Puppy & Teen Dog Classes
'Purbeck Puppy & Teen Dog Academy'
Calm, supportive, reward-based training
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Join our fun, structured classes designed to give your dog the very best start — grounded in modern behavioural science.
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Small class sizes to ensure individual attention, guidance and a calm learning environment
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Reward-based methods (positive reinforcement) that help your dog to learn quickly, develop reliable behaviours and build a strong relationship with you.
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Clear guidance to help you understand how your dog learns and why they behave the way they do
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Clearly structured classes so you and your dog make lasting progress
Classes are delivered by Louise Robinson Harris – Animal Behaviour Consultant and Trainer (MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Training – Distinction)
Puppy Classes
6-week course | 1 hour per week
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For puppies aged 8+ weeks who have received their first vaccination at least 7 days before the course begins. Vaccinations must be kept up to date throughout the duration of the course.
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Between approximately 3–14 weeks, puppies are in a critical developmental period where experiences have a lasting impact. Safe, positive experiences and training during this time lay the foundations for lifelong confidence and good behaviour.
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This course includes:
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Calm, controlled socialisation with other puppies
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Foundations for recall and loose lead walking
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Teaching settle and calm behaviour skills
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Handling skills for grooming and veterinary care (ears, paws, collar)
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Sit, down and stand positions
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Guidance on preventing and troubleshooting common puppy challenges
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Preparing you for the teenage (adolescent) stage​
You’ll also receive a ‘Puppy Pathway Pack’ and follow-up summary emails after each class to support your progress at home.
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Places are limited so early booking is recommended.
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Teenage Dog Classes
6-week course | 1 hour per week
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For dogs aged 6+ months who have had basic training.
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Vaccinations must be up to date
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During your dog’s teenage years, it can feel as though they have suddenly ‘forgotten everything’. This is completely normal – but to navigate this time your dog requires clear guidance and consistency.
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This course includes:
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Strengthening reliability around distractions
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Improving recall
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Walking calmly on a lead
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Settling in public environments
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Focusing on you when it matters
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Developing the foundations for distance control and advanced skills
You’ll also receive guidance on preventing and troubleshooting common ‘teenage’ challenges and help you keep your dog progressing in the right direction.
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Includes a ‘Teen Dog Pack’ and summary emails after each class to support your progress at home.
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Places are limited so early booking is recommended.
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Not sure if this is the right course for your dog? Get in touch and we’ll be happy to advise.
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Course Details
​£150 per 6-week course (Non-refundable once booked)
Each class lasts 1 hour
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Wednesday Evenings
Sandford community hall,
Keysworth Drive, Sandford, Wareham BH20 7BD
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Puppy class - 6.30pm
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Teen class - 7.45pm
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Thursday Evenings
Church Knowle Village Hall,
Church Knowle, Wareham BH20 5NN​
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Puppy class - 6.30pm
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Teen class - 7.45pm
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You can also book a 1:1 training session to prepare for group classes or to work on specific goals or training issues
Health and Vaccination Policy
Puppies may attend classes from 8 weeks of age, provided they have received their first vaccination at least 7 days before the course begins. Vaccinations must remain up to date throughout.
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This approach reflects current UK veterinary and welfare guidance recognising the importance of safe early socialisation during the critical developmental period.
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To minimise health risks:
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The training space is cleaned prior to each class using dog-safe disinfectant effective against common canine pathogens
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Class sizes are limited
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Puppies must be clinically well to attend
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Owners are asked to bring their own mat or blanket
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Puppies should be carried if crossing public areas. Puppies are generally considered ‘safe’ to walk in public spaces 1-2 weeks after their second vaccination (please follow your vets advice)
If you have concerns, please free to get in touch or speak to your vet.
Why Early Socialisation Matters
Between approximately 3–14 weeks, puppies are in a critical developmental period in which their experiences have a lasting impact.
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Carefully managed, positive training and experiences helps to reduce the risk of fear, anxiety and reactivity later in life.
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During this period, puppies benefit from safe, positive experiences of :
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Different people
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Gentle handling
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Novel sounds and surfaces
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Socialisation with other vaccinated puppies and dogs
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Everyday environments and objects​
Our classes provide calm, structured, positive experiences that help puppies grow into confident, well-mannered dogs able to cope calmly with real life.
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If you have concerns, please free to get in touch or speak to your vet.