Force-Free Puppy School for Great Family Dogs

Give your puppy the best start with my positive, force-free classes focussed on emotional well-being, helping you raise a confident, calm, and happy family dog.

Small, structured classes in Forrestdale designed to set your puppy up for real world success.

What We'll Be Working On Together:

  • Help your puppy stay calm around people and other dogs (including when guests arrive)
  • Teaching you how to use food and other reinforcers effectively, avoid having a dog that will only respond when you have food in your hand
  • Build your puppy’s confidence and resilience (which reduces the likelihood of future behaviour problems)
  • Carefully managed social interactions so puppies learn to engage politely and appropriately
  • Understand play styles, body language and how to manage common puppy behaviours like mouthing, toilet training and chewing

This program is designed to give you practical skills you can use in everyday life – not just during class.

All of my training is kind, compassionate and uses scientifically and ethically sound force free methods, ensuring a fun and low stress learning experience for you and your puppy. Each puppy progresses at their own pace, and I tailor support to suit their individual needs.

What Clients Say

“

I recently had the pleasure of working with Simone Tuten, and I couldn't be more impressed. Her knowledge, compassion, and calm, confident presence made an immediate difference in my dog's behaviour. Simone took the time to understand not just my puppy, but the environment he lives in regarding potty training, our routines and issues with fear of the car and drooling, and the underlying emotional dynamics at play when getting over excited and jumping and teaching him to sit. Her guidance was practical, effective, and delivered with kindness and clarity. I walked away not only with better tools and strategies, but with a deeper understanding of my dog and myself as owners. Whether you’re dealing with behaviour challenges or simply wanting to build a stronger bond with your dog, I couldn't recommend Simone highly enough.

Manisha
“

I enrolled together with my puppy in a puppy class. Simone was excellent in helping me understand and train my puppy. My puppy went from a shy, cautious dog to a friendly and calm dog. He has confidence to interact with strange people and dogs. I would definitely recommend Simone's course to anyone with a puppy

Ansie
“

Simone was absolutely amazing when it came to puppy school. This was my first ever experience attending puppy school and Simone made it super easy to understand and help me and little Hazel. She is very supportive and motivating. It was a very enjoyable experience even when Hazel was being a little more difficult than usual. Thank you Simone!

Caitlin
“

We were unsure if we needed to attend puppy school, but are so glad we did! Simone is extremely knowledgeable and her advice was always based on the overall well-being of our dog. The puppy school playtime was the most valuable part of puppy school for us. Highly recommend Simone as a trainer, she is worth every cent 🙂

Tess

What's Included

  • 4 consecutive in person classes
  • Access to an extensive online Puppy Foundations Guide for 6 months which includes
    • Toilet training secrets
    • Puppy sleep tips
    • Car travel and sickness
    • Puppy mouthing – how to tame the land shark
    • Enrichment
    • Puppy independence (including home alone)
    • Body language – learn what your puppy is saying
    • Puppy play styles and when to intervene
    • Raising puppies with children
    • How to socialise your puppy
    • Plus training lessons – how to teach your puppy essential foundation skills

Pricing and Location

$295 for the complete puppy class program. In person classes held in Forrestdale. Limited spots available to ensure a calm and controlled learning environment.

About Me

I use effective, modern, empathetic, animal and human friendly techniques, which support well-being and the bond between you and your canine friend.

With over 35 years of experience and extensive qualifications you can feel confident you and your puppy are in knowledgeable, supportive hands.

Credentials include:

  • Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant
  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed
  • Industry Accredited Dog Trainer Skill Set
  • Cert III Companion Animal Services
  • Advanced proprioception
  • Small Animal Bowen Therapy

Can't Make It to In-Person Classes?

If attending classes in Forrestdale isn’t practical for you, there are other ways I can support you and your puppy.

  • Virtual Puppy Program – guided support via Zoom, tailored to your puppy and your environment.
  • Puppy Foundations Guide – a self-paced, practical resource covering training, behaviour and development.

These options are designed to provide flexibility while still giving you clear, evidence-based guidance.

Explore alternative puppy support options here.

FAQ

What is the ideal age range for puppies to attend the classes?

Puppies can start my younger puppy classes from one week after their first vaccination.

For optimum benefit, we recommend puppies begin classes as young as possible and certainly before 12 weeks of age, as this is when their critical socialisation window begins to close.

Why do you offer different classes for different age groups?

I separate classes for two key reasons:

  • Biosecurity/hygiene purposes: Puppies in the younger age group are not being taken for walks and there are additional hygiene measures in place to lower risk to this age group.
  • Developmental reasons: Between 12-14 weeks of age there is a distinct behaviour change in puppies including play styles and distractibility. By providing classes for different age groups, I can effectively tailor training and experiences appropriate to a puppy’s developmental stage.

What are the vaccination requirements for puppies attending class?

  • Puppies in the younger class must have at least their first vaccination.
  • Puppies in the older puppy class must have at least two puppy vaccinations.

Can other family members or children attend classes with me?

  • They certainly can. For younger children I require you to bring someone capable of supervising the younger children while you are focusing on your puppy.
  • You are responsible for the care and supervision of any children you bring to training. Children can participate in the training under your supervision and guidance.
  • Do not allow children to approach any other puppy unless permission is given by a trainer.

What should I bring to each class?

  •  A lead with a collar (and a harness if you prefer)
  • Some water from home
  • A water bowl
  • Yummy food for training rewards e.g. ziwi peak, cooked chicken, chopped up dog roll (if that is part of your puppy’s diet)
  • A towel or mat for your puppy to lay on
  • 1 or 2 favourite toys (ideally one you can play tug with)
  • Treat pouches are a handy accessory for you

What happens if my puppy misses a class?

If your puppy misses a class, you’ll still have access to the online learning platform. The in-person classes are designed to be 4 consecutive weeks for maximum benefit and experiences. Make-up classes are generally not offered due to the structured, consecutive nature of the program and class size limitations.

What is the class size?

Maximum class size is 6. This means I can spend quality time during class with you and tailor exercises to suit your puppy’s needs.

How long is each class?

Each class is 45-60 minutes depending on the number of puppies and the activities we do in that class.

How do I access the online learning platform?

Details for accessing the online learning platform will be provided upon enrolment. You’ll receive log in details via email.

What happens after we complete puppy classes?

After graduating from the younger puppy classes, many clients opt to:

  • enrol in the older puppy class. This provides additional socialisation opportunities, and I can guide you through this more challenging puppy developmental stage.
  • engage in one-on-one appointments with me for more personalised support at your home or nearby location.
  • referral to a group class to support you reaching your goals with your puppy.

After graduating older puppy classes, clients opt to:

  • engage in one-on-one appointments with me for more personalised support at your home or nearby location
  • referral to a group class to support you reaching your goals with your puppy

What if my puppy is shy, easily distracted, gets overstimulated or tired during class?

I understand that every puppy is unique and my classes are designed with that in mind. I actively manage the environment to ensure puppies feel safe and comfortable.

  • For shy puppies, I provide space and never force interactions, allowing them to engage at their own pace. My credentials as a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant means I bring a wealth of knowledge and applied experience to supporting shy puppies.
  • For the distracted puppies the puppy room has plenty of space and opportunities to provide visual barriers to help them settle and focus on learning.
  • Puppies may get tired or overstimulated, so breaks are provided during class and quiet areas can be provided.

What is your training philosophy/what does force-free really mean?

My training and behaviour modification methods are force-free, empowering and focused on emotional well-being. I’m kind, patient and supportive of people and animals. I will not use punitive tools or techniques that cause fear, pain or intimidation.