Do you work with older dogs or just puppies?
We work with dogs of all ages. Puppies are a big part of what we do, but we also help older dogs with manners, reactivity, over-excitement, pulling on lead and a wide range of everyday behaviour issues.
Do you do puppy school?
We ran puppy classes many years ago, but found individual in-home training much more effective. It gives owners one-on-one help with their own puppy, in familiar surroundings where both puppy and owner can concentrate without the distractions of a busy class.
Many clients who have tried both tell us they were surprised by how much they learned in a single one-on-one session. It also means we can focus on the things that matter most to you and your puppy.
What age should we start training?
As soon as your puppy is home, settled in and eating well. You can also book before your puppy arrives and we’re happy to have a chat and send you some information to help you prepare for those important first few days.
Why do you specialise in in-home training?
Home is a great place to start because it’s familiar, relatively free of distractions and allows us to tailor the training to your dog, your family and your everyday life.
Once the basics are taking shape, we can start adding real-life distractions. If appropriate, the second session can move to a quiet park to work on those skills in a different environment.
How many sessions will I need?
For most clients, we recommend two. Our Foundation Package consists of two one-hour sessions a few weeks apart, giving you time in between to practise and see how things are going.
The second session builds on the first, but we always start from exactly where you’re at. We know life sometimes gets in the way and you may not have done as much as you planned. It’s not an exam. Sessions are informal and relaxed, and we can go over things again, adjust anything that isn’t working or move on to the next step.
If you have one specific issue to address, or simply want an assessment of your dog, a single session may be enough.
How much will it cost?
CLEAR is completely upfront about pricing, and all our current options are listed on our Fees & Packages page.
Our Foundation Package is currently $250. We don’t use a cheap introductory session and then expect you to sign up for a lengthy or expensive ongoing program.
If you do need more help afterwards, follow-up sessions in the Wynnum–Manly area are $80 an hour. We work hard to keep our training practical and affordable.
What training issues can you help with?
We help with puppy biting, toilet training, jumping up, pulling on lead, recall, barking, over-excitement, settling, visitor behaviour, reactivity, general manners and many other common problems.
We also work with more complex behavioural issues. The main exception is serious aggression involving a significant bite risk, where we’ll generally recommend a veterinary behaviour specialist.
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.
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, so 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.
What if I want more help afterwards?
Extra help is always available if you need it. You can book follow-up private sessions, Walk & Train or dog sports coaching, depending on what you and your dog need next.
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 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 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.
