Dog School

Advice and practical training to help you and your pooch understand each other better. We offer 4 week courses to dogs of all ages and backgrounds.

Dogs Trust care for hundreds of dogs every year – but we are increasingly aware that dogs are surrendered because they have developed behaviours their owners find difficult to live with.

Our four week long comprehensive online course, that you and your dog can take part in, from the comfort of you own home!

Dogs Trust Dog School’s experienced trainers aim to provide high quality, welfare friendly advice on dog training and behaviour during our fun, educational classes. We want to help dog owners to form a life-long bond with their dogs, have a good understanding of the behaviour of their dog and avoid the common pitfalls that can lead to problem behaviours.

Virtual training courses for just €60

In four fun weekly classes you'll learn how to:

Improve your dog's recall.
Train your dog to walk nicely on a lead.
Communicate effectively with your dog.
Overcome chewing and mouthing.
Toilet train your puppy.
Teach your dog to settle, relax and feel comfortable in new situations, including at the vets and being left alone.
Train your dog to sit and lie down on command.
Make sure your dog is not worried about people approaching stuff they value (like their food or toys).

You'll also learn about:

The importance of being consistent and predictable with your dog.
The importance of getting your dog used to all sorts of different situations.
How to use things such as attention and play as rewards, rather than just treats.
Practicing behaviours in lots of different situations!
How these skills can be taken forward and developed to make sure your dog continues to learn as they get older.
The importance of keeping your dog’s mind busy

Want to sign up for Dog School?

As places are reserved on a first come, first served basis, please complete an enquiry form to avoid disappointment.

Please note that we are experiencing a large volume of enquiries and will contact you as soon as possible.

If you have an urgent query, please contact us on 018791865 or email to speak directly to a member of the team.

Book now

Our approach

At Dogs Trust we train dogs using reward based methods, and do not advocate the use of any training equipment which changes behaviour by causing pain or fear in dogs.

Dog School coach supporting owner and her dog

Dogs which are trained with rewards enjoy learning - they are a partner in the training sessions and often 'offer' new behaviours to see if they get a reward.

Reward based training works to change behaviour and enhances the bond between dog and owner.

We also make sure you get the support and resources you need to help you in our classes and beyond. These courses include access to our owner support hub to enable a strong start to your training.

FAQs

What can I expect from online classes?

Online classes are run via Teams and last 45 minutes. Once you have chosen your preferred time, you will be sent a …

Online classes are run via Teams and last 45 minutes. Once you have chosen your preferred time, you will be sent a zoom link for that particular time. This is the same link that you will use for the full course. Please note that once you have chosen your time, this is the class you will attend each week. Time slots can only be changed at the discretion of the Head Coach. These classes are designed to train the owner in tools and techniques to use in your own training sessions with your dog, but there will be opportunity to practice with your dog in the session too so you're free to have them present during the class.

Will I see the same coaches each week?

We will try our best to make sure you see the same coaches each week for your classes, because we think it is …

We will try our best to make sure you see the same coaches each week for your classes, because we think it is important for us to get to know you and your dog or puppy. The coaches work in teams of three, so you should get to know all the team members over your course. Occasionally, there may be a change in one coach because of sickness or holidays, but if this is necessary, we will try to ensure that you are introduced to your new coach the week before the change so that they are familiar with you and your dog.

What sort of training methods are used?

We only use positive training methods supported by the most up to date research on dog behaviour. We will never use …

How much do classes cost?

These classes cost €60 in total for the full 4 weeks.

For a private one off session the cost is €60, these sessions …

What happens if I miss a class?

Please try to let your coach know as soon as possible if you are unable to attend a class. You will be provided with …

Please try to let your coach know as soon as possible if you are unable to attend a class. You will be provided with the training guide for the week you missed so that you can catch up at home. We are not able to offer replacement classes or refunds but will help you catch up in time for the following class. If you require help in understanding or practising the guide for the week you missed, please get in touch with your coach for advice.

Why are Dogs Trust running training classes?

Dogs Trust recognises the need for affordable behavioural and training support in the community. We believe that Dog …

Dogs Trust recognises the need for affordable behavioural and training support in the community. We believe that Dog School will help raise awareness of dog behaviour, strengthen the bond between owners and their dogs and help to address and prevent the development of unwanted or problematic behaviours. We are hopeful that this service will improve the welfare of dogs in Ireland, both by providing owners with support in the home environment and by reducing the number of dogs being relinquished for behavioural reasons.

Is my dog suitable for Dog School classes?

Our training classes are aimed at giving you information and skills that you can apply to your dog’s behaviour in any …

Our training classes are aimed at giving you information and skills that you can apply to your dog’s behaviour in any situation. If you have an existing issue that you would require help with, please contact your local coach and describe the problems you are having. It may be possible for us to help you in a class setting, or it may be that your coach will recommend a 1:1 session with a trainer. We will aim to give you the advice that we believe will be of the greatest benefit to you and your dog. In some cases, the class environment may not be the most suitable for your dog, in which case we will always strive to offer an alternative plan of action!

My dog is a restricted breed, do you offer and muzzle training?

Dogs Trust are a strong proponent of responsible dog ownership. According to the Control Of Dogs Regulations 1998, any …

Dogs Trust are a strong proponent of responsible dog ownership. According to the Control Of Dogs Regulations 1998, any breed of dog that is on the restricted breed list is not permitted to be in a public place unless the dog is wearing a muzzle.

We have an online step by step guide on how to muzzle train your dog. If you need further help muzzle training your dog or puppy, or would like more information on this, please get in touch with your coach who will be happy to advise further.

Is there one-to-one training available?

For a private one off session the cost is €60, these sessions last 1hr.

One-to-one training is available for those …

For a private one off session the cost is €60, these sessions last 1hr.

One-to-one training is available for those whose dogs may need some extra help with training and are only offered on a case by case basis.

Where the coaches identify that a dog may be unsuitable for a one-to-one or classes with Dog School, further support will be offered and alternatives recommended, ensuring that you and your dog get the very best guidance available.