Puppy Training

Help your puppy grow into a confident, well-behaved and sociable dog!

Puppy Training at the Ark

Puppy Training has so many benefits not only for your puppy, but for your family as well. Puppies have a critical growth period between 4 and 16 weeks. In which the way they are nurtured, played with and their experiences with other dogs will have a significant impact on their nature as an adult. It’s important during this time to expose your puppy to other dogs, new people and different situations, so that they are prepared for everything that life will throw at them.

With our busy lives, sometimes it can be hard to set aside time to do all this. This is why puppy training can be a lifesaver, as it brings together important training skills and socialisation techniques. Our classes are run by experts who are able to help you with any behavioural questions you might have along the way.

If you have questions about our Puppy school or would like to book in for the next available course, give us a call on (02) 9416 1300.

When should I enrol in Puppy Training?

You should enrol your puppy into Puppy Preschool when they are between 8 and 16 weeks old (after they have had their first set of vaccinations). This is within their critical window of development, so the things they learn during this time are likely to remain with them throughout their adult life.

After the socialisation period ends (once they pass 16 weeks of age), a puppy may be more likely to be hesitant, unsure or fearful of new experiences.

It’s so important to make sure your puppy has every opportunity to succeed. We want to encourage gentle exploration and calm, positive experiences. This is vital to increase their chances of becoming well adjusted and able to cope easily with day to day life.

More details about our Puppy Training

Our Puppy Preschool runs for 4 weeks at a time on Tuesday evenings and Saturday afternoons. A new course will begin on the first Tuesday of the month, bookings permitting.

The course is conveniently held at the Ark Veterinary Hospital with our wonderful trainer Danielle from Confident Canines.

By keeping the class size small (between 3 and 5 puppies), we are able to give your pup our full attention, as well as letting them socialise with other dogs in a controlled environment where they will not get overwhelmed.

What can your puppy expect to learn?

Basic commands (sit, stay, stop, lie down) and how to come when called
How to get your dog used to being handled by other people
Good behaviour on walks and how to behave off-lead
House training
How to prevent chewing, biting and other bad behaviours

Meet our trainer: Veronica Sewell

Veronica is dedicated to strengthening the bond between pet owners and their beloved dogs, with a special focus on guiding them through the exciting yet sometimes challenging puppy stage.

As a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Veronica holds an internationally recognised accreditation from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (www.ccpdt.org). She also earned a Certificate in Dog Training and Behaviour, training under the esteemed Steve and Vicki Austin, and is a certified Puppy Class Instructor.

Veronica has achieved remarkable success competing with her dogs in Obedience, Rally, and Scent Work, earning multiple qualifications and titles in these disciplines. Her dedication to the field is further demonstrated through her many years of volunteer service as an instructor at local obedience clubs.

She is also an Accredited Professional Dog Trainer and a proud member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia (www.apdt.org.au), reflecting her commitment to upholding the highest standards in dog training and behaviour.

With over 20 years of experience working with dogs, Veronica shares her life with two furry companions: Georgie, a spirited Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, and Chip, an intelligent Border Collie. Her passion and expertise make her a trusted guide for creating lasting connections with your canine companions.