RSPCA School for Pets offers group classes for puppies and dogs of all ages, as well as behaviour consultations for cats.
Level 1
Baby Puppy is a 4 week course for puppies aged 8-12 weeks
Senior Puppy is a 4 week course for puppies aged 13-16 weeks
Junior Foundation is a 6 week course for puppies aged 4-12 months
Foundation is a 6 week course for dogs aged 12 months and over
Level 2
Intermediate is a 6 week course for puppies and dogs who have completed a Puppy or Foundation course with RSPCA School for Pets or Petbarn
Level 3
Advanced Skills is a 6 week course for puppies and dogs who have completed the Intermediate course with RSPCA School for Pets
Specialist Courses
Reactive Rover is a 7 week course for dogs who display barking lunging behaviours on lead around other dogs
Puppy Online is a 4 week live online course for your puppy can learn to be calm and polite at home
Foundation Online is a 6 week live online course for your dog to learn from the comfort of your own home (Ideal for timid dogs as well as distance learners)
Private Training and Behaviour Consultations:
In-person training for dogs and puppies at our Wacol location
Online behaviour consultations for dogs
In-home behaviour consultations for dogs
RSPCA School for Pets promotes reward-based training, also known as positive reinforcement.
Reward-based training involves teaching your pet to offer desirable behaviours by giving them something that they like. It’s a scientifically proven method of teaching which does not require any force, fear, pain or intimidation to get results.
Giving your dog a reward such as food after they do something good means that they will be likely to repeat that good behaviour again and again.
A note about punishment
Where positive reinforcement refers to strengthening behaviours by giving your dog something that they like, positive punishment involves doing something to your dog that they don’t like. For example it’s quite common for owners to try and punish their dog for barking with collars such as electric shock collars.
Unfortunately studies show that animals struggle to understand what they’re being punished for. We often see dogs who associate the pain with the stimulus they were barking at such as a dog walking by the house, or even a child, rather than with the barking behaviour.
Punishment often results in other serious behaviour problems such as aggression, anxiety and fear. It can also sadly destroy your relationship with your pet.
Why our classes stand out from the rest
All RSPCA training curriculums are carefully developed to help strengthen the bond between pets and their guardians. Our trainers have extensive experience in building behaviours using trust and of course fun!
You can rest assured that when you enrol with RSPCA School for Pets your dog will have the best time while learning, which means they’ll love to offer the behaviours you like, again and again!
Yes! We have options for reactive dogs including one-on-one training sessions and a course specifically designed for Reactive Rovers!
If you're unsure which option would be best feel free to get in touch by calling 0436 345 739 or emailing [email protected]
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 trainer know.
If the schedule lines up you may be able to attend a class either at a different time, day or location before your next class.
Alternatively your trainer can let you know what you will miss and 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 consecutive sessions, we ask that you re-enrol to complete the program at another time. No refunds will be given for non-attendance.
We recommend that you train your dogs separately as dogs who know eachother well tend to become distracted by eachother. 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.
Baby and Senior Puppy Courses
All puppies will need to have had their very first vaccination before their first class. Classes are held indoors and the rooms are disinfected before each class. We ask that you carry your puppy from your car to the classroom.
Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced Courses
All dogs enrolled in a Foundation, Level 2 or Level 3 course must be fully vaccinated. You will be required to present a valid, current vaccination record before the first class commences.
Yes! We encourage all family members to attend and participate in classes as it will help them to be consistent with your dog or puppy at home.
Children will need to be able to sit quietly on chairs during the class to minimise distractions for the dogs. Trainers frequently ask children to participate in suitable exercises with their dogs, under adult supervision.
Equipment needs will be explained during your course orientation in the first week.
You will need a non-slip mat for your dog, a treat pouch or similar to put your treats in, a long-lasting chew, an appropriate flat collar and standard length lead (no extendable or chain leads allowed). A harness is optional and may be recommended and fitted by your trainer.
We understand that life gets in the way sometimes and that some situations can’t be helped. Refunds and transfers can be discussed but are dependant on individual circumstances and are subject to approval from RSPCA School for Pets management.
Once classes have been confirmed no refund can be given. While we try to be as accommodating as possible, we can’t always refund or transfer you so choose your class carefully.
Have a look at our available classes.
Class Information