Frequently Asked Questions

As well as group puppy classes, I can also help you with puppy matching services, and on-on-one training.

The cost of our services varies depending on the type of training and the duration of the sessions, but the six week puppy class is a total of $230..

Puppy classes are held at Chancellor Park Vet Surgery, 231 Tanewha tourist drive, Tanewha, and are 1 hour long. 

The first session is always at your house, so I can get a more accurate understanding of your dog and their behaviour. After that, depending on the case, we can work out in public, or continue in home. 

Yes, I will. I find human aggression cases particularly fulfilling, and want to allow more people on the Sunshine Coast access to modern, effective training that doesn't involve hurting or scaring the dog. If management is needed to maintain everyone's safety (like leashes, barriers, etc.,), I will advise you on this before we meet in person. 

I believe that puppies and dogs deserve a kind and gentle approach, with boundaries that are established by taking away privileges rather than adding something scary or painful. Use things that your puppy enjoys to motivate them, like food, toys, and affection from you. If they are making bad decisions, try to redirect them to a good choice, and if that doesn't work either remove the thing they're making bad decisions about (like a shoe, or even yourself), or remove them from the thing (like moving them out of the lounge if they insist on chewing the couch instead of their toy). If they are being 'naughty', it's quite likely that they're tired - it's always worth putting them down for a nap to check. 

In a nutshell, patience & vigilance. If you're not watching your puppy, don't allow access to carpeted areas or rugs. Take them outside every two hours or so, and after they eat, sleep, or play. Clean any accidents with an odour neutralising agent like white vinegar. If you'd like more help, feel free to send me an email and I can give you more advice!

If your dog does something impolite or dangerous, you can change their behaviour by taking away something they like, rather than adding something that's scary or painful. 

Training your dog helps improve communication, strengthens the bond between you, and makes your dog a better-behaved member of your family.

Yes, older dogs can still learn new things. It may take more time and patience, Just like us, dogs never stop learning - the challenge is that habits have been formed in an older dog. 

Think of reactivity as an over-reaction to something in the dog's world. That could be other dogs, people, or anything in their environment. 

There are many reasons why a dog might behave aggressively, but most of the time it's because they're scared. Experiences as well as genetics play a role in the development of aggression, and some breeds are more likely to show certain types of aggression than other breeds. 

Help your dog understand that you are the giver of good things, and that you don't actually want to eat his bone! The old way of addressing this was to do things like reach into the bowl, pat them while they're eating, and taking the food away repeatedly - all this does is convince the dog you are actually a threat. At best, this suppresses their feelings, but it often goes wrong when someone else inadvertently goes near the dog, especially a child! Resource guarding can be dangerous, so it's best to talk to a trainer about your specific situation.