★★★★★ 5.0 from 61 reviews (Jun 2026)
The perfect start for new pups and their guardians. Group classes in Kyneton for puppies aged 8-26 weeks.
To set our dogs up for a life lived well with humans, we should provide the best training we can while they're between 8-16 weeks old – the critical period when they're establishing behaviours they'll carry for life.
Puppy School is about teaching your puppy to interact with you and giving you the skills to build a lasting relationship. It's not playgroup – it's foundation training that prevents problems before they start.
What you'll learn
We focus on the foundations that matter most – not just tricks, but real life skills.
Teaching puppies to be calm is foundational – calm dogs make better choices and learn more easily. We start here.
A puppy who can pay attention to their handler can respond to you rather than react to everything in the environment.
No chasing cats, cars, or kids on bikes. Staying on their bed until asked. No counter surfing. Dealing with puppy biting.
Being happy and relaxed exploring new or novel environments – essential for a well-adjusted adult dog.
Seeing new things and situations as no big deal, rather than a threat. This is healthy socialisation that prevents reactivity.
Sit, drop, recall, plus handling exercises that make grooming and vet visits easier for everyone.
Two age groups
We run separate classes to ensure every puppy is in the right group for their age and development.
Tuesday evenings
For puppies in the critical socialisation window. Start building great habits from the very beginning.
Thursday evenings
Missed the early window? No problem. This class is perfect for pups who came home a little later.
Puppy older than 26 weeks? Get in touch – we can discuss options including one-on-one sessions.
Book a spot
New classes start monthly. Bookings open on the 1st of the month before.
Puppy School · 8-16 weeks
📍 1/9 Salesyard Road, Kyneton, 3444
7:00pm · 4 sessions
Can't find a date that works? Join the waitlist and we'll notify you when new classes are announced.
We'll email you when new puppy school classes are announced or spots become available.
Be prepared
A pup that hasn't eaten in a few hours (we will be using food and we don’t want them feeling sick from overeating)
A well-fitting harness plus a lightweight leash. No chain collars please.
Somewhere familiar for your pup to settle during class.
Soft, easily palatable treats work best – poached chicken, Prime100 or Ziwi Peak.
Have your pup's favourite toy handy for play rewards.
The details
Classes run at McIntyre Vets in Kyneton. The venue is safe, secure, and sterilised before each class to protect puppies who haven't completed their vaccination schedule.
Puppies need to have had their first vaccination at least 10 days before class begins. They don't need to have completed their full schedule – the venue is sterilised for safety.
Small class sizes mean everyone gets individual attention.
This is training, not playgroup. Your pup will have a chance to interact with others in week four if there's a suitable playmate. If your pup is finding class overwhelming, we'll help with strategies like visual barriers. You'll also receive notes after each class to practice at home.
If your puppy is displaying excessive barking, dog-dog aggression, or severe biting, they may find puppy school overwhelming. Get in touch to discuss whether one-on-one training might be a better fit.
Give your puppy the best start.