The Best Puppy Schools in Christchurch

Updated 30 December 2021

A puppy is a wonderful addition to the family, but, as you probably know, there is plenty of hard work ahead. You need to make sure your puppy is well-trained if you are to enjoy it to the full, and a Puppy School is a recommended course of action.

Many Christchurch Puppy Schools offer their services, but how do you know you are choosing the right one? There are several factors you need to consider; our guide explains how to choose the best Puppy School in Christchurch.

Our Christchurch puppy school guide covers:

How Much Does a Christchurch Puppy School Cost?

The rate you pay for your puppy training will vary between different puppy schools. There are two options you can choose from to get your puppy trained, these being group classes, usually run by pet shops or similar organisations; and private puppy schools, many of which come recommended.

Here’s a general guide to what you can expect to pay:

Group Classes - $130 to $250 (for a four-class to six-class course)
Private Puppy Trainer - $100 upwards per session

Be aware that these prices are intended as a general guide, and much will depend on what you want from your puppy training course.

How Can I Get the Best Price for Puppy School?

Decide Which of the Above You Need Upfront - it may be that you think a four-session group course and your home training will be enough (you can ask your dog breeder their opinion). By deciding upfront, you lock in the cost. If, after that, you feel as if some private training is needed, you can arrange that.
Take a Trial Class - Attend a class to observe, with or without your puppy, to ensure you feel comfortable with their methods. This avoids committing yourself to multi-session training if you don't think the school or style is for you.
Look for Discounts – many providers offer discounts for committing to a block of sessions, say 6 or 12.
Stay Local – local means you'll be able to get to a group class with less hassle, so you're likely to miss one if traffic is bad or if you don't have the energy.

Know This - A Good Puppy School will be Open about their Requirements:

They will check your puppy has up to date vaccinations
They will ask information about your puppy and where you bought it will be required
They will need your pet’s medical history and your vet’s name

Before You Settle on a Puppy School, Consider the Following:

Find out the qualifications of the instructors leading the course
Find out how long the school has been operating, and the range of training they offer
Whether the premises where training takes place clean and appropriate
Do they train using a set routine, or does it vary between breeds?
Talk to the trainer and see whether you get on with them – and ensure your dog does also

Once you have all these questions answered, you should be able to decide upon the type of training you want for your puppy and choose the right Christchurch Puppy School for you and your puppy.

Trusted Christchurch Puppy Schools Accepting New Dogs Right Now

Our list below, which is no particular order, covers puppy schools in Christchurch. We have selected these based on their reputation among dog owners within Christchurch; our data has been extracted from internet reviews on Google Business, Facebook, TradeMe Services and others sources.

No puppy school has paid to appear on this list, and MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship with any puppy school below.

High Five Puppy Skills

High Five Puppy Skills provides one on one training sessions for puppies of different breeds. The business is lead by an experienced dog enthusiast and trainer in competitive dog obedience. They focus on understanding the puppy’s temperament, training and workshops to help improve the dog’s behaviour.
Google Rating: 5.0/5
Base: Ilam, Christchurch
Website: High Five Puppy Skills
Facebook page: High Five Puppy Skills
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 0274 239 696

What customers like:

Offers helpful phone consultation
Provides informative tips for training
Readily available by email or text to answer any queries
Puppies get to meet other dogs for socialisation
Great environment for learning

Services include but not limited to:

Puppy Training
Socialisation
Behaviour Workshops

School of the Naked Dog

Professional dog trainers and behaviouralists operate the School of the Naked Dog. They use the best practice and positive training methods to help build a proper relationship between owners and companions.
Google Rating: 5.0/5
Base: St Albans, Christchurch
Website: School of the Naked Dog
Facebook page: School of the Naked Dog
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 389 4065

What customers like:

Provides helpful skill courses
A very experienced and professional team
Dogs behave impeccably after completing a course
Takes good care of the dogs

Services include but not limited to:

Private dog training
Dog classes
Homestays
Workshops and events
Rehoming

Sit Happens

Sit Happens implement a force-free, science-based and effective method to train puppies. The centre works following the Code of Ethics of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers New Zealand as well as the LIMA-principle.
Google Rating: 4.9/5
Base: Heathcote Valley Community Centre, 45 Bridle Path Road, MacFarlane Park Centre, 19A Acheson Ave, 126 On The Corner, 126 Hei Hei Road, Sydenham Community Centre, 25 Hutcheson Street and Avon Loop Community Cottage, 28 Hurley Street
Website: Sit Happens
Facebook page: Sit Happens
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 669 3456

What customers like:

Made the classes fun and exciting for both dogs and owners
Knowledgeable, open and honest trainers.
Makes sure that everyone in the class can keep up and understand the tasks
Provides individual one is to one training and solid advices

Services include but not limited to:

Puppy classes
Private training
Puppy socialization
Group classes
Online classes
Walk and train
Drop-in sessions

Canterbury Canine Obedience Club

Canterbury Canine Obedience Club was established in 1958 and opened its first training centre a year later in Christchurch. Since they have started, they continue to help people become more responsible dog owners and for dogs to become calm and obedient. Canine Obedience Club offers obedience classes for domestic and competition purposes.
Google Rating: 4.8/5
Base: Middleton, Christchurch
Website: Canterbury Canine Obedience Club
Facebook page: Canterbury Canine Obedience Club
Email address: Not specified
Phone: 03 328 8483

What customers like:

Trainers are enthusiastic about training
Effectively guides the new and existing handlers

Makes training dog so easy while having fun at the same time
Excellent place for dogs to run and socialize

Services include but not limited to:

Domestic obedience courses
Obedience training courses
Rally-O training class
Agility training

PAWS K9 Daycare and Training

PAWS K9 Daycare and Training use force-free training techniques and positive reinforcements so dogs will enjoy every training session. They have well-trained dog handlers and trainers who are focused on keeping the dogs happy and productive. Their facility on Gasson Street is well sterilised, keeping the dogs safe and healthy during their stay.
Google Rating: 5.0/5
Base: Sydenham, Christchurch
Website: PAWS K9 Daycare and Training
Facebook page: PAWS K9 Daycare and Training
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 925 9717

What customers like:

They take great care of the dogs
Passionate and knowledgeable dog carers
Dogs learn to socialise through the common play area
Shares photos and videos of dogs to their owners
Knowledgeable about their services and dog’s behaviour

Services include but not limited to:

Puppy preschool training classes
Puppy and dog daycare

Head to Tail Head

Head to Tail Head is a mobile puppy school that is locally operated by an experienced veterinary nurse with a Diploma in Canine Behaviour & Psychology and a Certificate in Puppy Training. Their puppy classes include pre-pup arrival advice, puppy preschool socialization and teen pups training class. They cater to all dog-owners within Christchurch and Selwyn areas.
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Base: Mobile only
Website: Head to Tail
Facebook page: Head to Tail
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 020 444 6262

What customers like:

Provides helpful instruction and advice to new dog owners
Always getting in touch about any issues on the dogs
Uses a calm and positive approach with dogs
Knowledgeable about dogs

Services include but not limited to:

Puppy classes
Dog walking
Mobile vet-nursing
Private training
Custom care

Best Mate Dog Training

Best Mate Dog Training provides in-home dog training within Christchurch and Selwyn areas. They offer one-on-one training and fix the dog’s behavioural issues through a treat-free method. Best Mate Dog Training creates a customed program based on the dog’s specific needs and problems.
Google Rating: 5.0/5
Base: Mobile only
Website: Best Mate Dog Training
Facebook page: None
Email address: Not specified
Phone: 028 410 9455

What customers like:

Uses a no-treat based method that works fantastically for instilling good behaviour
The methods are easy to learn and apply in the long term
Very patient in handling dogs and not rushing anything
A noticeable improvement in the dog’s behaviour after training sessions

Services include but not limited to:

Food-Free Training for puppies and dogs
Obedience under distraction training
Off-lead puppy training programme

KURI City Centre

KURI City Centre offers dog daycare services along with their dog training, grooming and healthcare services. They provide a safe and caring environment to all type of dogs through day and night.
Google Rating: 4.7/5
Base: Phillipstown, Christchurch
Website: KURI City Centre
Facebook page: None
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 355 5874

What customers like:

Great staff who know how to look after all types of dogs
Very friendly, welcoming and informative staff
Provides great puppy training
Offers a wide selection of healthy dog food
Affordable services

Services include but not limited to:

Dog training
Dog daycare
Dog grooming
Dog healthcare

Mind Pro Animal Behaviour

Mind Pro Animal Behaviour is a personal dog training business owned by a qualified and well-trained dog behaviourist. They aim to help dog owners who are struggling with their dog’s temperament to understand how their companions can be transformed into a happy and obedient dog.
Google Rating: 5.0/5
Base: Sumner, Christchurch
Website: Mind Pro Animal Behaviour
Facebook page: Mind Pro Animal Behaviour
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 020 4027 6862

What customers like:

The training provides reassurance and confidence to both owners and dogs
Gives the owners an understanding of the dog’s behaviour and how it can be corrected
Helps the dog to adapt to his new home
Highly knowledgeable about dogs
Teaches how to handle different dogs in a positive way

Services include but not limited to:

Basic training
Behaviour modification
Family program
Custom training program

Julie Donovan Canine Behaviourist and Dog Trainer

Julie Donovan Canine Behaviourist and Dog Trainer provides a one-on-one in-home training service since 2006. It is personal service from a dog trainer and professional dog behaviourist who completed the 'Principles of Canine Behaviour' paper at Massey University. Julie Donovan offers a friendly training service to all dog owners, requiring group obedience training, puppy training and agility classes.
Google Rating: 5.0/5
Base: Rangiora, New Zealand
Website: Julie Donovan Canine Behaviourist and Dog Trainer
Facebook page: Julie Donovan Canine Behaviourist and Dog Trainer
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 021 113 6693

What customers like:

Understands what the dog needs
High personalised service at a reasonable cost
Provides convenient home visits for one-on-one training
Helps build the owner’s confidence in handling their dogs

Services include but not limited to:

In-home one-on-one sessions
Group dog obedience classes
Agility classes
Trust and manners course

Disclaimer: MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship, financial or otherwise, with any of the puppy schools listed on this page. Training costs and private training will vary, and our pricing guide is for informational purposes only.