What is force-free training?

Teaching dogs with kindness and rewards. We never use pain, fear or harsh tools to get a behaviour.

When should puppy training start?

From the day your puppy comes home. Early weeks shape the rest of their life, so do not wait.

How long until I see results?

Most owners see real change in two or three weeks of short, daily practice. Big habits take a bit longer.

Do you train older dogs?

Yes. Older dogs learn well too. We just adjust the pace and keep sessions short.

Class is a start. Real change comes from short daily practice at home, with the people the dog lives with.

Best Age to Start Puppy Training in Auckland

The Best Age to Start Training a Puppy in NZ

Begin basic training as soon as your puppy arrives at home (usually around 7-8 weeks old in New Zealand). At this stage you build habits more than obedience. Keep sessions short, positive, and focused on safety and calm life skills.

What to teach first (3-5 minutes, 2-3 times per day):

Name recognition and hand-target to gain attention
Sit, come, and a simple swap or leave (for safety)
Gentle handling and grooming comfort (paws, ears, collar)
Crate or pen comfort, plus toilet training
Calm alone-time practice to avoid separation stress

A simple first-eight-weeks-at-home plan:

Week 1-2: Play name games, hand-target, and sit. Introduce crate and a toilet routine.
Week 3-4: Try short recall games in the hallway. Teach swap or leave. Practice walking on a lead indoors.
Week 5-8: Train your puppy to settle on a mat. Work on door manners. Build calm alone time from one to several minutes.

The 3-16 Week Socialisation Window

Between three and sixteen weeks, your puppy forms lifelong opinions of the world. In Auckland you can introduce sights, sounds, surfaces, people, and other dogs in calm, controlled steps.

Safe socialisation before full vaccinations:

Carry your puppy in busy spots (Newmarket, Ponsonby, Britomart)
Invite fully vaccinated, friendly dogs for one-on-one meetups at home
Pick puppy pre-schools with clean spaces and force-free methods

Puppy Fear Periods: What to Expect

Puppies go through fear phases around 8-10 weeks and again near 6 months. A once-brave pup might suddenly spook at a wheelie bin, scooter, or flapping flag. Keep training light during fear phases. Give your puppy space and pair triggers with tasty treats.

Auckland Puppy Training Starter Checklist:

Home setup: Crate or pen, chew toys, food puzzles, non-slip mat
Daily plan: 2-3 short training sessions, 2-3 calm social exposures, regular naps
First skills: Name, hand-target, sit, come, swap/leave it, settle on mat
Socialisation: Pick 10 common Auckland sights/sounds and pair each with treats