Puppy Training

You've waited for just the right time and now your brand new puppy is here! Congratulations!

You might by now also be realising that there's more to raising a puppy than you thought? How do I toilet train my puppy? What do I do about my puppy biting? What is all this puppy socialisation you keep hearing about and how do I best do it?

You've come to right place! 

Dog Training

With a focus on positive reinforcement, my training approach emphasises understanding all the elements that go together to make your dog unique. Each session is designed to be both fun and effective, ensuring that you and your dog can build a strong bond while mastering essential skills.

Each consultation comes with a copy of my dog manual, A Calmer Canine, plus an individual behaviour report and plan, emailed to you afterwards.

$250

Your little furry bundle is home with you at last - what now?! Get off on the right paw with an in-home NEW PUPPY session. At this 1.5 hour session, we address the immediate behavioural training issues that all new puppy parents require, such as settling at night, toilet training, mouthing, chewing, alone time, feeding and establishing good household routines and introducing the foundations of future training. As your new puppy is in his or her Critical Socialisation Period (or Sensitive Period for Socialisation), you will also learn how best to take full advantage of this precious time, setting your puppy up for becoming a relaxed and resilient dog!

New Puppy

(8-12 weeks)

A close-up of a cute, fluffy, light brown puppy sitting on grass with a blurred green leafy background.

Puppy School - group classes

$295

Puppy School is designed to help you raise your ideal puppy while establishing a strong bond between you and your furry friend. In our friendly and supportive environment, you and your puppy will learn together in small groups. The course consists of five weekly lessons, each lasting one hour, tailored specifically for puppies aged 8 to 15 weeks at the time of the first lesson. These sessions provide essential training, socialisation, and guidance to set your puppy up for a happy and well-adjusted life.

Join us at Puppy School and give your puppy the best start possible! Held at Balmain Village Vet Hospital, 3 Beattie Street Balmain, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings 6-7pm.

Small class sizes ensure individual attention while still providing valuable puppy socialisation opportunities.
Over the 5 weeks you will learn how to raise your perfect puppy and all the basics in teaching your puppy useful skills.

A brown dog wearing glasses sitting at a desk with a magazine open in front of it. The background shows a blurred office setting.

Senior Puppy (13-23 weeks)

Black and white dog playing with a rubber toy on green grass in an outdoor urban setting.

$290

Your puppy has now settled right in, has graduated from Puppy School and has now had all their shots. Or perhaps you missed out on Puppy School or have just adopted an older puppy. Either continue your training or get started with a SENIOR PUPPY session. Here we will start your puppy's basic manners training, instructing you on how to teach your puppy to listen to and understand you, how to walk nicely on a loose lead and to always come when you call them! This session is tailored to your individual needs and so is also a great opportunity to address any behaviour you're having trouble with.

Premium Puppy Pack

$1260

Want to give your puppy the very best start possible? Keep your momentum and commitment going and the (fuzzy tennis) ball rolling! In a prepaid Premium Puppy Package you will receive all the puppy sessions including Puppy School, plus an extra helpful session timed just as your puppy heads into adolescence at 6 months.

  • New Puppy - It’s all pee, poo and teeth!

  • Puppy School - Learn with new friends!

  • Senior Puppy - Hello world!

  • Early Adolescence - the turbulent teens!

You will also receive essential equipment, designed to make both yours and your puppy’s lives easier , better and more fun! Equipment provided at New Puppy session.

  • Rope toys - short and long

  • snuffle mat

  • Lickimat

  • Treat training pouch

  • Long line

A puppy with white fur and brown patches, standing on grass, with a slightly blurred green wooded background.

Dogs

Good Manners

Good dog manners involve a range of behaviors that make interactions with humans and other dogs smoother and more enjoyable. This includes basic obedience, such as sitting, staying, and coming on cue, as well as polite behaviors like loose-leash walking, avoiding jumping, and not begging for food. Good manners also encompass appropriate greetings, settling calmly, and generally being well-behaved in various situations. 

Struggling to get and keep your dog’s attention? Learn how to effectively communicate and be someone your dog wants to listen to!

$380 - 2 hours

In our sessions, we will:

Establish Clear Communication: Learn the best ways to convey your expectations to your dog using cues and signals that they can understand.

Incorporate Basic Manners: Teach your dog fundamental skills such as sit, lie down, stay, loose lead walking and come, laying the foundation for good behavior in various situations.

Address Specific Challenges: Work together to tackle any issues you’re experiencing, whether it's leash pulling, jumping up on guests, not coming when called or not responding to requests.

Encourage Good Habits: Use positive reinforcement techniques to promote desirable behaviors, ensuring your dog feels motivated and engaged during training.

Create a Calm Environment: Learn techniques for mat training and settling your dog, helping them feel secure and relaxed in your home.

Each training plan is tailored to fit your schedule and you and your dog’s needs, making it convenient for you to incorporate training into your daily routine. Together, we can transform potential challenges into opportunities for learning and growth, ultimately resulting in a happier, well-adjusted dog. Ready to get started? Contact us to schedule your first session! Let's embark on this rewarding journey together.

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A bulldog with a red harness and leash standing on a concrete sidewalk in front of an open car door.

$295 for 3 x 1 hour lesson Package

Confused about why your dog continues to pull hard on the lead? A tight lead can create further problems and is just not much fun for those at either end!

And while we’re at it, does he ignore you when you call him to come? This behaviour is at best irritating and at worst, dangerous.

In small groups of 2 or 3 dogs, we can focus on these practical skills over 3 x 1 hour lessons. Learn how to teach your dog that the best place to walk is by your side and how coming to you, even in the face of big distractions, is always the most rewarding option!

Loose Lead Walking & Rocket Recalls!

Starting at $380

Behavioural problems are those that are not responsive to manners training but require a Behaviour Modification Program, management strategies and sometimes a referral to a Veterinary Behaviourist.

Poor socialisation, dog to dog reactivity, destructive behaviour, resource guarding, fear, phobias and aggression are some common behavioural problems. Successfully resolving behavioural issues is dependent on a number of variables but requires time, understanding, patience, persistence and dedication.

Call or email to discuss your dog’s particular issue.

Behaviour Modification

Close-up of a brown and white dog with one ear up and one ear down, looking at the camera, against a plain light gray background.

Canine Good Citizen Award

Canine Good Citizen Award - 4 x 1 hour lesson and assessment package - $720

Additional single 1 hour lessons - $180

The Delta Institute is the accrediting body for positive reward based trainers who have undertaken the national accredited training course conducted by Delta.

Every dog guardian would like their dog to have good manners and be well behaved both at home and out and about. The aim of the Delta Canine Good Citizen Award is to reward those guardians who put time and effort into their dog so that he or she is well mannered and confident and comfortable in everyday situations, both at home and in public.

The Canine Good Citizen™ Award can only be offered by currently accredited Delta Institute Members who have been certified to conduct the Award.

To be eligible to qualify for the CGC Award, you must complete a class or private training program with a Delta accredited instructor. At Positively Rewarding, I offer packages of 4 x 1 hour private lessons. These cover the initial Foundation Skills, followed by the more advanced Life Skills required to successfully achieve the Award. Assessment of each criteria is recorded throughout the course. Book as many 4 x 1 hour lesson packages as necessary to achieve the award and single lessons can be added to the end of any package.

To ensure you and your dog are truly competent in the range of exercises included in the Award, I will observe you demonstrating these skills in different contexts during the length of the program and on at least 3 occasions before you can be assessed as competent.

Email me for more details and an outline of exercises to be assessed. 

Close-up of a fluffy, light-colored dog with dark eyes and a black nose.
  • Astro & Cathy

    “My people took me to puppy pre-school. I loved it! I met other puppies and that was great because I hadn’t met any others (apart from my family). Miss Cath was lovely and she spoke puppy! She taught my people how to speak puppy, too. They learnt how to get me to do lots of things and how to behave well (mostly!). I will now come when called from right across the park, even if I am playing! My people love that. I had a fabulous time and didn’t want to leave. Oh, and there was a goody bag at the end with toys and treats! Thank you Miss Cath!”


  • Carol & Fergus 😊

    “Cath did a fabulous job training Fergus. It is obvious that Cath knows what she is doing and the puppies listen to her. I really enjoyed puppy training with Fergus and we both learnt so much. Fergus also enjoyed the controlled introduction to socialising / play with the other puppies. Lots of handouts and videos so you keep it fresh in you mind as well. I would highly recommend Cath to anyone that wants a well behaved pup  ! She is an expert!”

  • Kathy

    “Cath Jennings came to our home to assist with training our 17week old puppy. From our first phone chat and throughout the home visit , Cath impressed me as kind, helpful, practical and experienced . She focuses on positively reinforcing good behaviour and her empathetic approach really resonated . I came out of the training feeling more understating of our puppy and even more love whereas I had been feeling a bit overwhelmed. Cath has great ideas , easy to follow , and backs up the talk with videos and manuals . I would very highly recommend. This is a photo of our puppy exhausted after brilliant physical and mental stimulation!”

  • Megan

    “Cath is a fantastic teacher, thoughtful and patient too! Her training methods are always positively focused and have been highly effective. They are very easy to learn in class, and she provides home material to ensure you are consistently training in the right way at home. Would strongly recommend to anyone looking for a puppy school or training assistance!”

  • Samantha

    “First time dog owner and Cath’s methods are easy to understand and allows you to train your pup at home with confidence with extra booklets and videos to help along the way. After 5 weeks my puppy has great recall and bonding through training I would see her again for other classes she puts up in future.”

  • Sabrina

    “There is no better dog trainer in the entire country! Cath is delightful, personable, intelligent, super easy to understand she's excellent at training us humans as well. We have a rambunctious Labrador puppy and Cath's advice made it easy for us to choose her as well as raise her right. Thank you Cath!”

  • Bertie & Loretta

    “I highly recommend Cath from Positively Rewarding.
    Puppy training classes and puppy school set up the guidelines and principles in our home which our family have used for the last few weeks to manage our pup, Bertie’s behaviour.
    With strong foundations It has meant that as Bertie has grown, he has become more manageable, open to learning and happy to share the life that we and our adult daughters involve him in.
    Cath’s knowledge of puppy behaviour is awesome and the principles behind her simple and realistic reward system are humane and ethical.
    The conversations I had with Cath were illuminating because she really listened to the problems I was having with Bertie and came up with solutions.
    Cath has a wonderful manner with both puppies and people and it was a delightful experience for both Bertie and I to be part of her puppy training classes.
    I highly recommend Cath and her excellent puppy training program.”

  • Jennifer

    “My puppy and I both enjoyed this puppy school so much! It was the highlight of our week. As well as being a great social outing for us I also learnt so much practical information and loads of amazing tips and tricks from Cath. Thank you Cath!”

  • Ben

    “Cath of Positively Rewarding is nothing short of amazing. Warm, knowledgeable and patient, her skills and experience were invaluable to us before choosing a puppy, during the choosing process, and during the biggest challenge of all - living with and training a new puppy. Cath goes above and beyond in the resources she supplies as part of her services and her availability while everyone is figuring out what is best for the puppy and the family it’s now part of. Cannot recommend her highly enough - at any part of the journey, but the earlier the better!”

  • Nikki

    “Cath made coming home with an 8 week old bundle of sweet, chaotic enthusiasm simple… we asked for her help with a home visit, followed by 4 weeks of new puppy classes, and later, adolescent puppy classes. all were fun, informative, social, and beneficial. all of our interactions have been wonderful; Cath has explained and demystified a lot of the behaviours that puppies exhibit, and helped us shape a positive, rewarding and fun environment for our dog. she’s now 6 months old, is comfortable to be left at home alone, doesn’t jump on people when they enter the house, sits quietly at cafes, walks calmly on the leash, and is easily handled by our 10 year old son, who has a wonderful and involved relationship.
    I cannot recommend Cath highly enough.”

  • Heidi

    “Cath was great with our pup and very knowledgeable (and lovely). Very much recommend her to anyone looking for training tips.”

  • Lorraine

    “Cath made puppy school for Molly really fun and it was what we needed in the initial stressful weeks of first time owning a puppy. She normalized a lot of the behaviors and gave guidance and not judgement. Even after the 4 week lesson, she was contactable and generous with giving personalised advice when we ran into issues with sleeping and barking. Thanks Cath!”

  • Stephanie

    “Could not recommend Cath more! She came to our home for a private puppy training with our almost 4 month old puppy. She answered every question without judgment. We’ve learnt so much and our pup absolutely loved her. 10/10 service”

  • Jack & Kerri

    “Cath was amazing. If you're not sure about how to handle your dog like we were, Cath will help you in no time. She was fab from the moment she walked through our door, and Jack loved her. She has a great training style and we are enjoying the benefits of utilising her services. Thank you Cath !!!”

  • Adrian

    “Cath was excellent for our 4 weeks of puppy school. Cath's knowledge of dog training coupled with past life as a vet nurse enriched our experience and provided the information we needed as new puppy owners. I highly recommend you give Cath and Positively Rewarding a try.”

  • Alfie & Hayley

    “We cannot recommend Cath highly enough. We have gone through her puppy class as we as her in home one on one session and the whole experience has been amazing with Moodle Alfie. She is so knowledgeable, generous with her resources and time and really put our mind at ease as first time puppy owners by listening to our worries and answering our range of questions. We found all the conflicting information online overwhelming and Cath has made us feel confidence with her simple positive approach to training that we know will be effective if we put in the work. Cath’s down the earth nature, good humour and calmness rubbed off on all of us, not just Alfie who can be a little anxious. We won’t hesitate to connect with Cath again if needed in the future and can’t thank her enough.”

  • Gen

    “Cath is absolutely fantastic!! We couldn’t be happier with her training session. She is so friendly, professional and easy to understand. If we ever have any need for training in the future, we wouldn’t hesitate to contact her again. Thanks so much Cath!!”

  • Hugo & Joshua

    “Hugo was my first ever pup and Cath was excellent with her teachings. Although I watched many YouTube videos on how to train your puppy, it is never the same when you have the trainer right in front of you. Cath provided a well organised, methodical yet tailored session to cater for my specific needs. For example, my partner has a dog and Cath taught us what to do so that the dogs get along well. I have learnt so much and will try to apply her advice on a daily basis. Strongly recommend!”

Contact us

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