How to choose a puppy school or dog trainer in Australia
Updated 2026-10-16. General information, not veterinary advice.
Ask your vet. This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Your vet can discuss your dog’s health and behaviour and may be able to point you toward qualified professionals. If your dog is aggressive, extremely fearful or in distress, speak to your vet first, since behaviour can have medical causes.
Choosing a trainer is one of the most important decisions you will make for your dog. In Australia, it also takes a little homework, because the industry is not tightly regulated.
The industry is unregulated
At the time of writing, there is no single national licence or compulsory qualification required to run puppy classes or to call yourself a dog trainer or behaviourist in Australia. Some trainers hold formal qualifications, belong to professional associations, or complete ongoing education, and some do not. Membership of a group or a certificate may be a useful sign, but you still need to check what it means and whether the person applies it in practice.
We do not name, rank or endorse any trainer or business. Our training directory lists organisations for information only, and you should do your own checks.
Puppy school versus trainer
- Puppy school usually means group classes for young puppies, covering socialisation, basic manners and owner education. Look for small classes, age-appropriate play and a calm environment.
- Group dog classes suit older puppies and adults who are comfortable around other dogs.
- Private or in-home training is useful for specific problems, such as reactivity, separation issues or shy dogs.
- Veterinary behaviourists are vets with extra training in behaviour. They can diagnose medical contributions and prescribe medication where appropriate.
Questions to ask
Ask these in an email, phone call or first chat. A good trainer will be glad you asked:
- What training methods do you use? Can you describe a typical session?
- What happens if a dog gets it wrong? What if a dog is scared?
- What equipment do you use and which do you not allow?
- What qualifications, experience and ongoing learning do you have? What do they cover?
- How many puppies or dogs are in a class, and how is it supervised?
- What vaccinations do you require for puppies, and how do you manage health risks? Check this against your vet’s advice.
- Can I watch a class before enrolling?
- How do you handle shy, fearful or boisterous dogs?
- What are your fees, cancellation and refund policies?
- Do you have insurance?
- Will you work with my vet if needed?
Why many owners prefer positive reinforcement
Positive-reinforcement (reward-based) training teaches dogs by rewarding behaviour you like, using treats, toys, play and praise, while managing the environment to prevent mistakes. Many vets and behaviour professionals prefer this approach because it is clear for dogs and tends to protect your relationship with them. You can ask your vet what they recommend and why.
Look for trainers who:
- Explain what they will teach your dog to do, not just what to stop.
- Use food, toys and praise generously.
- Break skills into small steps.
- Take time to read dog body language.
- Adjust the plan for your dog, instead of using one method on every dog.
- Are honest about what training can and cannot do, and refer on when needed.
Red flags
Think twice about any trainer who:
- Uses or recommends choke chains, prong or pinch collars, electric shock collars, spray bottles, or “e-collars” as a first option. Aversive tools can cause pain, fear and stress, and rules on aversive equipment vary between states and territories. Check with your state or territory’s animal welfare agency or the RSPCA.
- Talks about “dominance”, “being the pack leader” or “showing the dog who’s boss”.
- Physically corrects, pins, hits, kicks, shouts at or intimidates dogs.
- Guarantees results or promises a “fix” in one session.
- Refuses to let you watch, or gets defensive when questioned.
- Pushes you to buy expensive equipment or long packages up front.
- Uses flooding, forcing frightened dogs to face their fears.
- Tells you to ignore medical issues or advises against seeing a vet.
- Makes you feel judged or ashamed.
You know your dog best. If you feel uneasy, or your dog is more stressed after class, trust that and leave.
Make the most of it
- Visit first without your dog if possible.
- Check puppy health requirements with your vet and keep vaccination records handy. Our vet visit guide covers what to bring.
- Bring tasty treats and a mat. Practise a mat routine at home.
- Practise between classes, little and often.
- Speak up if your dog is overwhelmed. You can step out of an activity at any time.
Good training also supports the skills in our guides on socialisation, loose-lead walking and reliable recall.
FAQs
Do dog trainers need a licence in Australia?
There is no single national licence that a person must hold to call themselves a dog trainer. Anyone can offer classes, so it is worth checking methods and experience yourself.
Should I choose a puppy school or private lessons?
Both can work. Group classes offer supervised social experiences and practical skills, while private sessions suit specific problems or dogs who find groups hard. Your vet can help you decide.
Is it okay to watch a class before joining?
A good trainer should be happy for you to observe or at least explain exactly how classes run. If you are refused with no good reason, treat that as a warning sign.
What if my trainer uses methods I'm uncomfortable with?
You can stop at any time. You are entitled to say no to any technique, leave a class and ask for a refund policy to be explained. Speak to your vet if you are unsure.