COURSE INFORMATION
Duration
6 weeks (45–60 minute sessions)
Location
Lake Claremont Reserve – Mount Claremont
What to Bring
- Flat collar or comfortable harness (no correction collars, prong collars, e-collars, head haltis)
- Lead (no retractable leads)
- Drinking water for your dog
- High-value food rewards (if advised)
- Closed shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
Course Requirements
- Dogs must be 6 months of age or older, or have completed the Puppy Preschool and Puppy Management classes at Swanbourne Veterinary Centre.
- Dogs must be up to date with their vaccinations.
Wet Weather
Should severe weather prevent a class from going ahead, Swanbourne Veterinary Centre will contact you at least one hour before the scheduled start time. Any cancelled sessions will be added to the end of the course, ensuring you receive all six classes.
ABOUT THE COURSE
Our Canine Communication Foundation course is designed to help you better understand your dog’s behaviour, communication and emotional development while strengthening the relationship between you both.
Each week builds upon the last, giving you practical knowledge and everyday skills that can be applied well beyond the classroom. We encourage all participants to attend every session, as each class provides an important step in your dog’s ongoing development.
Just a few minutes of practice throughout the week can make a remarkable difference, helping both you and your dog continue to build confidence, communication and connection together.
Week 1 – Building the Foundation
Learn how dogs naturally communicate and begin developing the calm connection that forms the foundation of every successful relationship.
Week 2 – Working Together
Strengthen your communication while introducing relaxed lead walking and everyday skills that encourage your dog to stay connected with you.
Week 3 – Developing Social Skills
Explore healthy social interactions, helping your dog remain calm and confident around other dogs, people and everyday distractions.
Week 4 – Growing Confidence
Build your dog’s emotional resilience and develop practical strategies for navigating new environments with confidence.
Week 5 – Everyday Life
Apply everything you’ve learned to more challenging real-world situations, strengthening your relationship while helping your dog make thoughtful choices.
Week 6 – Bringing It All Together
Celebrate your progress as you consolidate the skills developed throughout the course and leave with the knowledge to continue supporting your dog’s lifelong development.
Why Our Classes Are Different
Our philosophy is based on understanding dogs rather than simply changing behaviour.
Instead of concentrating solely on teaching cues, we help you understand why your dog behaves the way they do. By learning about canine communication, emotional development and natural social behaviour, you’ll gain the confidence to guide your dog through everyday life in a way that feels clear, calm and meaningful.
Our goal is not perfection – it is to help you build a relationship that allows both you and your dog to enjoy life together.
Because when you understand your dog, everything else becomes easier.
COURSE LOCATION
Lake Claremont Reserve, Mount Claremont (Corner Alfred Road and Davies Road)
Parking available at the end of Lakeway Street and this is where we meet