Welcome to Paws Academy – You’ve booked your session, and now the fun begins! We know that starting dog training—whether it’s for a new puppy, agility, or behaviour support—can feel a little overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’ve got you.
At Paws Academy, we’re all about training that clicks—helping you and your dog learn together in a way that makes sense, is practical, and most importantly, works.
We’re excited to meet you and your dog, and we’ll make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know before your first session.
What to Bring
To make the most of your session, please bring:
✅ A standard lead (no retractable ones, please) no more than a metre in length (especially for larger dogs)
✅ Your dog’s favourite treats – something extra tasty! Treats that can crumble easily work really well :)
✅ A toy your dog loves
✅ A water bowl and some water
✅ Waste bags (more on that below)
💡 Important: We don’t have disposal bins for dog waste, so please take it home with you. Keeping our training venues clean is really important, especially at Westport, and we want to continue using it for training.
Payment Details
If you haven’t paid in full when booking, please bring cash to settle up before your session starts. This keeps things running smoothly so we can focus on what really matters—helping you and your dog. :)
Session-Specific Info
Puppy Classes
Your first class is a big step for both you and your pup, so we ask that you arrive 15 minutes early. This gives us time to check you in and hand out your free training pack and clicker.
All of our puppy classes are accompanied by supporting online materials. These are in our members only area and are free of charge to anyone who is attending our 6-week puppy course. You will need to be a "Paws Member" to be able to access the course via our Online Course section on the website. For guidance on how to become a member and access your course, please visit this link.
Workshops
Workshops are hands-on and practical, so to get the most out of them, please come 15 minutes early to get settled and collect any materials you’ll need.
All of our workshops (apart from agility, although this is coming soon) are accompanied by supporting online materials. These are in our members only area and are free of charge to anyone who is attending our workshops. You will need to be a "Paws Member" to be able to access the course via our Online Course section on the website. For guidance on how to become a member and access your course, please visit this link.
Regular Lessons (Including Agility)
If your session follows a puppy class or workshop, please wait for the previous dogs to leave before entering. This helps keep everything calm and organised.
All of our lessons (apart from agility, although this is coming soon) are accompanied by supporting online materials. These are in our members only area and are free of charge to anyone who is attending our workshops. You will need to be a "Paws Member" to be able to access the course via our Online Course section on the website. For guidance on how to become a member and access your course, please visit this link.
Behavioural Consultations (90 Minutes)
If your consultation is right after another session, please wait for the previous dogs to leave before heading in. We want to make sure the space is stress-free for every dog. You can find out more about our behavioural consultations here.
Post all of our behavioural consultations (90 min sessions) we will type up the report and this will be added to a private members area unique to each person that has attended a behaviorial consultation. This is a private area to that client, so this cannot be viewed by any other members. This will include the behavioural report and any training exercises or flip-books to support you at home if required. You will need to be a "Paws Member" to be able to access the material via our Online Course section on the website. For guidance on how to become a member and access your course, please visit this link.
A Quick Heads-Up!
We may be working with dogs before your session, and some of them might be reactive. To keep everything safe and stress-free, please don’t come into the arena until the previous session has completed.
How to Find Us
Both locations are found on google maps :)
📍 Drummindoo Stud, Westport
Knockranny, Westport, Co. Mayo, F28 PC44
Additional Information:
There is plenty of parking at Drummindoo Stud.
We teach in the indoor arena & whilst it is indoors, it can still get cold in the winter, so please wrap up warm.
If you go through the black doors and then head to your left (just before the stables) this will take you into the arena.
📍 Paws Academy, Ballycroy
Aughness South, Ballycroy, Co. Mayo, F28 YR65
Additional Information:
If coming to us at Ballycroy, please be aware that it will feel like you are driving into dead end down a single lane track - don't worry we are at the end of the road. We are the house with the white fencing. Parking is next to the trailer (behind the cabin) on the right hand side as you come up the drive.
All sessions (with the exception of the initial behavioural consultation) are outside, so please wrap up warm, and prepare for the Irish elements, as the weather is not always kind to us :)
Client Notice – Working Livery Yards
We kindly remind all clients visiting our locations in Ballycroy and Drummindoo Stud that both are active working livery yards. For the safety of everyone, including our horses, we respectfully ask that:
Horses in fields and stables are not touched.
If a horse is working in the arena, it is not disturbed.
Children and dogs are supervised at all times.
Clients do not approach, touch, or walk behind any horse, as young horses in training may spook, kick, or bite.
Clients stay within designated training areas and do not wander around the livery yard, stables, or farmland for their own safety and to avoid disrupting daily operations.
Your cooperation ensures a safe and professional environment for all. Thank you for your understanding ;)
Welcome to Paws Academy - We Can’t Wait to Get Started!
Training should be fun, effective, and stress-free—for both you and your dog. We’re here to help you every step of the way, and we can’t wait to see you soon.
Got questions? Get in touch, and we’ll be happy to help.
.