Dog training

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Obedience training is one of the most important aspects of owning a dog. It is important to remember that, along with daily exercise, dogs need discipline and mental stimulation. Training your dog can provide this.

Council recommends that positive reinforcement, force-free training or a reward based training method is used when training your dog.

Benefits of training

Dogs that are untrained and poorly socialised often display nuisance behaviours such as barking, escaping, chewing, digging and jumping up on people. Research shows that dog training can reduce these unwanted behaviours.
Dogs attending group training classes are more likely to be well socialised and behave better around people and other dogs.
Dog training provides mental stimulation for your dog which helps prevent boredom.
Dog training provides exercise and health benefits to both the dog and the trainer/owner.
A trained dog is more likely to be well behaved around visitors to the home, during visits to the vet and during other social activities.
A well trained dog requires fewer restrictions and is more reliable to provide freedom to. Therefore, he/she is a happier dog.
Dog training in public places provides learning of commands amidst other ‘real life' distractions such as other animals, toys, vehicles, pedestrians, bikes and people. These distractions often occur when we need our dogs to listen and obey commands the most! Therefore training in this environment can be very beneficial.
A well trained dog benefits everyone - the dog, the owner and the community.
Training should be integrated into everyday activities with your dog.

Dog training contacts

For specialised training and advice you may also contact your local veterinarian for further information regarding a referral to an animal behaviour specialist.

Pet Behaviour Vet

Specialised training and advice from veterinary behaviourists, using only the most up-to-date, scientifically proven, gentle and positive methods to train and treat patients.

Pet Professional Guild Australia

A membership organisation representing pet industry professionals who are committed to science-based, force-free training and pet care. The PPG website offers a wide range of educational resources for the public.

Delta Institute Australia

A national not-for-profit organisation which maintains a list of accredited dog trainers on their website.

Fear Free Certified Professionals

Search for local Fear Free Certified Professionals -veterinary or pet professionals who know how to handle fearful or anxious pets, and consider your pet's physical health and emotional wellbeing.

Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)

A forum for trainers and others involved with dogs to communicate and exchange ideas regarding pet dog training and behaviour. A list of trainers is maintained on their website.

Local dog training clubs

Leichhardt Dog Training Club

Hawthorne Canal Reserve, Leichhardt – phone 0410 860 093
ldtc.com.au

A friendly and fun dog obedience club
A range of ability-level classes held on Sunday mornings
Positive reinforcement and reward-based training techniques.

St George Dog Training Club

Cahill Park, Princes Highway, Tempe - phone 9382 2645 9382 2645
stgeorgedogtrainingclub.com

Obedience training on Sunday mornings at 8:15am for puppies and adult dogs

Eastern Suburbs Dog Training Club

Centennial Park, Eastern Suburbs – phone 0412 645 154
easternsuburbsdogtraining.org.au

Obedience training on most Sunday mornings for puppies and adult dogs.
Musgrave Pond area, Centennial Park, corner of York and Darley Streets
Please visit their website for training dates and further information.

Veterinary Behaviour Specialists

Dr Joanna McLachlan BVSc (Hons) MANZCVS (Veterinary Behaviour), PgCert.
VetConsMed
Pet Behaviour Vet Sydney and Northern Illawarra (NSW)
Phone: 8599 0859
Email: admin@petbehaviourvet.com.au
Website: www.petbehaviourvet.com.au

Dr Heather Chee BVSc MANCVS (Veterinary Behaviour)
Vet Behaviour Team SYDNEY & NEWCASTLE
Mobile: 0432 881 174
Email: vetbehaviourteam@gmail.com
Website: www.vetbehaviourteam.com

Dr Amanda Cole BVSc MACVSc (Veterinary Behaviour)
Vet Behaviour Team SYDNEY & NEWCASTLE
Mobile: 0432 881 174
Email: vetbehaviourteam@gmail.com
Website: www.vetbehaviourteam.com

Dr Andrew O'Shea BVSc MANZCVS (Veterinary Behaviour)
Sydney Animal Behaviour Service
55 Ethel Street SEAFORTH NSW 2092
Phone: (02) 9949 8511
Fax: (02) 9949 6364
Email: sabs@sabs.com.au
Website: www.sabs.com.au

AND

Operating in the South Western Sydney area - Narellan

Camden Valley Animal Hospitals
Shop 2, Narellan Supacentre
Narellan Road
NARELLAN NSW 2567
Phone: (02) 4647 6199
Mobile: 0448 889 910
Email: BetterBehavedPets@gmail.com

AND

University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Sydney
65 Parramatta Road
CAMPERDOWN NSW 2050
Phone: (02) 9351 3437
Mobile: 0448 889 910
Email: BetterBehavedPets@gmail.com

Dr Kersti Seksel BVSc (Hons) MRCVS MA (Hons FAVSc DACVB DECAWBM)
Sydney Animal Behaviour Service
55 Ethel Street
SEAFORTH NSW 2092
Phone: (02) 9949 8511
Fax: (02) 9949 6364
Email: sabs@sabs.com.au
Website: www.sabs.com.au

Dr Judith Randall BVSc, MRCVS, MACVSc (Animal Behaviour)
PO Box 561
HABERFIELD NSW 2045
Phone: (02) 9705 7233

Dr Louise Rourke BVSc (Hons) MACVSc (Animal Behaviour)
Wingham and Valley Vets
82 Combined Street
WINGHAM NSW 2429
Phone: (02) 6557 0000
Fax: (02) 6557 0393
Email: valets5@bigpond.com
Website: www.winghamandvalleyvets.com.au