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The Best Puppy Schools in Hamilton

Updated 7 September 2023

Summary:
  • 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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton.

Our Hamilton puppy school guide covers:

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 Hamilton Puppy School for you and your puppy.
​

Trusted Puppy Schools Accepting New Dogs Right Now

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

Waikato Canine Obedience Club

Base: Te Rapa, Hamilton
Hours: Not specified  
Google Rating: 4.7/5
Website: Waikato Canine Obedience Club
Facebook page: Waikato Canine Obedience Club
Email address: info@dogobedience.co.nz
Phone: 07 849 1502
 ​
Customer Feedback:
  • Great service for puppies that need socializing
  • Noticeable improvement on dog’s behaviour after completing the first course
  • Excellent and professional in handling dogs

Pros: 
  • Facilitates their own dog championship show
  • Allows online enrolment through their website 

Cons: 
  • None 

Important Must-know Facts and Services: 
  • Waikato Canine Obedience Club was established in 1974.
  • It is known as one of the first puppy schools in Hamilton. 
  • The club is now being run by a dog-loving committee aiming to help the public raise well-mannered obedient pets. 
  • They have been providing puppy classes for six months old and over with first and second elementary classes.
  • They offer obedience classes, adult beginner classes, puppy beginner classes, competition classes. 
  • The training fees are $135.00, payable for each term with four terms throughout the year. ​

Mindfulness4dogs

Base: Victoria Street, Hamilton
Hours: Mon to Fri 10 am – 8 pm, Sat 11 am – 5 pm, Sun 10 am – 5 pm 
Google Rating: 4.9/5
Website: Mindfulness4dogs
Facebook page: Mindfulness4dogs
Email address: train@mindfulness4dogs.com
Phone: 027 458 5872
 ​
Customer Feedback:   
  • Excellent service and extremely knowledgeable trainer
  • Helped dogs to become more well-behaved
  • Uses force-free effective methods
  • The courses are easy to learn and implement
  • They make each class enjoyable for both pups and owners

​Pros:
  • Operates during weekends 
  • Covers the rest of New Zealand for online consultations 
  • Online dog training programs are available 
 
Cons:
  • None 
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services: :    
  • Mindfulness4dogs is a dog training service led by a professional canine behaviourist and dog training with over 15 years of experience. 
  • Their training courses utilise force-free and fear-free positive techniques, teaching dogs to choose the right choice for themselves. 
  • Mindfulness4dogs provides private training, puppy pre-school and behavioural evaluation. 

​Hamilton Dog Obedience Club

Base: Melville, Hamilton
Hours: Not specified 
Google Rating: 4.1/5
Website: Hamilton Dog Obedience Club
Facebook page: Hamilton Dog Obedience Club
Email address: secretary@hdoc.org.nz
Phone: 07 834 2025

Customer Feedback:    
  • Great open area to bring the dogs
  • An excellent team providing basic training to puppies
  • Friendly and accommodating staff
  • Affordable training service 

​Pros:
  • Facilitates a Champ Show
  • Training methods are based on positive reinforcements 

Cons:
  • Club membership fee is required
  • Additional handler requires extra payment

Services include but not limited to:    
  • Hamilton Dog Obedience Club is dedicated to helping dog owners to understand and enjoy their pets. 
  • Their courses include puppy classes, advanced classes and competition training. 
  • They also teach dogs to make good choices and be calm and confident while retaining their focus.
  • An 8-week class costs $120, consisting of $100 for class fees and a $20 club membership.

​Kool K9 Training

Base: Koromatua, Hamilton
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 am – 8 pm 
Google Rating: 4.4/5
Website: Kool K9 Training
Facebook page: Kool K9 Training
Email address: joanne@koolk9.co.nz 
Phone: 0274 771 047

Customer Feedback:   
  • The trainers are very knowledgeable and encouraging of the owners
  • Owners easily learn to train their dogs
  • Significantly improve one’s dog behaviour and obedience 
  • Provides a great environment for training
  • Facilitates online communication after each class to reinforce what was learnt. 

Pros:
  • Provides workshop for dogs that cannot focus during their classes
  • The training facility is ideal for both the winter and summer seasons
  • A dry indoor training area is available for rainy days 

Cons:
  • Only provides full refund for classes that are cancelled seven days prior to the start of classes. 

Services include but not limited to:   
  • Kool K9 Training accepts puppies at least three months old (preferably four months) and has already completed puppy vaccinations, including Kennel Cough.
  • They offer Level 1 class for puppies and beginners, Level 2 for more advanced learners, workshops and one-on-one training. 
  • Classes run for six weeks, and a maximum of seven dogs is allowed per class.
  • Pricing starts at $150 at Hamilton Hounds and $140 at Koromatua. ​
​

⚠️​ Disclaimer: MoneyHub.co.nz has no financial or otherwise relationship with any businesses listed on this page. The pricing information provided is for informational and guidance purposes only and may not accurately represent the actual quotes or final bills for individual services. No provider has paid to appear on our website, and this list should not be considered comprehensive. Please research and obtain quotes directly from a range of businesses to ensure accurate pricing and suitability for your needs.