top of page
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Yelp
  • Instagram

Behaviour & Training - Group Classes

Puppy Class

Happy Dogs Byron Bay

Next Class: ​

SATURDAYS 

15th NOVEMBER
5 weeks duration

3 - 4pm
$295 (GST incl.)

Small group class
5 puppies max
For puppies

8 -15 weeks old

1 dog per booking.

5 week classes

​

Location:​​

​

Petcare Byron Bay 4/55 Centennial Cct, Byron Bay NSW 2481 

​

* This indoor pet shop is safe and secure, free from roaming dogs.​ 

 

Floors and equipment will be cleaned and disinfected using veterinary hospital-grade disinfectant (F10)​​

​

The first class is a “Puppy-free orientation”

​

Must have proof of 1st Vaccination

Next available classes for booking:

Puppy Parents will receive expert advice on: 

  • Positive reinforcement/force-free principles for effective learning.

  • What SOCIALISATION really is!

  • How to shape behaviours rather than teaching pups to follow food lures. 

  • Navigating fear periods during your pup’s development.

  • Environmental management strategies to prevent unwanted behaviours at home.

  • Prepare your puppy for vet visits and grooming through comfortable handling.

  • Interpretation of canine body language and communication cues.

  • Comprehensive coverage of puppy challenges: nipping, chewing, house training, addressed with kindness and compassion. 

  • Techniques to ensure your puppy comes when called by teaching fun and engaging games.

  • Preventive measures for resource guarding, leash reactivity, separation distress, and more as your pup develops. ​​

Puppies will learn: 

  • To respond to their name and focus on you. 

  • To enjoy being handled, held by their collar, and put on a lead. 

  • The value of calm positions (sit & down) to earn all the good things in life (rewards/reinforcement)

  • The value of walking by their guardian’s side in “reinforcement zone” rather than pulling out in front when on lead. 

  • To be empowered by showing self-control/ impulse control through games of choice (Susan Garretts foundation game “Its yer choice”)

  • Reliable recall training: coming when called.

  • Play tug, fetch, and other engaging games.

  • Body awareness and confidence-building exercises.

  • Social skills with dogs and people – when to meet, greet and play vs when to ignore. 

  • Crate training/mat training/ bed training 

  • Relaxation skills to promote calm behaviour.

8 week course

​

Location:

​​​

Bangalow Public School.

​

Notes:

​

The class will run for 8 consecutive weeks.

​

First class is a dog free orientation*

 

​

Doggie Manners

Happy Dogs Byron Bay

Next Class: ​

Small group Class

6 dogs max

For puppies over

3 months and older

Saturday 15th OR Sunday 16th NOVEMBER

8 weeks duration

8:00 - 9:00 am

$490 (GST incl.)

1 dog per booking.

Next available classes for booking:

Games based learning

  • ​For improved:

1. RECALL,

2. IMPULSE CONTROL,

3. LOOSE-LEAD WALKING

 4. BOUNDARIES/ BED TRAINING

​

  • Goal: for dogs to grow their motivation and desire to focus and listen to you instead of being distracted by other dogs and the environment.

​

  • Info will also be provided on:
    1. The benefits of Force-Free, Positive Reinforcement training
    2. Dog body language/communication
    3. How dogs learn
    4. Normal dog behaviour
    5. How to manage undesirable behaviour. 
    ​

  • Basic Verbal Cues learned: "come", "leave it", "on your bed", "to me" (heel), "stay", "break" (release cue), etc...

Advanced Manners

Happy Dogs Byron Bay

Next Class: ​

Small group class

6 dogs per class
For dogs over

3 months and older

SATURDAY

22nd November 

​

LOOSE LEAD WALKING FOCUS


4 weeks duration

9:15 - 10:15am 
$240 (GST incl.)

1 dog per booking.

4 week courses

​

Location:

​​​

Bangalow Public School.

​

Notes:​

​

Highly recommend completing Doggie Manners first before attending Advanced Manners. However,some dogs may have enough foundation skills to attend these advanced classes. Please Contact Michelle if unsure.

​

Each 4 week class will focus on a different theme including:

​​

1. Loose Lead Walking

2. Recall

3. Impulse Control 

4. Boundaries/ Bed Training

​

* Once an initial 4 weeks has been completed anyone can attend on a casual basis - $60 per class

Next available classes for booking:

Course description:

​

1. Loose Lead Walking Class 
Teaches dogs to walk calmly on a loose lead without pulling, using positive reinforcement and fun shaping games. Builds focus and connection between dog and handler for enjoyable walks.

​

*** This class is not suitable for dogs with on-lead REACTIVITY (lunging/barking at other dogs) unless you have been working a private training program with Michelle (or another Force-Free trainer).

​

2. Recall Games Class 
Focuses on reliable recall through engaging games and rewards. Dogs learn to come back quickly when called, even with distractions, making outings safer and more enjoyable.

​

3. Impulse Control Class (Reduce Chasing, Jumping, Stealing)
Helps dogs develop self-control around temptations like chasing, jumping up, or stealing food. Uses science-based, force-free methods to encourage calm choices and polite behaviour.

​

4. Bed Training/Boundaries Class
Teaches dogs to settle on their bed or mat and respect boundaries at home. Uses layered shaping games to make learning boundaries fun and stress-free for both dogs and humans.

​

All classes use modern, positive reinforcement techniques that are force-free and science-based, ensuring training is enjoyable and effective for every dog and their person.

These courses:

​

  • Builds Trust and Strengthens Bond: Dogs learn to associate training with positive experiences, deepening their trust and connection with their human.

  • Encourages Willing Participation: Dogs are more eager and motivated to learn when rewarded for good behavior, making training sessions enjoyable.

  • Reduces Fear and Anxiety: Without the use of force or punishment, dogs feel safer and less stressed, leading to a more confident and relaxed pet.

  • Promotes Long-Term Learning: Positive reinforcement helps dogs remember and repeat desired behaviors, as they are rewarded for making the right choices.

  • Improves Socialisation: Dogs trained with positive methods are more likely to be friendly and well-adjusted around people and other animals.

  • Decreases Unwanted Behaviors: By focusing on rewarding good behavior, undesirable actions are replaced with positive alternatives.

  • Supports Emotional Wellbeing: Dogs experience less frustration and confusion, contributing to their overall happiness and mental health.

  • Safe for All Breeds and Ages: This approach is gentle and effective for puppies, adult dogs, and seniors, regardless of breed or temperament.

  • Empowers Owners: Positive reinforcement gives owners practical tools to communicate clearly and effectively with their dogs.

  • Encourages Problem-Solving: Dogs learn to think and make choices, which can boost their confidence and cognitive abilities.

5 week course​​

​

Notes:

​

On lead class.

​​​

The class will run for 5 consecutive weeks​.

​

* Once an initial 5 weeks has been completed anyone can attend on a casual basis - $60 per class

Tricks & Agility Prep
 

Happy Dogs Byron Bay

Next Class: ​

SUNDAYS

16th NOVEMBER
5 weeks duration

9:15 - 10:15 am

$240 (incl GST)
 

Small group class
6 dogs max
For dogs 

3 month and older

1 dog per booking.

Next available classes for booking:

Course description:

  • This course builds on the foundations learnt in Doggie Manners: RECALL, IMPULSE CONTROL, LOOSE LEAD WALKING & BED TRAINING (CALMNESS).

  • Dogs must complete Doggie Manners course prior to attending TRICKS & Agility Prep classes to ensure dogs have the skills to remain relatively calm and focused around other dogs.

  • Exceptions can be made. Please contact Michelle to discuss.

    Info will be provided on:
     

  • Clicker training

  • How & why reinforcement-based training works

  • The power of permission & release cues

  • When to use food vs toy rewards

  • GAMES BASED LEARNING = The benefits of layered shaping and targeting to create behaviours

  • What to do when your dog makes a “mistake” without the use of corrections/punishment.

Dogs will learn: 

  • Nose, paw and body targeting

  • Tricks like “Wave paw”

  • Perch work, pivots & spins

    Agility prep skills:
     

  • Choice games

  • Cone work and teaching turns

  • Jumps

  • Tunnels

  • Basic contacts on a beginner dog walk

  • Body awareness and conditioning exercises for strength, mobility & to prevent injury.

4 week course

​

Location:

​​​

Bangalow Public School.

​

Notes:

​

The class will run for 4 consecutive weeks.​

​

Excellent class to build confidence, optimism & resilience.

 

Suitable for dogs with mild anxiety, fear or reactivity.

Dogs are spaced 3m+ apart at all times and complete the exercises separately.

Scent Games

Happy Dogs Byron Bay

Next Class: ​

Sundays

February 1st
4 weeks duration

9:15 - 10:15 am
$240 (GST incl.)

Small group class

4 dogs per class
For dogs over

3 months and older

1 dog per booking.

Next available classes for booking:

Course description:

Scent Games is a fun, easy activity to do with any dog that helps build confidence and the ability to be calm in new or distracting environments. It can be done at home, in a class, out and about in a park, on a walk, or even in/around your car.


It’s also an inexpensive hobby since all you need is their regular food, and a variety of items can be found in your home.


Scent games are particularly good for building resilience and optimism in rescue, reactive, fearful, anxious or shy dogs. Scent games provide both physical and mental enrichment and are a useful way to prevent boredom/frustration on wet weather days. Scent work can also be useful by teaching your dog to find your lost keys, wallet or TV remote!

After the course, dogs will have better:

  • Desire to listen to you when given permission to sniff or stop sniffing.

  • Increased calmness & confidence with new environments, noises, items, people, dogs.

  • Motivation and desire to listen/work with you.

  • Ability to feel optimistic about the world.

  • Reduced negative emotional states (anxiety, fear, reactivity).

What Clients Say

“Absolutely amazing dog training classes! Wish we had started working with Michelle sooner! She packs the classes with so much extra information. It’s all very easy to implement and you see real improvements quickly throughout the course. Tina our Jack Russell pup graduated from Doggie Manners and now we’re starting Tricks & Agility Prep Classes with Michelle. Can’t recommend her enough!”
​
***** Marcella Maloney
bottom of page