About Inge's Puppy School
Inge’s Puppy School specialises in puppy pre-school training classes, and basic obedience using the positive reinforcement method. We are based in the Overberg region servicing clients from Hermanus to Gansbaai and everything in between!
We offer group classes for young pups between 8 and 16 weeks. Pups learn basic manners – sit, stay, leave (impulse control), recall as well as gentle lead work. We have a simple agility course suitable for young pups encouraging motor skills. We advise on feeding, parasite control, exercise guidelines, and any general concerns you may have with your pup.
We also offer one one-on-one class, primarily for older pups (i.e: 6 months and older…) by bringing them back to basics and counter condition any unacceptable behaviours you are concerned about.
R700 Per 6-week course.
The Critical Period
Puppy pre-school is specifically designed for puppies between the ages of 8 to 16 weeks. This period is known as the critical period of a pup’s life as they are extremely accepting of new situations and experiences.
- Different people (men, women, children, various age groups).
- Strange objects (skateboards, bicycles, hats, umbrellas).
- Other animals (cats, birds, hamsters, horses, other puppies, and of course adult dogs.
- Strange noises (television, vacuum cleaners, washing machine, radio, traffic noises)
- Funny smells (cleaning agents, perfumes, cigarettes, exotic foods)
This early period (8 – 16 weeks) is considered the most critical time of a dog’s learning phase.
The Window of opportunity
Although it is important to continue to expose your dog to as much as possible throughout adolescence, missing this ‘window of opportunity’ can lead to a life time of fear and possibly aggression for some dogs.
Another important aspect of Puppy Pre-School is to equip you, the puppy parent, with the skills and knowledge to make your puppy a pleasure to live with for the rest of its life. You will learn how to train your puppy, to properly care for your puppy and to make sure your puppy is sociably acceptable.