A 6-week training course designed to help your unruly puppy mature into an obedient adolescent.

WHY CHOOSE US?

Ultra Supportive & User Friendly

Unlike a lot of courses, the direction and support you receive in this comprehensive Course is plentiful. You don't need any fancy computer skills or programs to complete the online component, just access to the internet. You'll be guided through each training exercise and education topic, including how to adequately socialise your puppy to a range of animals, people, objects, environments, and experiences to suit your lifestyle.

Qualified Veterinarian & Trainer

The Puppy Foundation Course has been designed by veterinarian and Delta-certified trainer, Dr Emma Vermeeren. Emma supports and supervises your Instructor, and has over 10 years experience in teaching puppy training classes. Rest assured you will be learning the most humane, up-to-date, and scientifically proven dog training methods.

Perfect Learning Environment

The perfect environment in which to start training a puppy is one where it is relaxed and with minimal distractions. There is no better place (for you or your puppy) than the comfort of your own home! This Course combines online learning with in-person practical classes so you can set your puppy up for success in its learning environment.

ABOUT
ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR COACHING

Animal Behaviour Coaching was founded in 2016 by veterinarian and trainer, Dr Emma Vermeeren. Emma is passionate about educating pet owners, ensuring that everyone has ready access to the most humane, up-to-date, and scientifically proven training methods. Emma has designed this comprehensive course to stand alone as the only training and education resource you will need, setting you and your puppy up for a lifetime of happiness together. Emma also has experience and further education in treating dogs with behavioural and emotional disorders, so is fully equipped to help you identify and curb problem behaviours before they escalate. Rest assured, Animal Behaviour Coaching will ensure you start your puppy off on the right paw.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Self-paced Modules, Practical Classes, Live Online Sessions

 Self-directed online modules allow you to complete this Course anywhere, anytime. Play, pause, rewind and fast-forward to move at your own pace. Training goals are set each week for you to work through prior to each practical class. Live online sessions are conducted weekly via Zoom by Dr Emma so you can ask those trickier questions as they arise.

Receive Individual Advice via the Support Network

Owning a puppy can be tough at times. Although puppies bring a lot of joy, they can also bring many challenges and great frustration. The closed Facebook group connects you to a supportive network of like-minded puppy owners. In addition, Discussion Boards in each module allows you to ask questions as they arise, to which individual feedback and advice by Dr Emma will be given.

Family-Friendly Reward-Based Training

Animal Behaviour Coaching uses force-free training techniques, namely positive reinforcement to reward desired behaviours. The use of a clicker (or bridge word such as "yes") is encouraged to communicate clearly with your puppy. The training techniques and concepts are easy to understand and implement, making them suitable for the whole family! With reward-based training, there is no risk to you or your puppy if you happen to get it wrong.

Build A Strong Foundation

Teach your puppy the foundation behaviours that will serve you well throughout your lives. This Course not only teaches the basics, but also provides instruction on how to advance each behaviour as your pup matures. If you are having issues outside of what is covered in the Course, or require additional information to what is covered in the self-paced modules or practical classes, be sure to contact Dr Emma for help. She loves all things behaviour and training related, particularly if it's a challenge!

WHAT OUR
STUDENTS SAY

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

 The Puppy Foundation Course has been designed to be completed over 6 weeks, with approximately 1.5 hours of contact time a week spread between self-paced modules, in-clinic practical classes, live online sessions, and Facebook and/or Zoom discussions. The Course teaches the following:
Puppy Skills
  • Name Game
  • Look
  • Leave it
  • Sit
  • Polite greetings - dogs and people
  • Drop/lay down
  • Settle on mat
  • Loose lead walking
  • Come when called
  • Accept collar being held to attach lead
  • Tolerate gentle handling and restraint
  • Wait or short stay
Owner Education
  • Health and husbandry
  • Understanding normal behaviours
  • Positive reinforcement training
  • Toilet training
  • Creating a relaxation area and crate training
  • Alone time
  • Mouthing, chewing, jumping up, digging
  • Body language
  • Socialisation and life experiences
  • Guidance and guardianship
  • Environmental optimisation and enrichment
  • Handling and grooming
  • Co-operative care
Vaccination
Please ensure that your puppy is up to date with its C5 vaccination, and has had at least one vaccination, as this is a requirement of attendance. The puppy course of vaccinations consists of 2-3 vaccinations roughly 4 weeks apart. If you are unsure of your puppy’s vaccination status, or if your puppy has not received any vaccinations yet, please contact your veterinarian. Proof of vaccination will be required at the time of enrolment.
Proper puppy training and owner education helps prevent behavioural issues like vaccinations help prevent disease. Would you take the risk of having an unvaccinated puppy? No. Then don't risk your puppy's behavioural future by enrolling in the Puppy Foundation Course today.
Select your location to book, join the Facebook Group, and begin the self-paced modules whilst awaiting the practical classes!

FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS

What if my puppy already knows how to sit, drop, and come?

A Beginner Course for Dogs covers more than most other puppy training courses. The 6-week Course teaches you each behaviour from scratch whilst also providing information to advance your dog as it learns and matures. You will be taught how to perform each of these behaviours, plus many more, at a distance from your dog, for an extended duration, whilst there are distractions. Animal Behaviour Coaching strives for this Course to be a resource you can use to continue to train your dog throughout its life.

What if I have questions throughout the Course?

Although this is an online Course where you can complete modules at your own pace, you have unlimited access to ask questions of Dr Emma throughout the Course. Questions can be asked in a group setting via the closed Facebook group, Teachable discussion board, or weekly live Zoom sessions. Alternatively, you can contact Dr Emma privately through Messenger, email, or phone.

My puppy just turned 6 months old; is it too old to join the Course?

Although the Course is directed at puppies from 6 weeks to 6 months of age, most of the material is suitable for dogs of any age. You’ve got access to individual help and advice throughout the course so you can ask questions relevant to your pup’s age if required. Most of the material provides instruction on how to advance each behaviour.

I'm getting a new puppy soon; when should I start the Course?

Congratulations on your decision to get a puppy! You can book into the Course whenever you like. The first week is theory, and the second week goes through toilet training, creation of a relaxation area, and alone time plus a few simple training exercises. If you start now, you will have time to work through these modules to ensure you are 100% prepared for welcoming your new puppy into your home. This means you will be able to start training using the most up-to-date techniques the moment you first make contact with your new puppy.

What if I have already attended puppy training classes before?

Animal Behaviour Coaching has had many repeat clients with their second (or even third) puppies throughout the years. Like children, each puppy is different in their personality and the way in which they interact with their owner(s). You may have different issues this time around, your lifestyle may be different, or your training is just not getting you where you need to go. In addition, improvements are continually being made to the training techniques and education material provided throughout the Course. People keep coming back to the Puppy Foundation Course for the high quality advice and support they know they can trust.