️ Vaccinate against rabies, parvovirus, and distemper
✔️ Remove ticks and fleas regularly
✔️ Feed a balanced diet: ugali, rice, meat, or commercial dog food
✔️ Provide clean water daily
✔️ Visit your local veterinary officer or clinic for checkups

Final Thoughts

Your local Kenyan dog may not have a fancy breed name, but it has heart, loyalty, and intelligence. With love, food, and simple training, it can become a great family and security dog.

Remember: It’s not about the breed — it’s about how you raise and train the dog.