Van Schalkwyk's Dog Training

Sharon, Andre and Tessa are a remarkable team. We have just started our journey with them and so far the progress has been incredible. Sharon has wise insight into dog behaviour, and human psychology! It has been a much-needed experience for our family - even our marriage is better for it! I wish we had started sooner. Walks are less stressful and my anxiety with the dogs is improving. Very grateful! Update: With the help of the team we are integrating Leo, mom's beautiful German Shepherd, into the family. It has been a journey introducing him to our 2 smaller terriers, especially Trixie who is anxious and reactive. But it has gone smoother than we could have hoped for! He is settling in nicely and all 3 are off leash. Thank you Sharon, Andre, Oakley, and Tessa!

Sharon and Andre are not only extremely knowledgeable, but they are kind, patient and have a unique understanding of dog behaviour. They have made me feel confident and calm towards my reactive puppy- with training that was tailored specifically to her. They have helped me navigate the rollercoaster of puppy parenting, with their true understanding and guidance. Additionally, lessons were fun and interactive and I looked forward to them weekly! They are deeply invested in assisting you as the dog-owner in order to achieve the harmonious relationship you desire with your new pup. I am so grateful that they were flexible and accommodating towards my challenging schedule- one of the many reasons that drew me towards them. I highly recommend them and would encourage anyone looking for a strengthened bond or well-mannered companion to place their trust in them. I cannot thank them enough for all that they have done for me.

We rescued two lovely dogs that came with some issues, like separation anxiety and problems with feeding and boundaries. Thanks to Sharon, we were able to sort out these issues and help grow our two puppies into a pair of wonderful friends and valued members of our family. With training, our dogs are not just obedient, but also happier, more calm, and more confident than they ever were. Beyond that, Sharon goes above and beyond for her clients. She adjusts her schedule to suit yours, does research on any unique problem she encounters, and has a large variety of techniques and tools to draw upon, to solve any issue you might have. We could not be happier.

Bentley and I have spent more Sundays with Sharon, Andrè and Tessa than I can accurately remember, since Bentley was 9 weeks anyway. They have been instrumental in building the foundation for Bentley’s behaviour and our inseparable bond. Sharon and family are kind, patient, firm and their dedication to your and your dog’s success is noteworthy. I can highly recommend making use of their services regardless of the stage or age of your furry loved one.

Maddy has been going for training with Sharon, André and Tessa since she was 10 weeks old. Their vast knowledge and experience are reflected in Maddy's progress - she is still feisty, but a much more disciplined 16 month old Morkie! It has been one of the best investments I have ever made. Highly, highly recommend! Thank you, André and Sharon!

In September 2022 our Saint Bernard, Bella (2 and a 1/2 years old at the time), started attacking my daughter's dog, Lilly (a rescue with some black backed jackal) and my sister in-law's Jack Russel (Shelly). Bella was a very anxious dog, especially when I needed to return to the office after spending the first 2 years of her life with her at home (during Covid). Sharon and her dog whisperer, Tessa, assessed the situation and gave us some practical exercises to work on with all our dogs. It has been a LOT of work and my wife, daughter and I have had to be trained as much as the dogs. But the results speak for themselves. Several lessons at our home and a number of weekly lessons on the farm with Sharon and our home is now dog fight free. Thank you, Sharon, for your professional support and advise during what was a very trying time for our family. Regards, Lionel Minopetros

Highly Recommend Van Schalkwyk’s Dog Training! Andre and Sharon are absolute pros. Their depth of experience and individualized approach to training have made a world of difference for us and our dog. We came to them struggling with lead pulling and stressful walks. Thanks to their guidance, walking our dog is now an enjoyable and calm experience. As a bonus, they’ve even helped us solve a quirky problem—we no longer have to guard the vacuum cleaner from our dog’s attacks! What sets Van Schalkwyk’s apart is how personally invested they are in each dog’s success. Andre and Sharon tailor their methods to suit the dog’s personality and our lifestyle, which made all the difference. If you’re looking for trainers who truly care and deliver results, look no further.