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Petbarn Dog School classes are fun and interactive group dog training courses conducted by qualified Trainers at selected Petbarn stores. All classes are conducted using a reward-based (positive reinforcement) method to teach you and your dog lifelong skills. Our classes focus on teaching humans how to train and communicate with their dogs effectively.

Available Courses

To help your dog put their best paw forward, we currently offer several types of courses to cater to dogs of different ages and levels of training. Read more about our Intermediate and Advanced courses below to find out which course is best suited for you and your dog. Please note for introductory level training we offer Puppy School and Beginner classes as well as a Seniors Dog Class for our older fiends.

 Intermediate ClassesAdvanced Classes
About Intermediate classes are designed for dogs who are already able to follow basic cues at home and when out and about. Graduates of the Beginner class or Puppy class should choose this as their next training step when they feel they are ready to advance. Advanced classes are theory-based classes aimed at assisting owners who have an interest in becoming better at training. The classes are for dogs who are well mannered in public and are competent in the basic cues.
Age Dogs must be over 17 weeks and fully vaccinated. Dogs must be over 6 months of age and fully vaccinated.
Duration of course One hour per week, over 5 weeks. Dogs attend with their owners every week. One hour per week, over 5 weeks. Dogs attend with their owners every week.
Course Cost $165 for 5 weeks $175 for 5 weeks
What’s covered in the course?
  • Revision of basic cues such as sit, down, wait, look, come when called and walk on loose lead
  • Helping your dog to focus on the handler when around other dogs and people
  • Extending the challenge level for basic cues to improve performance in more distracting environments
  • Introduction to the cues ‘give’, ‘leave’ and ‘on your mat’
  • Practicing calm behaviour for handling (e.g. by vets, groomers and new friends)
  • Understanding how dogs learn for lifelong training
  • Understanding dog behaviour and how to communicate effectively with your dog
  • Other appropriate cues can be added to the course by request (at the Trainers’ discretion)
  • Theory of training and teaching new cues, focusing on clicker training, target training and creating a behaviour chain
  • Shaping a cue to improve performance
  • Understanding dog behaviour and how to communicate effectively with your dog
  • Assistance in training a single behaviour chain chosen by the client as a practical project throughout the course
  • This course is focused on teaching people how to train their own dogs in more complex or advanced cues
  • Best suited to dogs and people who have a good level of basic training knowledge already in place

Why should I join Petbarn Dog School classes?

When it comes to training, understanding how your dog learns and communicates is vital for success. Petbarn Dog School classes use only positive reinforcement, so the classes are enjoyable for dogs and humans alike. We aim to empower clients with the knowledge to be effective in training their own dogs in both basic skills and more complex behaviours.

Our courses also connect you to our national network of Trainers, Veterinarians, Veterinary Behaviourists, Groomers and Retail experts on whom you can rely for ongoing tips and advice. We work with some of the best in the industry to ensure we are up to date with leading scientific research and collectively draw on thousands of hours of training and practice. All of our Trainers undergo theory and practical training and assessments to meet our strict standards.

Frequently asked questions