New Dog Preparation

Are you considering getting a new dog? Whether you are working at setting up your home for an already-selected dog, trying to select a dog, or debating whether to go to a municipal shelter or a rescue group, we can help you navigate the path to choosing a new dog and readying your life for this new and exciting journey.

If you are not sure what type of dog might work for you, we can help assess your current lifestyle and figure out how a dog might fit in. Humans and dogs all have different lifestyles and needs so finding the right breed/dog for your lifestyle is crucial. We can provide a large number of resources and recommendations that can help ensure the right fit, and to make sure the transition into new-dog ownership is as smooth as possible.

TOPICS INCLUDE:

• Dog proof your home
• Making sure you have everything you need & help with a shopping list
• Steps required to mould the dog you want rather than having to break bad habits down the track
• Talking about problems that can arise and how to deal with them from the simple things to the bigger problems

The second lesson is tailored and designed to meet the owners’ individual needs once the dog has arrived in the home. We will teach you how to have control of your dog and for the dog to be responsive to voice commands and hand signals. Time is spent on how to properly communicate with you dog, general obedience exercises such as loose lead walking, walking at heel, sit, drop/lay down, stay, coming when called, general good practices to adopt with your dog such as teaching the dog place/on your bed, sit wait at the front door, conditioning exercises with the dog to ensure they don’t become food/toy aggressive and lots more.

General new dog information such as house training, good dog toys, tips on diet, individual dog problem solving such as potty training, jumping up, chewing, biting/mouthing, scratching/jumping up at the back door and more.

Click on the link to enrol https://dogsofvic.com.au/services/private/ or contact D.O.G.S of Vic 0411 313 353 or email info@dogsofvic.com.au  

Training

Puppy socialisation 

Did you know that the critical socialisation period for your dog ends by 16 weeks of age?!  Waiting until all vaccines are complete to socialize your dog is too late. During this time it is important to give your puppy the very best start in life. Your dogs safe interaction with people and other dogs is an expectation of the community. Socialisation is an essential lesson for pets to integrate with our lifestyle. Being able to take your dog to a park, beach or cafe is one of the many joys of owning a dog. To be able to do these type of activities in a  calm and friendly manner is dependant on positive socialisation in your dogs first 16 weeks of age.  Your puppy should be between the ages of 8-20 weeks old for the first class and must have had at least one vaccination 2 weeks prior to their first group class. The earlier you start the better. We will teach your puppy the skills to develop good habits for a great start in life.

Some of the topics that will be covered are

Click on the link to enrol puppy class https://dogsofvic.com.au/services/puppy/  or contact D.O.G.S of Vic 0411 313 353 or email info@dogsofvic.com.au 

Basic obedience 

This group class is designed to help you and your dog learn and practice basic obedience training like sit, come, down, and go to bed. We’ll focus special attention on good manners like not jumping up. You will learn all the basics for getting – and keeping – your dog’s attention, even in distracting environments. We incorporate games and challenges to help make obedience less of a chore and way more fun.

OBJECTIVES:

The Basic Obedience Course teaches the owner/handler how to have control of the dog and enables the dog to be responsive to voice commands and hand signals. 

TOPICS INCLUDE:

As part of the course, individual behaviour problems are also covered and commonly include: nuisance barking, hole- digging, jumping on people, etc.

Trail walks are a favourite part of the course. Dogs and handlers will put the techniques learnt to the test under the guidance of an Instructor.
The trail walks ensure that training techniques learnt in class can be transposed to an everyday situation where various factors can be encountered, eg. bike riders, prams, other dogs, joggers, birds, etc.

Click on the link to enrol in basic obedience https://dogsofvic.com.au/services/basic/ or contact D.O.G.S of Vic 0411 313 353 or email info@dogsofvic.com.au 

Intermediate Obedience

Intermediate Obedience group dog training class is designed for those students who have already graduated from a Basic Obedience class. Having successfully achieved a solid foundation of basic training this class will help fine tune and improve upon your previous training, as well as allow you an opportunity for troubleshooting behaviour issues.

OBJECTIVES:

The Intermediate Obedience Course is for those wanting to advance their training to include off-lead obedience work and control of the dog. The course also introduces the dog sport of Agility, which is much loved by both handlers and dogs.

TOPICS INCLUDE:

• On Lead Obedience
• Off Lead Obedience
• Furthering obedience with exercises such as the drop on recall, fast pace heel work, silent signals, etc
• Socialisation work incorporating circle work, stays, recalls and proofing
• Basic retrieving including hold, give commands and finish to heel
• Control from a distance
• Introducing the dogs to the sport of agility including, weave work, jumps, tunnels, rings and scent work

These classes are for dogs who have mastered basic obedience and whose owners would like to further their training and socialisation or simply enjoy reinforcement in the training their dogs.

click on the link to enrol ihttps://dogsofvic.com.au/services/intermediate/ or contact D.O.G.S of Vic 0411 313 353 or email info@dogsofvic.com.au 

Private training 

Private dog training is a great way for you and your dog to become fluent in a system of communication. Our trainers can work on specific issues and correct or shape behaviour that may be affecting your dog’s potential for success. We will work on your specific needs and the best part is we offer private lessons at our grounds or in your home. 

OBJECTIVES:

If your schedule does not allow you to complete one of our courses, we offer individual private lessons at a mutually convenient time, either at your home or at our training grounds.

Private Lessons teach the owners/handlers how to have control of their dog and enables the dog to be responsive to voice commands and hand signals. The lessons are one-to-one with an Instructor and therefore can be tailored and designed to meet the owners’ individual needs.

Time is spent on how to properly communicate with you dog, general obedience exercises such as loose lead walking, walking at heel, sit, drop/lay down, stay, coming when called, general good practices to adopt with your dog such as teaching the dog place/on your bed, sit wait at the front door, conditioning exercises with the dog to ensure they don’t become food/toy aggressive and lots more. Time is also spent on problem solving with issues such as jumping on visitors, chewing furniture & biting/mouthing to name just a few

Click on the link to enrol https://dogsofvic.com.au/services/private/or contact D.O.G.S of Vic 0411 313 353 or email info@dogsofvic.com.au 

Behaviour Modification program

A certified dog trainer will work one on one with you and your family in your home to address some of the following issues that you may be experiencing

Behavioural issues:

If you are experiencing any of these problems or any other issues that you would like addressed please call Daniel from Victorian Dog Training Academy    8685 8373 to book a consultation with a certified behaviourists https://www.vdta.com.au