How much does RSPCA Dog Training cost? Expand RSPCA Puppy Kindy costs $125 per course, per puppy. RSPCA Dog Training Level 1 and Level 2 each cost $210 per course, per dog. Personal dog training sessions cost $195 for the initial 90-minute consultation session, and $130 per hour for subsequent lessons. All profits from RSPCA Puppy Kindy and Dog Training go towards helping animals in need.
How long do Puppy Kindy and Dog Training classes go for? Expand Puppy Kindy is a four (4) week course. Each class is for one hour. You and your puppy must attend each class. Dog Training Level 1 and Level 2 are both six (6) week courses. Each class runs for 50 minutes. The first class for Level 1 Dog Training is for people only—please do not bring your dog. Dogs attend all sessions of Level 2 training.
What vaccinations are required for Puppy Kindy and Dog Training? Expand Puppy Kindy All puppies enrolled in Puppy Kindy will need to have had their first vaccination before their first class. Classes are held indoors and the rooms are sterilised before and after each class. We ask that you carry your puppy from your car to the classroom. Level One and Level Two Dog Training All dogs enrolled in either Level 1 or Level 2 Dog Training must be fully vaccinated. You will be required to present a valid, current vaccination record before the first class commences.
How many dogs will be in each class? Expand RSPCA Puppy Kindy and RSPCA Dog Training works best with small groups, which allows the instructor to demonstrate techniques more effectively, and spend ample time with each student. Classes will run with a minimum of three (3) dogs and are limited to a maximum of nine (9) dogs. If you enrol in a class that does not meet the minimum number, a RSPCA Dog Training representative will contact you directly to discuss alternative dates.
What is taught in Puppy Kindy classes? Expand Puppy Kindy classes focus on socialisation and teaches your dog how to interact properly with other dogs and people. Your instructor will also talk about puppy health, handling, how to read your puppy's body language and touches on basic obedience such as sit, pay attention and recall (coming when you call them).
What topics or techniques are taught in Dog Training classes? Expand You and your dog will learn some basic commands and more advanced techniques at RSPCA Dog Training. Level One All basic dog obedience commands such as sit, stay, recall (coming to you when you call them), drop and loose lead walking. Your instructor will also discuss ways to address common dog behaviour challenges such as mouthing, jumping and barking. Level Two Your well-behaved dog might still be a little 'ruff' around the edges. Level Two will teach parallel walking, recall at a distance, attention with distractions, lead walking at heel, and some tricks and games. One-on-One Lessons Personal training sessions are designed to address your dog's particular behaviour issues. These can include reactivity to other dogs, anxiety, incessant barking, jumping up and other challenges that may be preventing you and your dog from getting out and about. The instructor will meet with you and your dog for an initial assessment before they design a dog training program tailor-made to suit you.
What do I need to bring to Puppy Kindy or Dog Training classes? Expand Your class confirmation email will include information about how to prepare and what to bring to class with you and your pet. Puppy Kindy Dog attends from week one. Your dog's vaccination certificate A hungry pup i.e. do not feed your puppy for two (2) hours prior to commencement of class A mixture of small treats like diced cooked chicken, diced cooked sausage, diced cheese, etc. A bowl and water for your pup (bring an empty bowl and a bottle to fill it) An interactive food toy i.e. Kong or similar A mat, bed or something similar for your pup (towel, blanket, etc.) A poop-bag (or two) to pick up your dog's droppings A 1.8m lead and flat collar. No stretch or extendable leads please. Level One The first lesson is dog-free so no need to bring anything other than their vaccination certificate. From week two onwards: Do not feed your dog for two (2) hours before the class A mixture of small treats like diced cooked chicken, diced cooked sausage, diced cheese, etc. A bowl and water for your dog (bring an empty bowl and a bottle to fill it) A poop-bag (or two) to pick up your dog's droppings A 1.8m lead and flat, adjustable collar. No stretch or extendable leads please. Level Two Your dog attends from week one. They must have completed Level One or equivalent. Your dog's vaccination certificate Your dog must be dog-friendly and people-friendly as we work off lead Lots of yummy soft treats A food pouch, tug toy and a soft toy A mat or towel for your dog to settle on A bowl and water for your dog (bring an empty bowl and a bottle to fill it) A poop-bag (or two) to pick up your dog's droppings A 1.8m lead and flat, adjustable collar. No stretch or extendable leads please.
What qualifications do the dog training instructors have? Expand All RSPCA Puppy Kindy and Dog Training instructors are highly educated and have extensive dog training experience. They specialise in reward-based positive training techniques.
How long should I wait to take my puppy or dog to training? Expand If you have recently brought your new puppy or dog home, please allow them some 'settling in time' of at least a few days to a week before beginning group classes. (For Puppy Kindy, your puppy will need to be under 13 weeks old at the first class).
Does my puppy need to be on a lead for Puppy Kindy classes? Expand To attend Puppy Kindy, your puppy will need to have a collar or harness and be on a lead. Part of Puppy Kindy is social play between puppies of similar temperaments, so it is essential that all puppies are under effective control. If your puppy has never been on a lead, please practise for a few days before your first class by putting your puppy's collar or harness and lead on for short 5-10 minute sessions a few times a day. When your puppy shows signs of ignoring the lead, reward and praise them.
How old are the dogs in Level One classes? Expand Level One classes generally include dogs who have recently graduated from Puppy Kindy, or dogs who were too old to enrol in Puppy Kindy. On average, Level One students are around 4-6 months old. Older dogs are welcome to attend Level One - you CAN teach an older dog new tricks. These classes are especially useful if your dog has never been socialised or trained. We have many students who are rescued pets from shelters and are just starting to learn their manners.
Can I bring two dogs to the same class? Expand We recommend that you train your dogs separately as they tend to feed off of each other during class and can be a distraction to each other. This can make it difficult to train them. If you feel that they will be able to concentrate together in one class, you can enrol both dogs in the same class as long they each have their own human handler.
My dog is reactive. What happens if they are not suitable for class? Expand If you are not sure how your dog will react in a group class situation, please call us on (08) 9209 9309 to discuss the options prior to enrolling in a class. RSPCA Dog Training also offers personal 1-on-1 training sessions to help you with your dog's particular behaviour issues.
Can my children come to Dog Training or Puppy Kindy classes? Expand We encourage children to attend and participate in Dog Training or Puppy Kindy classes as it helps them to understand why training is so important, and it will help them to be consistent with your dog or puppy at home. Children will need adult supervision when handling the dog. There is limited space in the Puppy Kindy rooms so we ask that a maximum of two people attend. Level One and Level Two classes are held outdoors so more than one child can accompany you to these classes.
I didn't receive the 'Before you begin' attachment to the confirmation email. Expand When your booking in Dog Training or Puppy Kindy is confirmed, you should receive an attachment called 'Before you begin', which outlines some activities and preparation required before you come to the first class. If you are checking the confirmation email on an iPhone or iPad, you may not be able to see this attachment. Please try to open the email on a laptop or desktop system.
What happens if I need to miss a class? Expand We understand that occasionally there are uncontrollable events that mean you may need to miss a class. If this is the case, simply let your RSPCA WA trainer know. If the schedule lines up you can make up the class either at a different time, day or location before your next class. Alternatively you can speak to your trainer who can let you know what you have missed and they can advise you on how to work on your skills at home with your dog and resume normal classes the following week. If you should miss two or more sessions, we ask that you re-enrol to complete the program at another time. No refunds will be given for non-attendance.
How is dog training affected by the weather? Expand Puppy Kindy classes are all held indoors, so are not usually affected by adverse weather events. Classes are rarely impacted and if any changes do occur, your trainer will contact you directly. Dog Training classes are held outdoors, and in some cases may be postponed due to severe weather events. If a class is to be postponed for any reason, your trainer or a representative from RSPCA Dog Training will contact you directly to advise. The course will be extended for one week and continue as normal. Classes will continue in conditions of light rain.
How are dog training classes affected by COVID-19 restrictions Expand RSPCA WA follows WA Government and Federal Australian Government guidelines and advice in regards to COVID-19 restrictions. RSPCA Dog Training and Puppy Kindy classes will be temporarily suspended during government restrictions. When this happens, all class attendees who are currently enrolled in classes will be contacted directly by their trainer or by RSPCA Dog Training representatives. Classes will re-commence once restrictions allow and alternate dates will be advised to complete your Dog Training or Puppy Kindy course. As classes will be re-scheduled and the course completed, refunds are not available in these circumstances.
Will my class continue during the Parvovirus outbreak? Expand Please read: Important information about Parvovirus