Dog Training

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About Training at NBKC

We choose balanced training techniques, emphasising reward and motivational-based learning to promote an enthusiastic dog.

Our certified trainer (National Dog Trainer’s Federation), Heather, conducts the training.

NBKC currently offers two training options, Doggy Day School & Doggy Boarding School, which are explained below.

How to book?

All training is discussed with Heather first, and she will look at availability and explain the next steps.

The fastest way to reach Heather is to text 0458962000 with the following details, and she will call you back as soon as she can.

  • I wish to speak to Heather about training.
  • Owner’s name
  • Dog’s name, age and breed.
  • Contact details (if concealed)
Heather and her dog, Bonnie

Doggy Day School – Wed & Thu

About

Doggy Day School operates on Wednesday and Thursday, which coincides with the Doggy Day Out schedules for Shepparton and Echuca residents.

Dogs must attend our Doggy Day Out or Doggy Day Care programs (daycare for dogs) to enrol in our Doggy Day School.

There are three training levels to choose from: Puppergarten, Houndations & GradDog – these are explained below.

Heather requires a minimum of ten training sessions to maximise learning. Each training session is thirty minutes long. Eight training sessions are held with Heather and the dog. The final two sessions are dedicated to a hand-over with the owner, where they are guided through commands, body language, etc.

Of course, humans must play and practice with their dog/s at home. Weekly reports (via email or your Propet account) will explain the skills introduced to your dog and how to achieve them yourself. Reports will provide video links to the training techniques and some games.

The aim is to build skills one by one, week by week.

After your initial ten weeks, you may book further training sessions to tweak behaviours.

Booking & Payment – Doggy Day School

Payment is up-front. Please don’t attempt to book online until after speaking with Heather (in fact, it is often easier for us to book the necessary components).

Customers book and pay for TWO services for Doggy Day School: Training + Daycare

  • Training – 10 Sessions
    • $500
  • Daycare – 10 days (with a package)
    • DDO Shepp/Echuca $414
    • DDO Nathalia $300
    • BYO Dog Day Care $260

Check out our Daycare Page to read about our daycare services.

Heather with Bonnie.

The following will assist you in deciding your pet’s training requirements for Doggy Day School.

1. PupperGarten Training

Puppies under 6 months

  • Designed for puppies during their critical developmental learning periods.
  • Establishing foundations in obedience basics and good social skills around people and other dogs.
  • This course aims to assist in developing a well-socialized, confident young dog.
  • Training occurs on a leash, with low distractions, to ensure your puppy has the best chance at successful learning.

sit ~ drop ~ social walk basics & leash pressure ~ recall ~ place command

PupperGarten skills focus.

2. Houndations Training

Dogs 6 months+

  • If your dog missed PupperGarten, don’t fear; it is never too late to start learning!
  • This program establishes solid foundations in basic obedience and good social manners around people and other dogs.
  • Training occurs mostly on a leash or long line, with low—to medium-level distractions. This ensures that your dog has the optimal chance to succeed in learning.

sit ~ drop ~ social walk ~ recall on long line ~ place command

Houndation skills focus.

3. GradDog Training

For Houndation Graduates

This program focuses on increasing the performance reliability of the skills established during Houndations. Training concentrates on your dog performing with more distractions, holding drop, sit, or place position for longer durations, increasing recall reliability, and loose-leash social walking with distractions. Training takes place on and off-leash.

sit-stay ~ drop-stay ~ social walk ~ off-leash recall low distraction yard ~ place command

GradDog skills focus.
Heather and Bonnie

Doggy Boarding School

What a fab way to launch your dog’s learning journey with a combination of vacation and school!

We currently offer a two-week or three-week program (but this may change in 2025).

Price: Doggy Boarding School has three services involved:

  1. Training $250 per week
  2. Handover $100
  3. Boarding Fees (rates are weight-based). We can provide a quote.

Doggy Boarding School focuses on:

  • Obedience ~ develop skills utilising balanced training techniques, emphasising reward and motivation.
  • Engagement games ~ build better human/canine relationships through play and motivational interactions.
  • Learning to learn ~ establish the foundation of obedience using techniques such as shaping and targeting.
  • Communication skills ~ create a language between you and your dog.
  • Encourage good manners ~, e.g. Substitute jumping up on people with a calm and ‘dognified’ meet/greet.

2 Week Boarding School

Depending on the individual’s capabilities, the learning process is conducted on a leash in a low-distraction environment:

  • sit-stay
  • drop-stay
  • loose leash social walk
  • recall to a sit position on a long line
  • place command
  • compulsory hand-over session

Through multiple learning sessions throughout the day, skills can be developed faster.

3 Week Boarding School

Depending on the individual’s capabilities and progress, this program develops higher levels of reliability. Training is on and off-leash as the dog advances their skillset.

  • sit-stay – with distractions
  • drop stay – with distractions
  • loose leash social walk – with distractions
  • recall to a sit position off-leash – low distraction yard
  • place command – duration
  • dinner bowl training – wait for the command to eat
  • ‘wait’ command at doors and gates
  • compulsory hand-over session.

Multiple learning sessions throughout the day develop skills faster.

Graduation Hand-over Training Session

To graduate from Doggy Boarding School, you (the owner) must attend the one-hour handover session with Heather.

You will learn the techniques necessary to maintain the training at home for ongoing success, fun, and bonding with your fur child.

Of course, if you get stuck, Heather is always a phone call away!

Customised Training

If you have any specific training requests, please get in touch with Heather to schedule an appointment.

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