Written in consultation with Dr Claire Stevens, Registered Veterinarian.

Puppy Training Classes: Learning & Socialising

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is such an exciting time, puppies bring so much joy, laughter and love into a family. It's only right that we repay our puppy pals with the best start in life. Puppy training classes play a major role in shaping their behaviour, confidence, and ability to adapt to the world around them. Puppy training classes are also a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your puppy, providing opportunities for shared learning and socialisation.

“Puppy training classes are more than just a place to learn commands; they are a vital environment for socialisation and exposure therapy, which is important in allowing puppies to develop essential skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.” - Dr Claire

In this guide, we’ll explore the value of training courses for puppies and their owners, covering course benefits, what to look for in puppy training courses, and how to maximise the experience!

What to look for in puppy training classes

Choosing the right puppy training class is part of ensuring a positive and productive experience for both you and your dog. Here are our top 4 considerations when selecting a puppy training class. 

1. 1. 1. Qualified trainers: Look for trainers certified by organisations such as the Australian Association of Professional Dog Trainers (AAPDT). Their credentials ensure they use proven, humane puppy training methods.
         
         
      2. Class size: Smaller classes with no more than 6-8 dogs per trainer provide more personalised attention.
         
         
      3. Teaching methods: Positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise to help encourage learning without fear or punishment.
         
         
      4. Breed-specific needs: Some breeds, like Border Collies or Dobermans, may require specialised training approaches to suit their energy levels and intelligence.
         

Before committing, see if there is a trial session or ask about the course structure to make sure it aligns with your dog’s temperament and your training goals.

Benefits of puppy training for puppy owners

Training classes don’t just teach your dog—they teach you how to be a good dog owner, too!

For owners, it’s an opportunity to foster a deeper connection with your puppy, learn valuable skills on what to do or avoid doing when interacting with your puppy, and develop good ongoing dog owner skills.

Shared learning experiences help to enhance the bond between dogs and their owners, fostering trust, respect, and communication. The key benefits of accompanying your puppy in their training include: 

• • • Understanding your puppy's body language: Training helps owners recognise their dog’s signals and triggers, leading to better care and fewer misunderstandings.
    • Consistent leadership: Dogs thrive under consistent guidance, and classes give owners the tools to provide this effectively.

“Shared learning fosters a deeper relationship built on mutual respect and affection. Dogs feel secure knowing their owners are guiding them, and owners feel pride in their dog’s progress.” - Dr Claire

Benefits of puppy training for puppies 

Puppy training isn’t just about obedience, it's foundational in developing your puppy's confidence, safety, and trust. It provides early structure and clarity, making it easier for puppies to understand what’s expected from them in any given situation. 

By establishing a routine through training, both puppies and puppy parents gain a sense of accomplishment and mutual understanding. You can start developing strong puppy training habits as early as day 1! Lots of interaction, handling, exposing your puppy to new smells, sights, sounds, environments, people and activities as early as day 1 reduces the likelihood of behavioural problems later in life, such as fear, separation anxiety, general misbehaving or aggression.

From around 8 weeks old, you should consider investing in class training to teach your puppy commands and structure. The key benefits of this are: 

• • • Behaviour management: Proper training prevents issues like jumping on people or things like counters, chewing furniture or things they shouldn't. Consistent training with commands like “sit”, “stay”, "quiet" reduces chaos during mealtime or when guests arrive.
    • Safety: Teaching basic commands like “leave it”, “come” and "gentle" can save your dog from dangerous situations, like ingesting harmful objects, running into traffic or playing too roughly with other dogs or children.
    • Confidence and mental stimulation: Structured training exercises engage your dog’s mind, building their confidence in different settings and even reducing anxiety.
      
      

Benefits of puppy training for socialisation

One of the standout advantages of puppy training classes in an environment with other puppies and owners present, is the opportunity for socialisation. This prepares dogs for real-world experiences, ensuring they remain calm and approachable in various situations. Dogs that learn to interact with others in a controlled environment, build the skills they need to thrive in different types of situations like doggy day care, off leash park or beach environments or at other people homes. 

Social skills for life

• • • Exposure to different environments: puppy training classes introduce dogs to new settings, which can help to ease their fear of unfamiliar places or noises.

    • Learning from peers: Puppies observe and mimic other dogs, helping them develop healthy interaction patterns.

    • Human interaction: Regular exposure to trainers and classmates reduces fear or aggression toward strangers.

“In a puppy training class, young dogs don't only learn from their trainers, they also learn from each other. This helps them foster social behaviours necessary for healthy interactions in the future and contributes to a well-adjusted dog. But keep in mind, you should personally continue ongoing training even after your puppy graduates!” - Dr Claire

Making the Most Out of Training Classes

To get the best results from a training course, active participation and consistency are essential.

“Training isn’t a one-and-done process. To see lasting results, owners must practice regularly and make training part of their daily routine.” - Dr Claire

• • • Practice daily: Reinforce lessons learned in class by practising commands at home and in different settings, like parks or during walks daily. Ideally practice should be in 10 - 15 minutes blocks and up to 4 or 5 times a day. 
    • Remain patient: Training takes time, and never stops. Every dog learns at their own pace. Be consistent in your approach so you don't confuse and celebrate progress, no matter how small!
    • Be consistent: Use the same commands and rewards to avoid confusing your dog. Consistency builds trust and clarity.

For more tips and tricks to puppy training and welcoming your new puppy home, download our Paw Pantry eBook DOG Tips & Tricks To A Happy Life With Your Dog.