10 Trusted Puppy Schools in Christchurch

Updated 11 August 2020

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 Puppy School cost?
• ​The top 10 best Puppy Schools in Christchurch right now

How Much Does a 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?

1. 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.
2. 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. 
   
3. Look for Discounts – many providers offer discounts for committing to a block of sessions, say 6 or 12.
4. 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:

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

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

1. Find out the qualifications of the instructors leading the course
2. Find out how long the school has been operating, and the range of training they offer
3. Whether the premises where training takes place clean and appropriate
4. Do they train using a set routine, or does it vary between breeds?
5. 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.

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10 Trusted 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.
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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

Google Rating: 5.0/5
Base: Ilam, Christchurch
Website: High Five Puppy Skills
Contact number: 0274 239 696

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.

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

Google Rating: 5.0/5
Base: St Albans, Christchurch
Website: School of the Naked Dog
Contact number: 03 389 4065

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.

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

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
Contact number: 03 669 3456

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.

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

Google Rating: 4.8/5 
Base: Middleton, Christchurch
Website: Canterbury Canine Obedience Club
Contact number: 03 328 8483

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.
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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

Google Rating: 5.0/5
Base: Sydenham, Christchurch
Website: PAWS K9 Daycare and Training
Contact number: 03 925 9717

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.
​
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

Google Rating: 4.6/5
Base: Mobile only Website: Head to Tail
Contact number: 020 444 6262

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.  
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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

Google Rating: 5.0/5
Base: Mobile only 
Website: Best Mate Dog Training
Contact number: 028 410 9455

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.  

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  

Google Rating: 4.7/5 
Base: Phillipstown, Christchurch 
Website: KURI City Centre 
Contact number: 03 355 5874

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.  

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

Google Rating:  5.0/5 
Base: Sumner, Christchurch
Website: Mind Pro Animal Behaviour
Contact number: 020 4027 6862

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.
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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

Google Rating: 5.0/5
Base:  Rangiora, New Zealand
Website: Julie Donovan Canine Behaviourist and Dog Trainer
Contact number: 021 113 6693

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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.