Why do you specialise in in-home training?
Home is the best place to learn new behaviours. It’s familiar, relatively free of distractions and lets us tailor the training to you, your dog and your everyday life. With our Foundation Package, if your dog is ready, the second session can move to a quiet park to practise those new skills around real-life distractions.
What age should we start training?
As soon as your puppy is home, settled in and eating well. Book our Foundation Package before your puppy arrives and we’re happy to have a chat and send you information to help you prepare for those important first few days.
How many sessions will I need?
For most dogs, we recommend two. That’s why we developed our Foundation Package: two one-hour sessions a few weeks apart, with time in between for you to practise and see what’s working. If you have one specific issue to address, or simply want an assessment of your dog, a single session may be all you need.
When do you train?
We train seven days a week, by appointment, with daytime and some early evening sessions available. When you contact us, let us know which days and times generally suit you and we’ll send you some options.
What training issues can you help with?
Almost everything. We work with all sorts of dogs, from puppies and teenagers through to older dogs needing help with basic training, manners or behavioural issues. The main exception is serious aggression. If your dog poses a significant bite risk, we’ll generally recommend a veterinary behaviour specialist.
How should I prepare for my session?
We’ll email you full pre-session information a few days beforehand. The basics? Have your dog rested, a little hungry and ready to have fun. Have plenty of good treats on hand, plus a list of the things at the top of your training wish list.
Can my family be there?
Yes. We like to involve the whole family and, wherever possible, include children in some fun relationship-building games. We do cover a lot in a short time, though. If young children are likely to need much of your attention, it’s worth having a Plan B for most of the session so you can concentrate and get the most from it.
Can I train two dogs during the session?
Yes. If we’re working through the exercises with both dogs, we usually allow an extra 15 minutes and charge an additional $20 per session. Alternatively, you can just alternate dogs and work on exercises by yourself.
We need to work with each dog one at a time. If your other dog won’t be happy being left alone, have a partner or friend there who can keep them on lead and out of the action until it’s their turn.
What if I haven’t done much training before my follow-up?
Don’t worry — it’s not an exam. We start from where you’re at. We can go over things again, try a different approach if something isn’t working for you, or just use the time for a relaxed walk and some extra hands-on training.
What if I want more help afterwards?
For most clients, the Foundation Package is enough. Some dogs need more ongoing help with behavioural issues, while other clients simply want to take their training further. Extra one-hour sessions are available for $80 in the Wynnum–Manly area. We also offer Walk & Train sessions and dog sports foundation sessions.
What if I don’t use my Foundation Package follow-up session?
You have three months from your first session to use your follow-up. It’s not normally refundable because the Foundation Package price is based on two sessions. If meeting in person becomes difficult, we can use the time to talk through your progress and next steps by phone, email, Zoom or FaceTime. In exceptional circumstances, just talk to us.
Do you do assistance dog training?
We can help with the essential foundation work, including engagement, basic obedience and everyday manners. However, CLEAR is not an approved assistance dog trainer and cannot conduct the Public Access Test or certify your dog. We’re happy to recommend approved trainers who can.
