Our Services
Group Classes
At Smart Choice Dog Training we provide fun and engaging training sessions for all ages, using the latest scientifically proven positive reinforcement methods.
Our Puppy Skills and Senior Puppy programs take place indoors, while all other dog training classes are conducted outdoors. These settings allow your dog to develop skills in appropriate environments with some controlled distractions, making it ideal for real-world practice. These classes also offer fantastic opportunities for your puppy or dog to socialise and build confidence around others.
Whether you choose private in-home training or join our small group classes, every session is designed to be fun and strengthen the bond between you and your dog, helping them to thrive via encouragement, not fear.
Our professional programs address everything from basic cues such as sit, drop and stay, or walking nicely on a loose leash, to specific challenges you may be having, such as toilet training, jumping, chewing, barking, and so on.
Take the first step toward a better relationship with your dog today: Contact us to secure your spot and experience the difference that positive, force-free training can make to your life with your dog.
Puppy Skills
(8-16 weeks)
Start your puppy off on the right path! Learn fundamental skills like safe socialisation, managing puppy biting, and toilet training, as well as cues such as sit, drop and coming when called.
Duration: 4 weeks
Class Length: 1 hour per week
Prerequisite required: First Vaccination
Progress to: Senior Puppy or Foundation Skills
Senior Puppy
(3-6 months)
Perfect for graduates of our Puppy Skills program, this program continues to building confidence and reinforce good behaviour in a fun, engaging way, as well as generalising the basic cues, coming when called, settling, and walking nicely on a loose lead.
Duration: 8 weeks
Class Length: 1 hour per week
Prerequisite required: Our Puppy Skills program, minimum 2nd vaccination, and as advised by your vet.
Progress to: Foundation Skills or Foundation Plus
Foundation Skills
(3 months +)
Decided that it is time to enrol your dog in training classes? This program is designed for puppies or dogs just starting their learning journey with us. Divided into appropriate age groups, we focus on establishing essential skills that create a solid groundwork for future learning and behavioural success.
Age Groups are:
Junior
Teens
Adult
Duration: 8 weeks
Class Length: 1 hour per week
Prerequisite required: Minimum 2nd vaccination, and as advised by your vet.
Progress to: Foundation Plus
Foundation Plus
This program is designed to meet the continuing educational needs for you and your canine companion. We extend prior learning, ensuring it remains fun and in an interactive environment where dogs can thrive. Covering things like distance cues, and other basic skills learned but this time under further distractions. Continue with us and watch your dog grow with confidence!
Duration: 8 weeks
Class Length: 1 hour per week
Prerequisite required: Foundation Skills (or another approved trainer)
Progress to: Skill Builder
Skill Builder
Perfect for those dogs who have completed the Foundation Plus program with us, or is at a similar learning stage, and would like to further their skills. These programs covers fine tuning basic cues, impulse control, socialisation, and walking nicely on a loose lead, increasing reliability under duration, distraction and distance. All in a fun, interactive environment where dogs can thrive. Join us and watch your dog grow with confidence!
Duration: 4 weeks
Class Length: 1 hour per week
Prerequisite required: Graduation from Foundation Plus (or another approved trainer)
Progress to: Life Skills
Life Skills
Designed for dogs who have completed our Skill Builder program. Develop more advanced skills – either just for fun, or to ensure your dog remains confident and well-behaved in any environment.
Join us for some fun sessions!
Duration: Week-by-Week Basis
Class Length: 1 hour per week
Prerequisite: Graduation from Skill Builder (or another approved trainer)
Private Consultations
mindDog Training – Psychiatric Assistance Dog Support
Amanda is a mindDog Approved Trainer, offering guidance and support to individuals training their own dogs as psychiatric assistance dogs. Working in partnership with you and mindDog, Amanda uses positive, force-free techniques to help you and your dog build the skills and confidence needed to meet the program’s requirements.
Training is tailored to your unique circumstances, with a focus on building a strong, supportive relationship between you and your dog. Sessions are structured to help your dog become calm, focused, and responsive in a range of everyday environments. Amanda will support you step by step, ensuring the training is both achievable and empowering.
Please note: An approved mindDog application is required before training can begin.
Behavioural Consultations
Private behavioural consultations offer one-on-one sessions, in your home, tailored to address specific behavioural issues your dog may be facing. Whether it's jumping, barking, leash pulling, anxiousness, or inappropriate chewing, these personalised sessions focus on identifying the root cause and implementing effective, positive reinforcement strategies to help your dog develop better habits. Working with an experienced trainer, you’ll receive the support and guidance needed to create a calm and well-behaved companion.
Private Training
Private dog training focuses on teaching essential cues and good manners tailored to your dog's needs and behaviour. In a one-on-one setting, a trainer can work with you and your dog to develop reliable recall, loose lead walking and teaching your dog to “leave it." A personalised approach allows the trainer to address specific challenges and strengthen the bond between you both. This approach is ideal for owners looking for focused attention, flexible scheduling, and often achieves faster results.
Class Full?
Join the Waitlist!
Can’t find the right class or your preferred one is full? A new class may be added—contact us, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you!
Join us now and watch your dog grow with confidence!
Service Area
At Smart Choice Dog Training, we're proud to support dog owners across various locations. We offer our services mainly in and around the Croydon and the Eastern and Outer Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne. But if you are not in this area, please contact us as we may still be able to assist you!