The best dog trainers in Canberra

Join the conversation
53
Women holding dog looking happy

Allie from SitDropStay, one of Canberra’s most recommended dog trainers. Photo: SitDropStay.

From poodles in Page to pugs in Parkes, Canberra is home to many beloved four-legged companions. And what is not to love? Their gentle nature, playfulness, and endless affection sees the humble hound top the list as Australia’s favourite household pet.

That said, if you have ever had to deal with dowdy dog behaviour you will know how frustrating it can be. Endless barking, incessant jumping, and a world-wide toilet can make even the most experienced owner restless. Not to mention socialising with family, and dare I suggest other dogs?

Whatever the age or stage of your darling dog, I am sure that they (and you!) could benefit from some helping hands. This is where an experienced dog trainer can make the world of difference. Dog trainers are masters of behavioural modification. They use their knowledge of breed-based characteristics and an observant eye to vastly improve the nature of dogs.

And that’s not all. A well-trained dog reaps the emotional, physical, and mental benefits that comes with this type of stimulation. So, if mechanical, environmental, or reward lead training seems like too much just remember your dog will be better for it.

So where does one start? The good news is that we’ve shortlisted the best dog trainers that Canberra has to offer a mere few scrolls below.

What makes a great dog trainer?

Great dog trainers are canine lovers possessing a natural affinity with all breeds great and small. They are masters of behavioural training and can make even the most obnoxious pup a sheer delight. Here is what we think makes a great dog trainer:

  • Natural affinity with dogs. The best professional dog trainers are truly passionate about our furry four-legged friends. This is so important as effective dog training requires a deep understanding of natural dog behaviours, abilities, and habits. Without this insight getting the right outcome can be quite difficult indeed.
  • Qualified & experienced. Your dog’s wellbeing is never something that should be left in the hands of amateurs. When searching for the perfect trainer always prioritise qualifications and experience. While formal qualifications are not mandatory, they are most certainly advantageous. Look for a certificate III in Dog Training and Behaviour or a certificate IV in Companion Animal Services. Another good measure of your trainer is membership with peak industry body, the National Dog Trainers Federation.
  • Positive methods. Let’s be honest; dog training is not exactly play time for your pooch. While great dog trainers make it as fun as possible, training can be laborious work for your dog. Learning new things is challenging, and the lengthy sessions may make it hard for your dog to concentrate. Positive training methods seek to reward dogs for exhibiting the correct behaviours, and encourages future displays.
  • Observant. Much like us humans, no two dogs are ever the same. Their temperament and overall nature differs by breed, age, and from one dog to another. As such, careful and considered observation is needed to assess each dog and their individual needs. An observant dog trainer will effectively read your dogs cues and tailor techniques to ensure they yield the best response. Dog training is by no means a one size fits all approach, so seek a trainer that uses observation to their advantage.
  • Compassionate. Certainly, all great dog trainers possess compassion in spades. This intuitive empathy ensures that a dog’s needs are always first and foremost in the mind of their trainer. Working at a lightspeed pace or pushing a dog too hard can have disastrous results. Equally, many dogs may come with predisposed anxiety or fear which needs to be treated carefully. A sensitive approach to communication and training all help to achieve the right outcomes.

The best dog trainers in Canberra

RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.

To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.

RSPCA ACT

The RSPCA ACT runs a dog and puppy training school, committed to the education, welfare and training of pet dogs and their owners. RSPCA qualified instructors use force-free, rewards-based training and aim to build strong foundations of trust, respect and consistency.

Training courses, which cover puppies and dogs of all ages, include puppy socialisation, puppy basics, adult basics and senior basics.

Group training is designed for dogs of different ages and abilities. They’re limited to a maximum of eight dogs per course, so participants and dogs receive more individual help and attention.

RSPCA ACT training focuses on manners, impulse control, confidence building, how to sit, drop, how to walk with a loose lead and how to introduce dogs to each other. It provides owners with the skills to foster a fulfilling relationship with their dogs.

Wayne Capper wrote on Google, “The people are awesome and the service they provide is second-to-none and absolutely vital to our community.”

The ACT Companion Dog Club

The ACT Companion Dog Club is a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers who are passionate about dogs and improving dog behaviour. They offer comprehensive obedience and behaviour training, as well as a raft of activities from fly ball to dancing and more.

The team champions positive training methods to reshape behaviours in healthy and supportive ways. Suitable for pooches young and old, their training and sports classes will transform a mischievous dog into the perfect four-legged companion.

As Bashir Muhammad said on Google, It's a good place to train your dog friend to make them a better family member.”

Bow Tie Dog Training

Bow Tie Dog Training is passionate about providing quality services to owners and their dogs—private one-on-one training, group walks and dog sitting. With training, Bow Tie supports obedience and behavioural issues. Group walks are perfect for exercise and socialising (hikes vary in difficulty and length). Dog sitting is at client homes and includes a walk and plenty of pats.

On Google, Pennie Culpan wrote, “Highly recommend Bow Tie Dog Training … super knowledgeable, helpful, and really cares about animal (and human) clients.”

There’s a lot that comes with providing the best care for your pet. Check out our articles on the best dog groomers, the best vets, the best emergency after-hours vets, and the best pet shops and pet supplies for more helpful information on Canberra’s best pet services!

If you’re interested in finding somewhere for your pet to stay whilst you’re away, our articles on Canberra’s best dog walkers and pet sitters and best dog boarding kennels and catteries may be helpful.

Finally, if you’re looking to adopt another furry friend, our article on the best places for rescue dogs in Canberra may be of interest to you.

Your experience with dog trainers in Canberra

Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.

Have you had experience with any of the dog trainers listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a dog trainer do?

A dog trainer is an animal care professional who works with dogs and their owners to teach dogs to obey their owner’s commands and exhibit appropriate behaviour. Aside from obedience, dog trainers can at times also provide specialised training in other areas such as working with livestock, search and rescue, law enforcement, and protection.

Is it worth getting a dog trainer?

Dog trainers can be incredibly helpful for dogs of all ages and at all stages. Whether you are faced with challenges mastering basic commands or behavioural issues such as aggression a dog trainer can help. If you are finding your dog’s behaviour challenging it might be worth consulting with a trainer to assess opportunities for improvement and the development of a training plan.

What age should dog training start?

Dog training should start from the minute you bring your beloved pet home. Many experts agree that earlier is best, with most puppies being able to start formal training from as little as 7-8 weeks of age.

What do dogs learn in training classes?

While not all training classes are the same, you can expect to see a few fundamentals in each course offered by a trainer. These include things like communication, toilet training, handling, biting or jumping, socialisation, and obedience. If in doubt, contact your local dog trainer for a broader discussion on your dog’s needs.

How often should I train my puppy?

To kick start your pups behavioural and social skills formal training can certainly help. Many dog trainers offer courses from as little as once a week for 4-8 weeks. This can be enhanced with daily reinforcement at home for 10-15 minutes or spread out in 5-minute increments. Each dog will of course have different needs so the above is merely a guide only. Speak to your dog trainer for advice on your pup.

Join the conversation

53
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest
Lyndal Hasselman11:53 pm 25 May 22

The introduction is spot on saying that a great dog trainer uses positive reinforcement. Here’s a good supporting reference – https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/AVSAB-Humane-Dog-Training-Position-Statement-2021.pdf
Its unfortunate that this post then goes on to short-list balanced trainers. By definition these trainers use a combination of positive reinforcement and punishment. This lack of topic understanding and responsible journalism fails to provide ethical guidance to readers. There are many fabulous positive reinforcement trainers in Canberra. There’s no need to promote trainers that use inhumane methods.

Contrary to the assertion in the linked article above which states there is no evidence for balanced approaches, there IS absolutely a strong body of scientific evidence for balanced approaches, applied properly, and used by some of Australia and the world’s best trainers, vet behaviourists, and rehabilitation experts in the field.

Countless dog’s lives are saved, and relationships improved, (because that the ultimate real world goal), as a result of properly applied balanced training. But that does not mean I condone certain methods or all methods, nor do I ever condone abuse. Of course I positively reinforce. But I also support freedom of choice, freedom of information not misinformation, and I support owner’s choice to find appropriate and fair methods for themselves.

What I will not do, is mislead the public on a very nuanced debate where complex issues should be more properly dealt with in an appropriate forum, not social media. I would be more than comfortable to set out the case for properly applied balanced approaches whether in a formal mediation setting or informally, and I have the backing of experienced and knowledgeable leaders in the field and in science to support me. Talk to me direct, ask any question you desire, or enter into a proper, mediated and organised conversation where all sides are properly represented and evidence presented. But do not snipe away in social media where the potential for mis-characterisation of a complex issue is a high risk. I will not say anything about any trainers in a public forum because I respect their right to conduct themselves within the confines of the law, as they know best.

However, I suggest that attacking small business via a social media post, which increases the likelihood that people may be mislead and reputations damaged, is probably not the correct forum to have any debate. I absolutely encourage anyone to have any opinion, but also be aware that we live in a democratic society which balances people’s right to opinion with checks and balances on damage to reputation and the truth itself.

I for one am grateful that we don’t live in a society which prescribes only one view, one method, or one opinion, and that I am allowed to disagree with people or dogs in a healthy and respectful manner. And I am grateful I live in a society where opinions that have impact or damage to reputation, can also be addressed through a legal system that balances these competing interests.

Wini Harrison8:27 am 21 May 22

Tally Wags Dog Trainer is amazing I can highly recommend. Thank me later ?

Mikayla Parker11:56 pm 20 May 22

All Round Good Hounds is the best dog trainer I have come across! I have been to multiple trainers around Canberra and they stand out by far! They take the time to get to know you and your dog and are so incredibly passionate! They are extremely knowledgeable. They pick up on behaviours I wouldn’t never have realised. You get so much out of there classes and are competitively priced. Great classes and easy to contact and book in.

i taught my labra and a bull dog from youtube . lol :p
worked for me teaching them basics

I work for a business called A.B.C.D.O.G, and run one-on-one training sessions. Having worked in an animal shelter for a fair while I have a lot of experience with working breeds (plus I’m a Kelpie owner) If you’re interested have a look at our website abcdog.biz

When we got our puppy in March, I tried to reach out to the Belconnen dogs club and despite multiple attempts received no replies. Instead we went to http://www.paws2play.com.au in Macgregor with great results. Cannot recommend Geraldine enough.

taninaus said :

The specialist companies are good for one off or time limited training and will certainly give you tips on managing your pooch. However (unless you have the financial means) they do not provide socialisation and ongoing activities.

there are 4 Dog Obedience clubs in Canberra that offer a range of activities including obedience, agiligy, flyball, dancing with dogs, rally-o and lots more. membership to the clubs is quite affordable with an annual fee somewhere around $200 to access an activity for a year. the training is in group situations and if you go regularly the dogs and owners develop connections. Kelpies and other energetic breeds are certainly a breed that is prominant at the clubs. contact details are available on the Dogs ACT website at the bottom of this page: http://dogsact.org.au/Club_lists.htm

She is fairly social already, it might be worth looking ito the different activities. Thanks for the info 🙂

Mess said :

We have two Kelpies and older one and a puppy. We use a company called Naughty Dog. He helped us out with some issues we had with the older one, and our puppy is currently attending his puppy school. Highly recommended!

Thanks for the advice I will look them up 🙂

The specialist companies are good for one off or time limited training and will certainly give you tips on managing your pooch. However (unless you have the financial means) they do not provide socialisation and ongoing activities.

there are 4 Dog Obedience clubs in Canberra that offer a range of activities including obedience, agiligy, flyball, dancing with dogs, rally-o and lots more. membership to the clubs is quite affordable with an annual fee somewhere around $200 to access an activity for a year. the training is in group situations and if you go regularly the dogs and owners develop connections. Kelpies and other energetic breeds are certainly a breed that is prominant at the clubs. contact details are available on the Dogs ACT website at the bottom of this page: http://dogsact.org.au/Club_lists.htm

We have two Kelpies and older one and a puppy. We use a company called Naughty Dog. He helped us out with some issues we had with the older one, and our puppy is currently attending his puppy school. Highly recommended!

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.