Welcome to Smart Choice Dog Training.
Tailored, humane, force free dog training and behaviour modification in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
See the Dog
At Smart Choice Dog Training, we believe there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to dogs.
Every dog is an individual. Some dogs are bold and enthusiastic. Others are cautious and sensitive. Some become easily distracted or overwhelmed, while others seem ready to take on the whole world.
That's why our approach starts with one simple principle:
See the Dog
Rather than expecting every dog to learn in exactly the same way, we look at the individual dog in front of us. Their personality, emotions, learning style, environment and needs.
This allows us to adapt our training and support so your dog can learn at their own pace, feel safe and confident, and develop skills that will serve them throughout life.
Training With Kindness — Never Fear Or Force
We use modern, science-based, force-free positive reinforcement training methods that prioritise your dog’s emotional wellbeing.
We don't use fear, force or aversive training methods.
Instead, we focus on understanding behaviour, creating positive learning experiences and teaching dogs what we want them to do.
Because effective training isn't just about teaching the behaviour. It's about understanding the dog.
Our Focus
At Smart Choice Dog Training, our focus is on building effective communication between you and your dog and creating a relationship based on trust, understanding and mutual respect.
From teaching essential life skills and everyday manners to supporting more complex behavioural challenges, we help you understand your dog, communicate clearly and build skills that work in real life.
Our goal isn’t simply to teach your dog what to do. It’s to give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to navigate life together, while helping your dog become a happy, confident and capable companion.
Because training is about more than obedience. It’s about building a relationship that works for both of you.
Service Areas
At Smart Choice Dog Training, we support dog owners across a wide range of locations.
For private training, sessions can take place in your home or at a mutually agreed location. We primarily work in and around Croydon, as well as Melbourne’s Eastern and Outer Eastern suburbs.
We also have clients in the Yarra Valley, Inner East, and Inner South-East, so if you’re located in these areas, feel free to get in touch, we may still be able to support you.
Our group training programs are currently held at three locations:
Croydon Pet Hospital, 5 Dorset Road, Croydon
Croydon Primary School, 29 Croydon Road, Croydon
Mooroolbark, details to be released soon
Wantirna Vet Clinic, 481 Boronia Road, Wantirna
Group Training Locations & Programs
CROYDON PET HOSPITAL
Ideal for early learning in a calm indoor space
Puppy Skills (8-16 weeks)
CROYDON PRIMARY SCHOOL
Great for real-life training with more space and distractions
Junior Foundation Skills
(3-6 months)Senior Puppy
Completion of Puppy Skills program
(3-6 months)Teen Foundation Skills
(7-12 months)Adult Foundation Skills
(1+ years)Foundation Plus
Completion of either Senior Puppy or Foundation Skills program
(Any age)Confidence Builder
(Any age)
MOOROOLBARK
Spacious indoor and outdoor environment, offering flexibility to work at your dog’s pace across different settings.
Assistance Dogs
(All ages)
WANTIRNA VET CLINIC
Supportive indoor environment for younger dogs
Puppy Skills (8-16 weeks)