Each class draws on a flexible curriculum covering socialisation, communication, confidence and useful everyday skills. Rather than following the same four lessons in a set order, I adapt activities to the puppies attending.

Every class offers something worthwhile on its own. If you're coming regularly, I'll build on what we've practised together, introducing new challenges and helping you develop your skills as your puppy grows.

There's structure behind the scenes, just without the rigid timetable!

As many as you like! I recommend at least four to make the most of your learning, but you're welcome to book one, six or anything in between.

Choose the dates that suit you. Classes don't need to be consecutive, and your puppy simply needs to be aged 8–16 weeks on each date you attend.

Not necessarily! Veterinary guidance recognises that early socialisation is important, and that waiting until puppies have completed their entire vaccination course can mean missing valuable early learning opportunities.

The Australian Veterinary Association supports carefully managed puppy classes during this period, provided appropriate precautions are taken.

Puppy Club takes place in a private training space that's thoroughly cleaned and only used by healthy, appropriately vaccinated dogs. Puppies must have received their first core C3 vaccination at least seven days before attending and remain on their vet-recommended vaccination schedule.

No shared environment is entirely risk-free, so please speak with your vet if you're unsure about your puppy's individual health or vaccination status.

Good socialisation isn't about making puppies play together or pushing them into situations they find frightening.

I'll adapt activities to the puppies attending, with opportunities to observe, explore and take breaks. Sometimes the best learning happens at a comfortable distance.

Possibly! But puppy play isn't the main purpose of Puppy Club.

Depending on the puppies attending, there may be opportunities for carefully managed interaction. Equally valuable is learning to feel comfortable around other dogs without needing to greet or play with them.

I'll make decisions based on the individual puppies rather than expecting everyone to mingle.

Absolutely! I love seeing families learn together, and children can play an important part in raising a puppy.

Bookings generally allow two handlers per puppy. Children who are comfortable participating in a focused learning environment are very welcome, but there will be times when we need to listen, concentrate and give puppies space.

If you're unsure whether the environment will suit your child, particularly a younger one, please get in touch so we can talk it through.

I use positive reinforcement, helping puppies learn through rewards, encouragement and experiences that make sense to them. No intimidation, physical corrections or aversive equipment such as choke, prong or shock collars.

My approach is grounded in behaviour science, with a strong focus on understanding each puppy's individual needs, emotional wellbeing and natural behaviour. It's about teaching useful skills while building trust, communication and cooperation along the way.

Please choose your dates carefully, particularly if you're booking several classes together.

All classes must take place while your puppy is aged 8–16 weeks. Missed sessions and unused bookings aren't refundable, and any changes are subject to my booking terms.

If your puppy is unwell, please keep them home and get in touch as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Of course! Puppy Club is specifically designed for puppies aged 8–16 weeks, but private puppy coaching is available until six months of age.

If your dog is older than six months, take a look at my Dog Training and Behaviour page for individual support.

Please do! In fact, it's a brilliant time to start.

We can prepare your home, talk through sleeping arrangements, toileting, socialisation, routines and those first few days together, so you feel ready before your puppy arrives.

You can book a single preparation session or choose the Puppyhood Package, using your first appointment before your puppy comes home and the remaining three afterwards.

A single session is ideal if you have specific questions, want to prepare for your puppy's arrival or need help with a particular challenge.

The Puppyhood Package gives us four appointments to work together as your puppy develops. We can tackle different challenges, build on your progress and adapt our approach as new situations arise.

Package sessions must be completed within three months of purchase.

Absolutely! Some of the most useful socialisation happens in everyday environments, not puppy classes.

We can work at home, explore your neighbourhood or visit suitable local places to help your puppy learn about the world at their own pace.

Private coaching gives us the flexibility to focus on the experiences that matter most to you and your puppy.

Yes! Many puppy challenges are best addressed at home, where your routines, environment and everyday interactions shape what's happening.

Online coaching lets me see your setup, guide you through exercises and help you make practical changes without the added excitement of a visitor. It's also a convenient option for families outside my in-person service area.

Definitely! The two complement each other beautifully.

You might start with a private session to work through your puppy's individual needs, then join Puppy Club for supported learning alongside other puppies.

Or we might decide that some individual coaching is the best starting point before introducing a group environment. There's no prescribed pathway, and you're welcome to mix and match.

I'm based in Malmsbury, Victoria, and offer in-person puppy coaching throughout the Macedon Ranges and Goldfields, including Kyneton, Woodend, Gisborne, Daylesford, Castlemaine, Trentham and surrounding towns.

Puppy Club takes place in Fryerstown, a small town just outside Castlemaine, at a private training venue.

Outside my local area? No problem! Private puppy coaching is also available online, wherever you live.