Does your dog have "painted on" ears?
Ignoring your cues whenever you are out and about? We can help!
If you want support to:
You are in the right place.
Meet Laura McHugh – Head Dog Trainer
With over a decade of experience, Laura McHugh is a highly respected dog trainer known for her positive, force-free approach. A certified Canine Body Language Specialist, Laura has extensive expertise in canine behaviour, cognition, and aggression management, making her one of Auckland's most sought-after trainers.
Laura believes in the power of play and positive reinforcement. She uses science-backed, reward-based techniques to create a strong bond between dogs and their owners. Her games-based training methods make learning fun and effective, ensuring real, lasting behavioural change.
Laura delivers our in-house training across all five Pets In The City locations and is also available for one-on-one private sessions. Whether you're working on obedience, recall, impulse control, or behavioural challenges, Laura's compassionate and expert guidance will set you and your dog up for success.
Our Training Programmes
Want your dog trained whilst coming to Daycare? Our exclusive in-house programmes let dogs of all breeds and sizes be trained by our professional trainers — sessions run during daycare for consistency and convenience.
Puppy Development Programme
The best start for your pup! Build essential skills, good manners, and confidence through reward-based training.
Format: Five 30-min one-on-one sessions during daycare + one 60-min owner session. Weekly progress updates included.
Cool, Calm & Collected
Help your dog master impulse control and calm behaviour. Designed for excitable or mildly reactive dogs, this programme teaches self-control, appropriate responses, and relaxation techniques.
Format: Five 30-min one-on-one sessions during daycare + one 60-min owner session. Weekly progress updates included.
Wicked Walks
Say goodbye to pulling! Turn your dog into the perfect walking companion with six weeks focused on loose-leash walking — calm, controlled, and enjoyable walks for everyone.
Format: Five 30-min one-on-one sessions during daycare + one 60-min owner session. Weekly progress updates included.
Rocket Recall
Reliable recall, every time! Whether your pup is a recent graduate or simply needs focused training, this programme ensures they come running — no matter the distraction.
Format: Five 30-min one-on-one sessions during daycare + one 60-min owner session. Weekly progress updates included.
We can also tailor a training programme for your dog's specific needs. Contact our reception team to discuss.
Programme pricing is set by each centre — see your local centre's page or call the team for current prices.
Troublesome Teens: A Training Class for Adolescent Dogs
Is your teenage dog testing boundaries? Did they ace puppy training only to now ignore commands, pull on the leash, or run off at the park? You're not alone — adolescence is one of the most challenging stages in a dog's development, but with the right training, your dog can become a well-mannered companion.
Our four-week Troublesome Teens Class is designed for dogs six months and older, focusing on:
Led by Laura McHugh, this class uses positive reinforcement to make learning fun and effective.
Google Reviews
Real results from dogs and their owners
"Great training support for my little spoodle. He suddenly became anxious going into daycare after 3+ years. Some training sessions with Laura to boost his confidence and re-train his thought process has done wonders!"
Jamie Faull
with spoodle
"This training has been rewarding for both Blue and Mum and Dad. We've consistently seen an improvement and it has guided us how to keep the training ongoing with the weekly reporting tips. It doesn't take up much of our time yet it is easy to incorporate – and the bond we've developed with Blue through this process has been special."
Dee Styles
with Blue
"All staff at PITC are amazing and very friendly. We put Brody through the Puppy Development training courses and after two 6-week courses I noticed a real difference in his behaviour. The training was well worth it."
Tim
with Brody
How It Works
Choose a Programme
Select the training programme that matches your dog's age and goals, and book daycare.
Weekly Updates
Receive weekly progress updates and homework to reinforce training at home throughout the programme.
Owner Session
Finish with a 1-hour owner session to consolidate progress, receive personalised training tips, and learn the techniques.
Why Choose Our Dog Training Services?
We love helping you to feel the joy of having a well-mannered pet that wants to listen to you, responds to you in the right way, and trusts you implicitly.
Positive Reinforcement
All training is based on positive, rewards-based reinforcement techniques to create a bond of trust.
Exclusive Programmes
Exclusive in-house dog training programmes, so your dog can be trained during their stay with us.
Experienced Trainers
Highly experienced trainers with qualifications including canine behaviour and canine training.
Outstanding Leadership
Our Head Dog Trainer is one of the most experienced in New Zealand — we know our stuff when it comes to training!
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our training programmes.
Five Convenient Locations Across Auckland
Our in-house dog training programmes are extremely popular — please book early to avoid disappointment.
Parnell (Central Bark)
(09) 302 2002centralbark@petsinthecity.co.nz99 Saint Georges Bay Road, Parnell, Auckland