Dogs are amazing creatures. They provide us with companionship, love, and security. However, they can also be a lot of work if you want your dog to be well-behaved and obedient. That’s where professional dog trainers come in. Check out our list of the best dog trainers in Canberra to find out where you can take your beloved pooch to get proper training.
Skip to the list of Canberra's best dog trainers
- Naughty Dog Behavioural Training
- RSPCA ACT
- ACT Companion Dog Club
- Belconnen Dog Obedience Club
- Canine Calm
How to choose the right trainer for your dog
Dogs are social creatures that need regular exercise, and a trainer can help you provide both physical and mental stimulation for your furry friend. But with so many trainers to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?
The first step is to understand your dog's needs. If your dog is shy, for example, you'll want to find a trainer who specialises in working with shy or anxious dogs.
Once you know what your dog needs, you can start looking for a trainer who has the experience and qualifications to meet those needs.
Be sure to ask questions about the trainer's methods and philosophy to make sure they are a good fit for you and your dog. With a little research, you can find the perfect trainer to help your dog lead a happy and healthy life.
What makes a great dog trainer?
A great dog trainer is patient, observant, and has a deep understanding of canine behavior. They know how to read a dog's body language and use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage desired behaviors.
Great dog trainers are also excellent communicators, able to clearly explain training concepts to dog owners. Furthermore, they are able to adapt their teaching style to the individual needs of each dog.
Whether working with a shy puppy or a high-energy adult dog, a great trainer is able to tailor their approach to get the best results.
The best dog trainers in Canberra 2024
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When looking for a dog trainer in Canberra, check out our list of Canberra Daily’s best local businesses below.
Naughty Dog Behavioural Training
Dave at Naughty Dog is a passionate dog lover who has spent decades learning about different breeds of dogs and how to train them properly.
Whether you have a brand new puppy that needs training and socialising, or you have an older dog that requires some extra training, Dave at Naughty Dog is here to help.
Happy customer, Kim T, wrote this five star review on Google; “David was amazing! I have a four year old blue heeler that absolutely would not get along with the cat, after ONE training session with David, the dog a cat now live happily together. Goes to show with great training…you can teach an old dog new tricks!”
Belconnen Dog Obedience Club
Established in 1975, the Belconnen Dog Obedience Club provides dog training instruction and facilities in northern Canberra.
They are a not-for-profit organisation which is staffed entirely by volunteers. Their philosophy of training is to teach the dog behaviours through positive reinforcement, where the dog is encouraged to exhibit behaviours that the handler wants and when it does so, it is rewarded.
At the Club, you will learn about the different ways to get your dog to perform behaviours and the best ways to let them know that they are doing the right thing.
Canine Calm
Owner of Canine Calm, Sarah, is a Canberra dog trainer who’s journey started when she rescued a malnourished and mistreated six month old German Shepherd who was 20kg underweight.
After rehabbing Lush back to health, she managed to turn him into a softer, calm and loving giant and is now on a mission to help as many other dog owners live the enjoyable life with their own dogs.
Sarah runs dog walk and training to teach dogs how to respond to leash pressure and get them in a better state of mind for the walk. She also has private one-on-one sessions to better help you and your dog.
RSPCA ACT
The RSPCA ACT has a Dog Training School that is committed to the education, welfare and training of dogs and their owners.
They look to facilitate a healthy relationship between a dog and their family that is built on a strong foundation of trust, respect and consistency which is done by using force-free, rewards-based training methods with qualified instructors.
The group training courses are designed for puppies and dogs of different ages and abilities and are limited to a maximum of eight dogs per course, allowing participants and dogs to receive more individual help from instructors.
ACT Companion Dog Club
The ACT Companion Dog Club is a not-for-profit volunteer-based organisation with experienced instructors who contribute their time because they love dogs and enjoy helping people transform their dogs into the best companions they can be.
They provide behaviour training and dog sports behaviour classes in agility, obedience trialling, rally, dances with dogs, rally, flyball, tracking and tricks.
All of their training and classes are taught using rewards-based, force-free training methods that are informed by contemporary canine behavioural science.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use a dog trainer?
A dog trainer can be an invaluable resource when it comes to raising a well-behaved pet. Dogs are instinctual creatures, and their natural behavior may not always be in line with what we expect from them as companion animals. A trainer can help you to understand your dog’s needs and how best to meet them, teaching you both essential obedience commands and basic etiquette. In addition, a trainer can provide valuable guidance on addressing problem behaviors such as barking, chewing, and jumping.
When should I start training my dog?
Puppies can learn quickly from a young age so most trainers recommend starting at around 8 weeks of age. The most effective training method for a young puppy is positive reinforcement and gentle commands. Going to classes will also help your puppy socialise by meeting new dogs and people.
Can older dogs benefit from training as well?
Yes of course. Despite the old saying ‘you can’t teach an old dogs new tricks’, is appears as though with the right actions and behaviour, you can teach a dog of any age. If you are having issues with a slightly older dog, a quality trainer should be able to assist you in correcting the behaviour.
What will my dog learn in class?
Some classes may differ slightly but your dog should come away learning the basics, including toilet training, understanding basic commands and other general obedience. If you have a specific issue that needs addressing, try contacting a trainer and organising a one on one session to focus on the problem.
What does a dog trainer do?
A dog trainer is someone who has a deep knowledge and understanding of dogs to teach them to obey their owner’s commands. They are usually patient people who have a genuine affection for dogs.
