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.

Meet Our Team →

✨ 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.

Private puppy school in Adelaide

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 - 2 Spots Left

  • Saturday 25 July - 9 am

  • Wednesday 12 August - 6pm

Flagstaff Hill (Indoor & outdoor options – weather dependent)

  • Saturday 11 July - 10.20 am

  • Saturday 29 August - 10.20 am

Puppy College puppy training classes in Adelaide using positive reinforcement methods.
Puppy College puppy training classes in Adelaide using positive reinforcement methods.
Young puppies learning around other dogs in a reward-based puppy socialisation class in Adelaide.

What’s included?

Puppy College is designed to provide more than just weekly classes — you’ll receive practical guidance, resources, and support to help prevent common future behaviour problems and build strong foundations for life with your puppy.

  1. Comprehensive Puppy Training Resources: When you enroll, you'll receive access to a dedicated online folder containing detailed e-booklets and resources to support your puppy’s training and help you continue their progress at home.

  2. Bandana and Adaptil: Each puppy gets a bandana, and Adaptil is available for use if needed to help ease any anxiety.

  3. Trainer Support Throughout the Course: Receive support throughout the weeks as needed to ensure you and your pup are on the right track.

  4. Enrichment Tools: Access to chews, toys, lickimats, and snufflemats during class to help keep your pup settled and focused.

  5. Graduation Package: Celebrate your pup's achievements with a graduation bag, a photo, and a certificate.

  6. Optional Pre-Course Private Session:
    Add a one-hour private session for personalised support to overcome early challenges and give your puppy the best start.

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: $229 for the full program, including instant access to the online theory lesson and four in-person classes.

Optional Add-On:
Want extra one-on-one support alongside the course? Add a private one-hour session when you book. Priced at $135, 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.

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