COURSE INFORMATION

Duration:  6 weeks, each session is 45-60 minutes

Location:   Western Suburbs, Perth – see specific course for location

Price:          $220 (inc GST)

What to Bring:

• Collar or harness
• Lead
• Drinking water
• Treats

Course Requirements:

• Your dog must be 6 months or older, or have completed the Puppy Preschool and Puppy Management classes at Swanbourne Veterinary Centre
• Your dog must be up to date with vaccinations

Please note:  In the event of wet weather, the clinic will contact you at least one hour prior to the class start time to advise if the class is not going ahead. Postponed classes will be added on to the end of the original 6 week period.

COURSE OUTLINE

The six week course concentrates on dog communication and building on the bond you already have started with your dog.   The course is designed to be progressive, each week a building block for the next session so your commitment to attend each session will maximise your results. Week 1 and 2 are essential to attend for those that haven’t completed puppy school through Swanbourne Veterinary Centre.  Commitment to practising at home is essential also.  A few minutes can make all the difference!

Week 1: Introduction to Basic Commands
Kick off with an introductory session covering effective communication and training methods. We’ll teach essential commands like sit, look, and the basics of recall, exploring how these behaviours naturally occur in the wild. We’ll also cover stay from the dog’s perspective, down/drop, and introduce touch with practical real-world applications.

Week 2: Strengthening the Bond and Learning Heel
We will review and build upon the commands learned in Week 1, focusing on deepening the bond between you and your dog. We’ll introduce the fundamentals of heel, highlighting its importance for both you and your dog. The session will also cover leave it, an essential command for safety and impulse control in everyday situations.

Week 3: Distraction Training and Enhanced Recall
We’ll review Weeks 1 and 2 before moving on to group distraction exercises while practicing heel. This session emphasises adjusting speed and direction, helping your dog respond more dynamically. We will also advance recall training by incorporating natural behaviours, using dog-to-dog interactions to strengthen recall even when there are distractions.

Week 4: Advanced Heel, Stay, and Recall Work
This week, we will continue refining heel by introducing variations in speed, direction, and environmental distractions. We’ll also enhance the stay command, building your dog’s patience and focus. Recall practice will be expanded with fun group activities to keep learning engaging and interactive.

Week 5: Proofing Commands with Challenging Exercises
As we progress, the exercises will become more challenging to test and “proof” the commands learned so far. We’ll introduce advanced variations of previous exercises tailored to the group’s skill level, further solidifying your dog’s responsiveness and connection with you.

Week 6: Final Revision, Fun Activities, and Graduation
The final week is dedicated to reviewing all skills and practicing with engaging group activities that focus on speed, direction, and teamwork. We’ll wrap up the course with a fun graduation ceremony, complete with a photo session to celebrate your progress!

OBEDIENCE CLASS LOCATIONS

David Cruickshank Reserve, Dalkeith

College Park, Nedlands

Lake Claremont Reserve, Mount Claremont  (Corner Alfred Road and Davies Road)
Parking available at the end of Lakeway Street

Allen Park (Lower Oval), Swanbourne