To help your puppy put their best paw forward, we currently offer two types of courses to cater to puppies of different ages and levels of training. Read more about our courses below to find out which course is best suited for you and your puppy. Please note for more advanced training we offer Dog School Intermediate & Advanced classes as well.
Petbarn Puppy School classes are fun interactive indoor training courses conducted by experience Trainers at selected Petbarn, City Farmers and Greencross Locations.
During the early months, positive socialisation, training and play is vital for the development of your puppy, all classes are conducted using a reward-based method to teach you and your puppy vital lifelong skills.
Available Courses
| Puppy School | Beginner Classes | |
|---|---|---|
| About | Puppy pre-school is designed for puppies in their critical socialisation period who are new to training and learning new skills for the first time. | Beginner classes are designed for dogs who may have missed out on puppy school during their early socialisation period, or may be lacking in manners and want a refresh in training. |
| Age | Puppies must be between 8 – 16 weeks on their first day of class | Puppies and dogs beyond 17 weeks old. |
| Duration of course | One hour per week, over 5 weeks. Week 1 is an intro class for puppy parents only (puppies do not attend) Weeks 2-5 include puppies. | One hour per week, over 5 weeks. Puppies and dogs attend every week. |
| Course Cost | $150 for 5 weeks | $150 for 5 weeks |
| What’s covered in the course? |
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Why join Petbarn Puppy School?
When it comes to training, the early months of your puppy’s life is essential. They will learn vital socialisation and communication skills when they are young and these early life experiences influence how your puppy will play, communicate and learn as they develop into an adult dog. Our Petbarn Puppy Schools are conducted by our trained and qualified Puppy Trainers to help your puppy reach their potential.
Our courses also connect you to our national network of Trainers, Veterinarians, Veterinary Behaviourists, Groomers and Retail experts you can rely on 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 many thousands of hours of training and practice. All our Trainers undergo theory and practical training and assessments to meet our strict standards.
For the whole family
A puppy is a part of the whole family so we encourage you to bring along the kids. Our classes will teach you about puppy and dog socialisation, dog communication, leadership, child and dog safety, training, vet care and troubleshooting naughty behaviour. You will learn how to decipher canine communication so that you can have a better understanding of why and how your pet learns and plays.
Puppy Training you can trust
Petbarn Puppy School is a fun and interactive dog training course that will allow your puppy to socialise in a positive environment with dogs of all sizes. Your puppy will be taught basic manners and best behaviour along with vital socialisation and development skills.
All classes are conducted using modern science-based force-free training, 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.
What is the age range for puppies to join the class?
Your puppy should be between the ages of 8-16 weeks old for the first class and must have had at least one vaccination 2 weeks prior to their first group class.
How many puppies are in our classes?
Our classes will typically have 4-8 puppies in attendance.
Is your dog older than 16 weeks?
Many of our trainers can offer Beginner and Intermediate courses. Check our Booking page to see what’s available in your area for older puppies and dogs. See our Dog School page for further information on our older dog courses..
Puppy training includes:
- Calming and handling techniques
- A puppy’s view of the big wide world
- How your puppy learns
Basic manners and cues such as:
- Sit
- Come
- Drop
- Stay
Advice on common ‘unwanted’ puppy behaviours such as:
- Toilet training
- Crying at night
- Biting
- Jumping
- Hyper-activity
- Separation behaviours
Contact a Petbarn Puppy School
Click the Book Now link to book your place or to find the contact details of the nearest class should you have any further questions.
Puppy Graduates
Frequently asked questions
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How long do the classes go for?
Each class runs for approximately one hour.
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How many weeks does the Petbarn Puppy School go for?
Our schools run for 5 weeks. Week 1 is human only, Week 2-5 the puppies attend.
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What is the age range for puppies to join the class?
Our schools are designed for puppies from 8-16 weeks old, who are in their critical socialisation learning period.
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Are there any other enrolment requirements?
Yes. A puppy must have had at least one vaccine a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the first group class (week 2) and be up to date with all vaccines, flea prevention, worming and tick prevention (where appropriate).
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What happens if I miss a class?
In the event that you are unable to make a class you can contact the Petbarn Puppy School trainer to seek advice and homework. No partial refunds will be given for a missed class and missed classes cannot be made up at a later date by joining in on another Petbarn Puppy School class due to puppy ages, development and socialisation. Exceptional circumstances will be considered on a case by case basis.
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What happens if my puppy is sick and cannot come?
If your puppy is sick and cannot come to class you may attend class without your puppy. The Petbarn Puppy School instructor will give homework and give advice on what to do in this situation.
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Can my puppy come if it has been desexed that week?
Yes, however the puppy must remain as quiet as possible. The puppy school trainer will adjust the class play sessions and structure to accommodate for the puppy. If you are unsure if your puppy should attend Petbarn Puppy School after desexing you should seek Veterinary advice or speak to your Petbarn Puppy School trainer.
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Can a small dog that is a little older join?
No. Just because the puppy looks young and small does not mean they are in the same development stage. The critical socialisation development phase for puppies is up to 16 weeks. It is vital that they learn to communicate and socialise with other dogs in a positive safe environment. Having older puppies, regardless of their size can severely impact on a young puppy’s social development.
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Can different Breeds (small and large) be in the same class?
Yes and it is recommended. It is important that puppies are exposed to other puppies of all different sizes and Breed to help develop positive social skills.
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