ILSE FOURIE (CBCC-KA, DIPCABT, CERTCAB, MA)

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llse is a multi-credentialed Canine Behaviour Consultant, Fear Free™ Certified Animal Trainer, South Africa’s first and only Fear Free™ Certified Elite Professional and Fear Free™ Coach.

Ilse is passionate about building a Fear Free culture in clinics and other pet professional businesses as she believes that “living Fear Free” is paramount for the successful and sustainable implementation of Fear Free™. 

She obtained her Master’s degree in Arts (University of Cape Town), before making the decision to turn her passion for pet welfare into a full-time vocation at the end of 2016.

Ilse furthered her education to complete both the Certificate and Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour and Training (CertCAB and DipCABT) from the Centre of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE), 

and her CBCC-KA (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers®) whilst simultaneously gaining experience as part of a positive reinforcement dog training team in Stellenbosch and volunteering at the Animal Welfare Stellenbosch shelter.

In January 2021, Ilse joined the German Veterinary Clinic team in Abu Dhabi. She worked closely with Dr Katrin Jahn, the only board certified veterinary behaviourist in the Middle East, developing and implementing behaviour modification plans for Dr Jahn’s behaviour patients.

Ilse was the “Fear Free advocate” at the German Veterinary Clinic, frequently training the clinical, reception, and housekeeping teams in Fear Free™ practices as well as supporting the clinical team with examinations and procedures.  

In 2024, Ilse played an instrumental role in obtaining the clinic's Fear Free™ Veterinary Practice Certification; a first for Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Ilse is ardent about sharing the knowledge and experience she gained with veterinary and other 

pet care professionals, as well as their clients across South Africa.