Dog Training

Life Skills for Pet Dogs

Our training section runs a variety of training programs suitable for any age dog. We have puppy, adolescent and adult beginner classes, as well as advanced classes for the three groups. Our classes are available to all members of the public.

Our classes focus on giving owners and dogs the skills to live in harmony together. We specialise in pet dog training, teaching basic manners and behaviour management.

Enrol now! Click here to see the latest class schedule.

When you enrol in one of our Life Skills classes you receive a copy of our Life Skills Training Manual, and from July 1 -  RSPCA ACT membership!

Skills such as sitting for pats and not mugging visitors, learning self control and being able to settle on a mat or by your feet, coming when called, and walking nicely on the lead are just some of the exercises taught. Socialising activities and the important skill of greeting other dogs on lead are also part of the program.

Solutions to prevent or stop general destructiveness such as chewing and digging, becoming recreational barkers and other common behaviour problems are addressed. Handling and gentling activities which teach dogs to accept veterinary examinations, nail clipping, brushing and hands reaching to hold them are also an integral part of the program.

Our Life Skills program also has a confidence course component. The course helps to develop awareness and confidence as well as developing a dog's willingness to focus and take instruction. The dog learns how to think and cooperate, because it has to concentrate on a given task. It also helps eliminate shyness and the fear of the unusual.

Our class instructors are highly trained behavioural trainers, with years of experience and are qualified Delta Canine Good Citizen Instructors. The classes are conducted using the latest positive motivation techniques, with the emphasis being on fun for both the family and the dog.

The Life Skills Program runs for seven weeks. The first week being a lecture/workshop which covers understanding how dogs learn and meeting your dog's needs. This workshop is mandatory before starting the training program and is packed with essential information. The workshop is followed by six one hour weekly lessons.

Classes run on Saturday and Sunday morning, Monday and Tuesday evenings. New classes start approximately every three weeks. The cost is $130 which also includes a comprehensive reference book on training and behaviour. Shelter dogs receive a 10% discount if payment is made at the time of adoption.

Full payment must be made at the time of booking and is non refundable unless one week's notice is given prior to the start of class.

Revenue from the classes goes directly into RSPCA ACT animal welfare activities.

Our current classes include:

• Life Skills Level 1 - Puppy Training
• Life Skills Level 1 - Adolescent or Adult Training
• Life Skills Level 2 - Reliability and much more!
• Brush Up Basics
• Recall Clinic
• The Canine Good Citizen™ CGC Award

Life Skills Level 1 - Puppy Training

Give your puppy the best possible start to life: enroll it in an RSPCA ACT Puppy Class.

It is well known that the first few months of a dog's life are critical in determining whether that cute adorable puppy grows up to be a well mannered, well socialised adult dog.

The puppy class program covers temperament training (bite inhibition, handling and gentling, and socialising), behavioural training (stop bad behaviour before it develops), and good manners training.

Life Skills Level 1 - Adolescent or Adult Training

Maximise the enjoyment of pet ownership by teaching your dog basic home manners and how to behave in public.

Teach your dog how to walk nicely on lead, to sit, lay down and stay when asked. Show your dog that being handled and groomed are pleasant experiences to be enjoyed in a relaxed and calm state. Learn how to provide your dog with appropriate exercise, chew toys and games to ensure that behavioural problems such as barking, digging, jumping fences and destructive chewing do not develop.

Life Skills Level 2 - Reliability and much more!

This program builds reliability into the foundation exercises taught in Life Skills Level 1. We also teach more advanced but really useful skills such as leave it, emergency sit and precision walking. Level 2 is heaps of fun as the dogs learn to master a mini agility course as well as learn some neat tricks.

Government Obedience Test

The RSPCA Life Skills Pet Dog Training Program is now offering its Level 2 graduates the opportunity to pass a formal assessment. The successful applicant and their dog will be awarded with an RSPCA Life Skills Pet Dog Certificate. Presenting this certificate to ACT Government authorities will allow you to obtain a discount on your dog's yearly registration fees, and provide recognition for your work in teaching life skills to your pet dog.

The formal assessment takes on average 15 minutes to complete, and can only be undertaken once you have completed the Level 2 RSPCA Life Skills Pet Dog Training Program.

Brush Up Basics

For adolescent and/or adult dogs that have completed the Level 1 adolescent/adult course.

This course is for adolescent and adult dogs that have completed our Level 1 course and would like to review their skills in a fun and challenging way. The aim of this course is to help dogs master basic life skills and make them more reliable. Brush Up Basics will also improve your dog's focus and motivation. This course provides a solid foundation for further training and eases the transition to our Level 2 course.

Recall Clinic

The Recall Clinic comprises of a 5 week program to work specifically on getting your dog to come back when called. The first class is a lecture without your dog. This program is fun as it's based on plenty of training games. The cost is $85.

The Canine Good Citizen™ CGC Award

A Canine Good Citizen™ test was developed by the Delta Society so that you and your dog could join a select group of people to receive confirmation that you are a responsible dog owner and that your dog is a well-mannered member of society.

 You may enrol in this six week course that leads to the CGC™ Test.  The test involves twelve challenges.  Once you have successfully completed all twelve challenges, you will receive a certificate from the Delta Society confirming that you and your dog are certified 'Good Citizens'.  You will also be eligible to buy a CGC collar and lead (available only to CGC dogs).  This will enable you to 'show off' your dog's achievement whenever you take him out for a walk!

 Dogs must be over twelve months of age and have completed the six week training program (conducted by an accredited CGC™ instructor) prior to being invited to undertake the Canine Good Citizen Test.