New Puppy Training Course - Book Now!

Dates for Jan-Mar 2025

Start Date 4th Feb - FULLY BOOKED

Start Date - 18th Mar - OPEN for Enrolment

These highly sought-after courses fill up quickly, so we encourage you to book your spot early to avoid disappointment. Give your puppy the best start with expert guidance and supporting training in a fun environment.

Reserve your spot today

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Puppy Classes

Join Our Comprehensive Puppy Training Classes: A Great Start for Your Pup!

Help your puppy grow into a well-adjusted and happy companion by joining our 6-week group puppy classes. Designed to focus on early socialisation and essential training, these classes are suitable for puppies as young as 16 weeks old upto 12 months of age, provided they are fully vaccinated.

For Puppies Under 16 Weeks or Those Needing Extra Preparation

If your puppy is younger than 16 weeks or you’d like additional guidance before starting group classes, consider our Puppy Pre-School Classes. These specialised sessions help you and your puppy build foundational skills, such as focusing amidst distractions and developing key behaviours in a calm and structured environment.

Our Training Approach

We emphasise positive reinforcement and reward-based training, creating a fun and engaging experience for both you and your puppy. Our methods are designed to foster a strong bond between you and your pet while encouraging lifelong learning.

Small Class Sizes for Individualised Attention

To ensure that every participant receives personalised support, we intentionally keep our class sizes small. This allows us to give each puppy and owner the attention they deserve for a more effective training experience. Because of this, our classes tend to fill up quickly, so we encourage you to contact us early to check availability.

Start your puppy’s training journey on the right paw! Reach out today to secure your spot and give your puppy the best possible start.

What You’ll Receive in the Course:

Comprehensive Puppy Training Program which covers all the basic fundamentals of puppy training to ensure a strong foundation for your pup.

Free Dog Training Diary - A handy tool to track your puppy’s progress and milestones throughout the training.

Free Dog Training Clicker - Receive a complimentary dog training clicker to support your puppy’s learning experience.

Access to Extensive and Exclusive Online Resources - Comprehensive hints, tips, videos and guides are available online to support and enhance your training journey every step of the way.

Certificate of Completion - Celebrate your achievement with a certificate once your puppy becomes a proud graduate!

Course Details:

Duration: 6-week evening classes held at Drummindoo Stud in Westport.

Advance booking is required to secure your place as our puppy courses tend to get booked very quickly.

Pre-requisite: Full Vaccination Required

All puppies must be fully vaccinated before attending our training sessions to ensure their safety and the well-being of others.

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Curriculum Details

puppy tugging with blue and white tuggy toy on green grass

Picture of dog training diary created by paws academy

Picture of dog training diary created by paws academy - front cover

Puppy Pre-School

Puppy Pre-School: A Perfect Start for New Puppy Owners and Rescue Puppies

We highly recommend our Puppy Pre-School program for first-time dog owners or those who have recently welcomed a rescue puppy into their home. Individual sessions provide the ideal foundation before transitioning to group training, ensuring a tailored approach to your puppy’s early learning needs.

Why Start Early?

Young puppies are like sponges, absorbing information rapidly during their early months. Early training helps set the stage for lifelong success, but it’s important to balance learning with fun to ensure your puppy remains engaged and enthusiastic. Positive experiences during training strengthen the bond between you and your dog, creating the foundation for a rewarding relationship.

Our Training Philosophy

We use positive, reward-based training methods to make learning enjoyable for both you and your puppy. Our focus is on teaching fundamental life skills that will help your puppy grow into a happy, well-behaved companion in any situation.

What You’ll Receive in the Course:

A comprehensive Puppy Pre-School program covering the basics of puppy training.

A free Puppy Diary e-book to track your puppy’s progress.

Detailed e-book handouts after each session, summarising what was covered along with tips for practicing at home.

Course Details:

Duration: 4-week course which is booked individually

Advance booking is required for each session. While we recommend consecutive weekly sessions for continuity, we understand that schedules may vary.

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cute puppy sitting on grass wearing a harness with blue eyes

Puppy Classes FAQ

Everything You Need to Know Before You Begin

We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about our puppy classes to help you feel fully prepared. From what to bring to the first session to our training methods and location details, this FAQ is designed to make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help!

What do I need to bring for the first session?

For the first session, please bring the following:

Your puppy wearing a flat collar and a standard lead (no flexi or retractable leads, please).
Lots of small, easily breakable, and high-value treats that your puppy loves.
Your puppy’s favourite toy for motivation and play.
Poo bags for cleaning up after your puppy.
A water bowl and some water in case your puppy gets thirsty.

Does my puppy need to be fully vaccinated?

Yes, it is essential that your puppy is fully vaccinated before attending any classes. Please bring proof of vaccination to the first session. This is for the health and safety of all puppies participating.

What can I expect during the first puppy class?

In the first class, we will:

• Introduce you and your puppy to the training environment.

• Focus on building your puppy’s confidence and social skills.

• Start teaching basic cues.

• Provide guidance on handling and leash manners.

• Allow time for safe, supervised play to help puppies socialise in a positive way.

How do I get to Drummindoo Stud?

The six week puppy course is held at Drummindoo Stud, Westport. To get there:

• From Westport town center, take the Leenane Road (N59) heading north.

• After approximately 2 kilometers, you will see signs for Drummindoo Stud on the right-hand side.

• There is ample parking available on-site..

What age should my puppy be to join the classes?

Puppies can join as early as 8 weeks old, provided they have completed their full vaccination schedule. The ideal age for starting training is between 8 and 16 weeks, as this is a critical socialisation period.

How long does each session last?

Each session lasts approximately one hour. The course typically runs for 6 weeks, with one class per week.

What kind of training methods do you use?

We use positive reinforcement training methods, focusing on rewards and praise to encourage good behaviour. Our goal is to help you build a strong, trusting bond with your puppy.

Can other family members attend the classes?

Yes, we encourage all family members to attend the sessions. Consistency is key to training, and having everyone involved ensures your puppy gets the same guidance at home.

What should I wear to the classes?

Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for active participation. Classes are hands-on, and you may spend time sitting, kneeling, or moving around with your puppy.

What happens if I miss a session?

If you miss a session, let us know in advance, and we will provide guidance on what was covered. While we cannot guarantee a make-up class, we’ll do our best to help you catch up.

Will there be socialisation opportunities?

Yes, our classes include supervised socialisation time to help your puppy build confidence and learn appropriate interaction with other dogs in a safe environment.

What if my puppy struggles?

We understand that every puppy learns at their own pace. Our trainers will work with you to adapt the exercises and provide additional support if your puppy needs extra time or help.

For more information or specific questions, feel free to contact us

We’re here to make your puppy training journey enjoyable and successful!

Contact Us

New Puppy Training Course - Book Now!

Reserve your spot today

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Puppy Classes

Puppy Pre-School

Puppy Classes FAQ

For more information or specific questions, feel free to contact us

Contact Us