Puppy College
Small Group Training for Puppies 3 to 9 Months of Age
Life with a puppy can feel overwhelming.
Between the biting, jumping, toilet accidents, barking, zoomies, and chewing, many owners feel exhausted and unsure where to start.
At Puppy College, we help you raise a calm, confident family dog using practical, positive, force-free training methods that work in real life.
Our small puppy classes in Blackwood and Flagstaff Hill focus on building:
Calmness and focus
Loose lead walking
Strong foundation skills like sit, down & stay
Learning to leave and drop things that don’t belong to them
Settling and relaxation skills
Confidence out and about
Good choices at home and out on walks
We’ll also help you navigate common puppy challenges like:
Puppy nipping
Toilet training
Barking
Socialisation
Preventing reactivity
Preventing resource guarding
Helping your puppy feel comfortable alone
Why Families Choose Paws & Reward
Unlike many larger retail puppy class programs, our courses are run by highly qualified trainers with formal education in animal behaviour, welfare, veterinary nursing, and evidence-based dog training.
Our instructors have completed university degrees, industry certifications, and ongoing professional development in areas such as puppy development, canine communication, behaviour modification, reactivity, cooperative care, and scent work.
This means your puppy receives more than basic obedience training — you’ll be guided by professionals who understand why behaviour happens and how to support long-term success using modern, force-free methods.
✨ Small classes • Qualified instructors • Indoor training option • Ongoing support ✨
Private Session Add-on:
Need extra support or want a head start? Add a one-hour private session before, during, or after the course for personalised help tailored to your puppy and family.
Prefer One-on-One Support?
Not every family can attend group classes, and some puppies (or people!) thrive with more personalised guidance.
Private Puppy School offers the same reward-based, force-free training approach as Puppy College, but in the comfort of your own home and tailored specifically to your puppy and family.
Private Puppy School may be a great fit if:
You can't make the scheduled class times.
You'd prefer one-on-one support.
Your puppy is finding group classes overwhelming.
You have young children and want training tailored to family life.
You'd like help with toilet training, puppy biting, jumping up, settling, or sleep routines.
You want support in your puppy's real-life environment.
Your trainer will create a customised training plan tailored specifically to your puppy, home, and lifestyle.
Learn more about Private Puppy School →
Not sure which option is right for you? Contact us and we'd be happy to help you choose between Puppy College and Private Puppy School.
Upcoming Puppy College Course Dates
Blackwood (Indoor - weatherproof venue)
Wednesday 8 July - 6 pm - FULLY BOOKED. Join the waiting list HERE.
Wednesday 8 July - 7.10pm - FULLY BOOKED
Saturday 25 July - 9 am -FULLY BOOKED. Join the waiting list HERE.
Saturday 25 July - 10.10am
Wednesday 12 August - 6pm
Flagstaff Hill (Indoor & outdoor options – weather dependent)
Saturday 11 July - 10.20 am - FULLY BOOKED. Join the waiting list HERE.
Saturday 29 August - 10.20 am
What’s Included:
Puppy Success Pack: Every puppy receives a welcome pack to help them get the most from Puppy College. Your Puppy Success Pack includes a bandana, a premium LickiMat to use throughout the course and at home, plus optional Adaptil spray during class if your puppy needs a little extra support settling into the environment.
Comprehensive Puppy Training Resources: Receive instant access to your own online resource folder filled with practical e-booklets, handouts and videos to support your puppy's training and help you continue their progress at home.
Trainer Support Throughout the Course: Receive guidance and support between classes whenever you need it to help keep you and your puppy on track.
Enrichment During Class: Puppies enjoy access to a variety of enrichment activities including chews, toys and snuffle mats to help them learn how to settle and relax in a class environment.
Graduation Package: Celebrate your puppy's achievements with a graduation certificate, graduation photo, discount vouchers and a long-lasting chew to continue encouraging calm behaviour at home.
Course Details
Duration: Puppy College includes 4 consecutive weekly in-person classes. Your course runs for 4 weeks from your selected start date, with classes held on the same day and time each week, plus 1 online theory lesson to complete at home.
As soon as you enrol, you’ll receive access to the online theory lesson, which you can watch straight away. This pre-recorded session covers essential topics such as body language, how dogs learn, toilet training, puppy nipping, and how to set your puppy up for long-term success. You’ll also receive helpful training tips and resources so you can begin right away.
Location:
Blackwood Uniting Church or Flagstaff Hill Scout Hall (see dates under Upcoming Course Dates)
Requirements:
1. Dogs must be between 3 and 9 months old in Week 1.
2. You must show proof of up-to-date vaccinations.
3. All dogs must be friendly towards dogs and people.
Tuition: $249 for the full program, including instant access to the online theory lesson, four in-person practical classes, ongoing trainer support and your Puppy Success Pack.
Optional Add-On:
Want extra one-on-one support alongside the course? Add a private one-hour session when you book. Priced at $155, this session includes customised training resources and a detailed email summary tailored to your puppy and home environment. It’s a great way to address specific challenges at home, build confidence, and receive personalised guidance alongside Puppy College. Private sessions can be used anytime up to 1 month after completing the course.
Highly Recommended – Treat Pouch:
Investing in a quality treat pouch makes training easier, faster, and more enjoyable for both you and your puppy. Purchase a treat pouch and good quality harness at the time of booking Puppy College, and you’ll receive a 15% discount.
Please note: Dogs must be dog- and people-friendly to attend classes. If your puppy is uncomfortable around unfamiliar dogs or people, or if you would prefer one-on-one support, our Private Puppy School may be a more suitable option.
What Dog Owners are Saying.