Dog Training School

The appropriate course for your dog or puppy is determined by their age on the first day of the course (orientation). Age ranges for classes are:

Puppy Socialisation Session: 8 - 12 weeks old

Puppy Socialisation Session II: 13 - 16 weeks old

Puppy Basics Course: 8 - 16 weeks old

Senior Puppy Basics Course: 17 weeks – 6 months old

Young Dog Basics Course: 6 months – 18 months old

Adult Dog Basics Course: 18 months and older

Puppy Socialisation Session: $30 per session

Basics Courses: $199 per six-week course

Future classes will appear on our website as they are confirmed. Should there not be any appropriate future classes on our website, you can use the form below for more information or ask to be added to the waiting list.

The RSPCA believes that dogs should be trained using programs that are designed to facilitate the development and maintenance of acceptable behaviours using natural instincts and positive reinforcement.

The RSPCA supports reward-based training methods whereby the dog is set up to succeed and then rewarded for performing the ‘good’ behaviour (positive reinforcement).

Reward-based training is enjoyable for the dog and positively enhances the relationship between the dog and handler. Rewards may be in the form of a food treat, favourite chew toy, or verbal praise such as “good dog!” in a pleasant tone of voice, to be given when the dog performs the ‘good’ behaviour.

Reward-based training also involves generally ignoring any ‘unwanted’ behaviours. In this way, the dog is not rewarded for any unwanted behaviour. If dogs are not rewarded (i.e. receive no attention or treats) for a certain behaviour, then they tend to stop doing it.

Reward-based training is the most humane and effective way of training dogs and addressing any unwanted behaviours. Reward-based training does not involve aversive techniques, physical punishment, or the assertion of dominance over the dog.

Source: https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-is-reward-based-dog-training-and-why-does-the-rspca-support-it/

Orientation sessions are for humans only. The orientation helps to prepare you for the practical sessions.

Yes, you must be present for the entire duration of Puppy Socialisation Session with your pup.

In the interest of animal welfare and effective class management, there is a strict limit of two accompanying people per dog.

Children are permitted to attend classes, but young children must be accompanied by and supervised by an additional adult. Please advise us upon booking if you wish to bring children to class.

In certain circumstances, for the safety of children and/or the smooth running of the class, trainers have the authority to request that children do not attend.

If you wish for your child to be the primary trainer in class, please let us know ahead of time and discuss it with your trainer. An adult must be present to support the child and to be responsible for the dog. Trainers have the authority to request that an adult handle the dog in class.

Please use the contact form below to discuss the nature of your dog’s reactivity and whether they are suitable to attend a group training class. The suitability of class will depend on what or who your dog is reactive to, how their reactivity presents, the other participants in the class in question, and the trainer’s judgment.

For your safety, please ensure you wear appropriate clothing to class, and dress for the weather. Open-toed shoes, thongs and sandals are not permitted.

Puppy Socialisation Sessions and orientations are held indoors. All other classes are held outdoors. A hat and sunscreen is recommended.

Bring to Puppy Socialisation Session: 

• Your puppy wearing a suitable flat collar or harness, and lead. Retractable leads are not permitted. 
• Your puppy’s up-to-date vaccination records if you have not already provided them by email.

Bring to Basics Courses – orientation

• Your dog or puppy’s up-to-date vaccination records if you have not already provided them by email.

Bring to Basics Courses – practical classes: 

• Your dog or puppy wearing a suitable flat collar or harness, and lead. Head collars are permitted if your dog normally wears one, or it has been recommended by your trainer. Retractable leads are not permitted.
• The treat pouch and clicker provided to you at orientation.
• High value treats.
• One or more toy or food puzzles.
• A mat, dog bed, towel or blanket that is big enough for your dog to lie down on comfortably.
• Poo bags.
• Water for you. Glass bottles are not permitted.

Dogs and puppies must wear a flat collar and lead, or harness and lead. Martingale collars are permitted, provided they do not contain a chain portion. Head collars may be used if your dog normally wears one, or if suggested by the trainer. Check chains are not permitted.

All dogs and puppies adopted from RSPCA ACT are eligible for a 10% discount on sessions and courses. To use your discount, you can call the shelter on 02 6287 8100 to book.  Alternatively, if you would like to secure your space immediately, you can pay full price by booking online and our staff will refund you the 10% discount amount.

All proceeds from RSPCA ACT Dog & Puppy Training School sessions and courses go back into the care of animals in need.

Puppy Socialisation Sessions are held indoors, so will go ahead in wet weather.

Basics Course orientation sessions are held indoors, so will go ahead in wet weather. The practical classes for Basics Courses take part outdoors, so may be cancelled in wet weather. If only a slight drizzle, classes will likely still take place. If classes need to be cancelled, participants will be notified by SMS. Notification is generally made at least one hour before the class starts; however, this is not always possible. We will endeavour to provide as much notice as is possible. 

We understand that sometimes things change, and you may need to cancel your booking. Our cancellation policy is as follows:

• A full refund or credit, less a $25 administration fee, will be given if a cancellation is made with a notice period of ten (10) days or more; or
• A 50% refund or credit, less a $25 administration fee, will be given if a cancellation is made with a notice period of less than ten (10) days but more than five (5) days; or
• No refund or credit will be given if cancellation is made with a notice period less than five (5) days; or
• No refund or credit will be given once classes commence.
• A refund may be given for special circumstances at the discretion of the Manager. Requests for refund must be submitted via email to dogtrainingschool@rspca-act.org.au. 

All sessions and courses require dogs and puppies to be up-to-date with their relevant vaccinations. The minimum level of vaccination required is as follows:

Puppy Socialisation Session: C3 vaccination

Puppy Basics Course: C3 or C5 vaccination

Senior Puppy Basics Course: C5 vaccination

Young Dog Basics Course: C5 vaccination

Adult Dog Basics Course: C5 vaccination

Please ensure that any booster vaccinations due during your course are received, and updated vaccination records provided to dogtrainingschool@rspca-act.org.au. 

The C3 vaccine is the single vaccine that covers against the three main potentially fatal diseases. These are parvovirus, distemper, and infectious hepatitis.

The C5 vaccine incorporates the C3 vaccine, as well as parainfluenza and Bordetella (also known as canine cough or kennel cough). The C5 vaccination may be given as one singular dose, or as a C3 and separate kennel cough dose.

Undesexed dogs are allowed in class, provided they are under effective physical control. Females in heat are not allowed in class.

Female dogs in heat are not permitted in class. Dogs can only return to class once all signs of heat have ended. These include:

• Acting differently
• Mounting toys, furniture, pillows, people, or other dogs
• Anxiety, clinginess, or inability to settle
• Disinterest in food
• Frequent and dispersed urination
• Licking genitals more often than usual
• Swelling and redness of the vagina
• Watery or bloody discharge from the vagina
• Intolerance of dogs near her rear end
• Noticeably attractive to male dogs

Please see Terms & Conditions for information on cancellations.

We do not currently offer one-on-one training. There are a number of qualified dog trainers in the Canberra region. A Google search will help you find someone suitable for you and the needs of your dog.

We are currently unable to offer intermediate or advanced classes. We hope to be able to expand our services in the future. 

There are a number of further training opportunities in the Canberra area. A Google search will help you find one suitable to you and your dog’s needs.

The RSPCA knowledgebase is a helpful online source of information on animal welfare science, advice, and information. You can find the ‘Dogs’ section here:

https://kb.rspca.org.au/article-categories/dogs/

You can use the form below to contact our Dog Training School Coordinator. For urgent queries, contact the shelter on 02 6287 8100.

• ‘Puppy Socialisation Session’ and ‘Puppy Basics’ classes require a C3 vaccination at a minimum, prior to the commencement of the practical sessions, and provided the Owner understands the risks of the puppy not being vaccinated against Kennel Cough.  RSPCA ACT believes that the socialisation provided during class is imperative in the critical formative period of puppyhood. The spaces used for puppies are sterilised prior to class.
• Dogs and puppies in all other classes must have an up-to-date C5 vaccination at a minimum, prior to the commencement of the practical classes.
• Vaccination certificates must be provided prior to the commencement of practical classes, and can be emailed to pac@rspca-act.org.au or dogtrainingschool@rspca-act.org.au, or presented at the Pet Adoption Centre to be scanned and filed.
• Dogs and puppies should be up to date with flea, tick and intestinal worming (including hydatids) treatments prior to the commencement of practical classes.
• Dogs and puppies attending classes should be clinically well, with nil contagious diseases.
• Female entire dogs are not permitted to attend classes while on heat.  Refund or credits apply as per the below.

• RSPCA ACT reserves the right to cancel or change any advertised Dog Training Course. In the event a Course is cancelled, RSPCA ACT will use reasonable efforts to reschedule the Course. If for any reason RSPCA ACT is unable to reschedule the Course or the new dates for the Course are not suitable for the participant, a full refund will be given.
• Course activities are conducted by RSPCA ACT staff and contractors, and may be assisted by volunteers (all hold current working with vulnerable people cards).
• Participants can bring along one family member only to the orientation session (space limitations) and additional family members to the practical training sessions as required. Each child must be supervised by an adult. Children must be able to participate in the orientation or training session(s) without disrupting the class, or you may be requested to leave the session(s) and will not be credited for the missed session(s).
• If a participant puts themselves, others or any animal at risk, they will be removed from the Course and will not be entitled to a refund or credit for any missed sessions.

• A full refund or credit, less a $25 administration fee, will be given if a cancellation is made with a notice period of ten (10) days or more; or
• A 50% refund or credit, less a $25 administration fee, will be given if a cancellation is made with a notice period of less than ten (10) days but more than five (5) days; or
• No refund or credit will be given if cancellation is made with a notice period less than five (5) days; or
• No refund or credit will be given once classes commence.

A refund may be given for special circumstances at the discretion of the Manager. Requests for refund must be submitted via email to dogtrainingschool@rspca-act.org.au

• For safety reasons, participants must wear appropriate clothing, including enclosed shoes.  Thongs and sandals are not acceptable.  Participants may be refused entry if not dressed appropriately. Participants are advised to wear a hat and sunscreen.
• Whilst RSPCA ACT takes all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of all participants, you acknowledge that you and any person accompanying you to the Course enter at your own risk and consent to taking part in training sessions on this basis. By enrolling in the Course you acknowledge that you understand this disclaimer and release RSPCA ACT and its employees, agents, volunteers and contractors from any liability whatsoever, to the extent permitted by the law.
• Your data will be collected and managed following our Privacy Policy - https://www.rspca-act.org.au/privacy-policy