Puppy school, group dog-training classes, and mentoring sessions
Have you ever wondered if your dog could be a therapy or visiting dog? Would you like your puppy to grow up to be as well rounded, calm and curious as an assistance dog? Would you like to be part of a community of like-minded people while being supported by amazing trainers? Join us for our Thursday evening classes and mentoring sessions!
Learn with the best!
Group classes (puppies to adult)
What we offer:
- Training support for people and dogs at all stages of their training journey, from specialist puppy-school, to students in our courses, all the way to our Advanced Certified Therapy Dog and Handler teams.
- Safe indoor, airconditioned environment
- Training topics specifically designed to complement therapy dog learning
- Class sizes that are strictly capped to ensure the best possible service
- Experienced trainers with special expertise in training dogs and people for therapeutic work
- Memberships allowing access to discounted class prices
- Monthly online check ins for those teams who are unable to attend in person
Mentoring sessions for Therapy/Visiting/Wellbeing teams
What we offer:
- Translate theoretical knowledge into practical activities for your clients/students – New topics are covered each month
- Practice workplace skills with your dog in a supportive environment, under expert guidance
- Workshop ideas and challenges with other professionals and connect via the Community of Practice
- Access the sessions online if unable to attend in person (where appropriate for the topic)
Time: Thursday Evenings
Venue: Lead The Way Institute Training Centre, Unit 5/91 Dorset Road, Ferntree Gully, Vic. 3156 OR: Online
Information & Bookings: Call 03 9761 0973 for more information and to register for online bookings via the client portal
Puppy School
Want to give your dog the best possible start? Join our Specialist Puppy Classes Now!
5.30 pm Thursdays OPEN TO ALL PUPPIES!
Lead The Way’s puppy classes are designed for people who want to give their dog the best possible start in life, no matter what the future holds. Whether you are training you puppy to work along side you in the future, or simply be a much loved and valued family member, our puppy school is open to everyone. With decades of experience training therapy, support and assistance dogs to be calm, confident, and social, our expert trainers will support you both at every step.
Time: In Person Classes, 5.30pm Thursday Evenings (duration 45 minutes). Join any time!
Venue: Lead The Way Institute Training Centre, Unit 5/91 Dorset Road, Ferntree Gully, Vic. 3156
Information & Bookings: Call 03 9761 0973 for more information and bookings
Puppy School Learning Goals
Across two comprehensive 6-week programs, you will learn the fundamentals required to support your puppy’s growth into a happy and social member of our human world, including:
- Learn to Speak Puppy – Understanding different developmental stages and needs as your puppy grows
- Happy Healthy Puppies – Healthcare, nutrition, teething, safety
- A Well-Rounded Puppy Has Structure – Everything from toilet training to zoomies and sleeping through the night. Learn to support your pup’s energy, sleep, training/learning and play times.
- Creating Calm Puppies – Learn to support your puppy’s regulation skills, manners, and separation confidence (independence)
- Creating Confident Puppies – Learn techniques for safe, positive exposure to the real world and its sights, sounds, and smells
- Make an informed decision if you would like to pursue training for your dog as a Therapy/Visiting/School dog or to support an individual as an emotional support or Assistance Dog.
Group Training Classes & Mentoring Sessions
For aspiring Visiting, Therapy, Wellbeing, or School dogs aged 6 months or older
6.30pm Introductory and Learner Level 1
(Formerly Introductory and Preparation Classes)
These classes are structured in a way that supports people who would like to see if our training and courses may be a good fit, for students currently enrolled in or completing our Level 1 Learner course, as well as supporting our Level 1 graduates on their training journey, as they prepare for Level 2 certification. Open to dogs aged 6 months or older.
Time: In Person Classes, 6.30pm Thursday Evenings (duration 45 minutes)
Venue: Lead The Way Institute Training Centre, Unit 5/91 Dorset Road, Ferntree Gully, Vic. 3156
Information & Bookings: Call 03 9761 0973 for more information and to register for online bookings via the client portal
In Person Classes: 6.30 pm Thursdays (duration 45 mins)
Teach your dog foundational concepts through positive reinforcement and shaping games. Learn the fundamentals of communicating with your dog, reading their body language, understanding their behaviour and assisting your dog to develop self-regulation. Enjoy specific socialisation topics designed to ensure dogs can confidently face a range of sights, sounds, smells, equipment, situations and animals that they may encounter in the future. Focus on working well as a team under increasing levels of distraction, ensuring that your dog is confident, happy and social in all manner of environments. Benefit from the support of our experienced trainers to consolidate your learning across classes and courses, as well as working with you to build your skills and assist you to navigate specific challenges.
Mentoring sessions: Monthly during class time
Approximately once a month, one of our senior animal assisted therapists/trainers will lead a mentoring session on a specific applied (workplace) topic. In these sessions, dogs and handlers practice skills directly relevant to working in animal assisted services. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences and explore solutions together. If appropriate, you may be able to join these sessions remotely online.
Please note: Introductory and Learner classes may complete training topics and mentoring sessions together or separately, as appropriate for their level of learning.
Check class dates and availability, and make bookings via the Client Portal
| DATE |
INTRODUCTORY CLASS · Dogs aged 6+ months · Dogs currently enrolled in Level 1 course · Teams deciding if our training is a good fit |
LEVEL 1 LEARNER CLASS · Dogs aged 6+ months · Level 1 graduates · Dogs currently enrolled in Level 2 course |
|
12 Feb CLASS |
Training Walk Weather permitting – teams will walk in the local area to work on skills in real life settings. |
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19 Feb CLASS |
Safe Car travel Comfort, safety, boundaries Regulation & safety with toys & food |
Novel boundaries Drives & regulation (Guinea Pigs) Safe reciprocal play. Managing play drives, food drives, and prey drives |
|
26 Feb MENTORING |
MENTORING (in person only topic) Suitable for all students enrolled in Level 1 or above UNDERSTANDING TEMPERAMENT SUITABILITY AND GOODNESS OF FIT FOR THERAPY DOGS Engage in fun exercises that highlight your dog’s temperament and personality. |
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5th March CLASS |
Manners at mealtimes – Pizza provided Train your dog around food and have a bite to eat! |
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12th March CLASS |
Focus on formal cues Practicing cues for L1 Assessment (using the self-assessment sheet) |
Assessment readiness Practice cues for L2 Assessment (using the self-assessment sheet) |
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19 March CLASS |
Exposure training (socialisation) to equipment and noises e.g., hospital bed, wheelchair, vacuum, etc |
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26 March CLASS |
Workshopping separation confidence Confinement & tethering, time alone, and FOMO (fear of missing out) |
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2 April
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No classes, Easter break | |
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9 April CLASS |
Exposure training (socialisation) with people Greetings and preferences; People with hats, coats, umbrellas, etc.; Visitors (knocking/doorbells) |
Interacting with diverse people Workshop interactions and engagement with diverse people/presentations/behaviour |
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16 April CLASS
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Focus on Formal cues Practicing cues for L1 Assessment (using the self-assessment sheet) |
Assessment readiness Practice cues for L2 Assessment (using the self-assessment sheet) |
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23 April MENTORING |
MENTORING (online or in person) Suitable for all students enrolled in Level 1 or above UNDERSTANDING WELFARE AND USING THE WA-BOS Understand baseline preferences and identify stimuli that impact welfare |
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30 April CLASS |
Controlled inter-dog exposure training (socialisation) Identify your dog’s social preferences. If appropriate, allow (on lead or off lead) interactions with other dogs under the guidance of trainers. |
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7 May CLASS |
Manners… when I’m not there. Identify and practice strategies to ensure your dog is not practicing inappropriate behaviour when not supervised |
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14 May CLASS |
Incremental Learning – applying the 3Ds Practice stepwise challenge, and identify your dog’s threshold with different stimuli |
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21 May MENTORING |
MENTORING (online or in person). Suitable for all students enrolled in Level 1 or above. POLICY & PROCEDURE REVISITED – APPLYING THE GROOMING GUIDELINES. Review grooming and allergy management guidelines. Discuss levels of infection control as they apply to your clients/workplace. Socialisation to grooming, and developing co-operative care with your dog. |
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28 May CLASS |
Counter Conditioning – How to help your dog when they DONT like something Develop and implement a counter conditioning plan with common challenges, e.g., vacuum, stairs |
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4 June CLASS |
Regulation in the real world Identify real life situations where your dog becomes dysregulated. Practice regulation strategies. |
Regulation around novelty Identify your dog’s natural response to novelty and sudden environmental change. Practice regulation strategies. |
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11 June CLASS |
Focus on Formal cues Practicing cues for L1 Assessment (using the self-assessment sheet) |
Assessment readiness Practice cues for L2 Assessment (using the self-assessment sheet) |
|
18 June MENTORING |
No Class |
MENTORING (online or in person). Suitable for L1 Graduates and students enrolled in Level 2 or above TALKING FOR YOUR DOG Using your dog’s ‘voice’ to build rapport, enhance welfare, and build observational skills |
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25 June CLASS |
Developing confidence through choice Reward your dog’s curiosity and build confidence using exposure training (socialisation principles) (confronting typically challenging stimuli) |
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2 July CLASS |
Exposure training (socialisation) with people Greetings and preferences; People with hats, coats, umbrellas, etc.; Visitors (knocking/doorbells) |
Interacting with diverse people Workshop interactions and engagement with diverse people/presentations/behaviour |
|
9 July CLASS |
Focus on Formal cues Practicing cues for L1 Assessment (using the self-assessment sheet) |
Assessment readiness Practice cues for L2 Assessment (using the self-assessment sheet) |
|
16 July MENTORING |
MENTORING (online or in person). Suitable for all students enrolled in Level 1 or above. SETTING THE RULES FOR SAFE INTRODUCTIONS How to introduce your dog to different population groups, developing helpful catchphrases, and establishing the ‘rules’ for interacting with your dog |
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23 July CLASS |
Co-operative care Work with your dog to develop voluntary care skills on cue, e.g., take medication, trim nails, clean teeth, wear a muzzle |
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30 July CLASS |
Focus on Formal cues Practicing cues for L1 Assessment (using the self-assessment sheet) |
Assessment readiness Practice cues for L2 Assessment (using the self-assessment sheet) |
7.30pm Level 2 Graduates and Advanced Graduates
(Formerly Maintenance and Extension Classes)
This class is suitable for graduates working at the Level 2 standard, preparing for Level 3 and 4, and for our amazing Advanced teams already at Level 4!
Time: In Person Classes, 7.30pm every second Thursday (duration 45 minutes)
Venue: Lead The Way Institute Training Centre, Unit 5/91 Dorset Road, Ferntree Gully, Vic. 3156
Information & Bookings: Call 03 9761 0973 for more information and to register for online bookings via the client portal
In Person Classes: 7.30 pm Thursdays (fortnightly – week 1) (duration 45 mins)
Keep up your skills in a friendly and supportive group with other graduates. It’s a rare opportunity to train with your dog alongside others working in various animal assisted services settings. Our classes are designed to enhance your skills under higher levels of distraction so that you may further develop your skills in preparation for Advanced Certification or consolidate and extend your learning. Classes focus on applying your learning to a workplace setting so you can improve your confidence to support your dog in their work, enhance safety and welfare, and enrich your experience through connection with others.
Mentoring sessions: Monthly during class time
Approximately once a month, one of our senior animal assisted therapists/trainers will lead a mentoring session on a specific applied (workplace) topic. In these sessions, dogs and handlers practice skills directly relevant to working in animal assisted services. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences and explore solutions together. If appropriate, you may be able to join these sessions remotely online.
Please note: Level 2 and Advanced classes may complete training topics and mentoring sessions together or separately, as appropriate for their level of learning.
Check class dates and availability, and make bookings via the Client Portal
| DATE | L2 GRADUATES CLASS | ADVANCED L3/4 CLASS | |
|
12 Feb CLASS |
Training Walk Weather permitting – teams will walk in the local area to work on skills in real life settings. |
||
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26 Feb MENTORING |
MENTORING (in person or online) Suitable for all graduates of Level 2 or above OBEDIENCE CUES AND THEIR APPLICATION TO CLIENT GOALS Practice various cues and link them to specific client goals and outcomes |
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12th March CLASS |
Focus on formal cues & Assessment readiness (Certification Assessment 23 March) Practicing cues for Recertification and/or Advanced Assessment L2 / L4 (using the L2 / L4 self-assessment sheet) |
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26 March CLASS |
Workshopping Separation confidence Managing FOMO. Confidence with ‘client’ as handler. Developing out of sight confidence. |
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| 2 April | No classes, Easter break | ||
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9 April CLASS |
Interacting with diverse people Exposure training (socialisation) to costumes. Ensuring mutually rewarding encounters when client presentations are diverse |
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23 April MENTORING Special time 6.30pm |
MENTORING (online or in person) Suitable for all students enrolled in Level 1 or above UNDERSTANDING WELFARE AND USING THE WA-BOS Understand baseline preferences and identify stimuli that impact welfare |
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7 May CLASS |
Reciprocal play Simulating serve-and-return interactions between clients and dogs under high drive: Play, food, and toys. |
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21 May MENTORING |
MENTORING (online or in person). Suitable for all graduates of Level 2 or above. WORKING WITH FEARFUL OR PHOBIC CLIENTS Understanding and practicing stillness, control, and predictability. |
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4 June CLASS |
Training walk & Inter-dog Socialisation Short training-walk on the street in the dark. Read your dog’s reaction to sounds and smells when visibility is low. On lead exposure training (socialisation) and working while other dogs play |
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18 June MENTORING |
MENTORING (online or in person). Suitable for L2 graduates and above THERAPEUTIC USE OF CURIOSITY (WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMETHING GOES WRONG) Learn techniques to explore client expectations, empathy, and understanding when the dog isn’t ‘perfect’. |
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2 July CLASS
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Costume party & Assessment readiness (Certification Assessment 21 July) Exposure training (socialisation) with different costumes/masks. Practicing cues for Recertification and/or Advanced Assessment L2 / L4 (using the L2 / L4 self-assessment sheet) |
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16 July MENTORING |
THIS TOPIC RUNS AT 6.30PM MENTORING (online or in person). Suitable for all students enrolled in Level 1 or above. SETTING THE RULES FOR SAFE INTRODUCTIONS How to introduce your dog to different population groups, developing helpful catchphrases, and establishing the ‘rules’ for interacting with your dog |
ADVANCED MENTORING (online or in person). Suitable for graduates of Level 3 or above. USING PLAY AND THERAPEUTIC TASKS Workshop the use of play and therapeutic tasks with clients and explore their use in supporting client goals |
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30 July CLASS |
Novel boundaries and Cheese Night! – Cheese and biscuits provided Practice working with your dog in novel situations, recognising novel boundaries, and challenging your dog around food, while eating tasty cheese and crackers |
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Online Check-In Class (all levels)
For aspiring Visiting, Therapy, Wellbeing, or School dogs aged 6 months or older
(Formerly Zoom Open Class)
This class is an open forum for all students to check in with our trainers for support and advice when unable to attend our in-person classes. Open to dogs aged 6 months or older.
Time: Online, 6.30pm Thursdays every 4 weeks (duration 45 minutes)
Venue: Lead The Way Institute Training Centre, Unit 5/91 Dorset Road, Ferntree Gully, Vic. 3156
Information & Bookings: Call 03 9761 0973 for more information and to register for online bookings via the client portal
Online: 6.30pm Thursdays (every 4 weeks) (class 45 mins, question time 15 minutes)
The online class provides support to students at all levels from Introductory to Advanced. Trainers are available to assist students with formal cues and obedience, socialisation and manners, and problem-solving specific concerns. Students in attendance work at their own level on exercises set by the trainers, to best meet the needs of the students in class that day, followed by 15 minutes of question time for more specific questions or concerns.
Mentoring sessions
Some of our Mentoring sessions can be attended online. Students who are unable to attend the sessions in person can join via video link to observe and participate in the discussions and activities. Note: Not all topics are available to attend remotely.
Book into the 4-weekly online Check-In class via the Client Portal
Mentoring sessions for Introductory and Level 1 graduates run at 6.30 pm. Mentoring sessions for Level 2 graduates and Advanced graduates run at 7.30 pm. Please see the timetables and schedules above for topic dates and availability. Bookings for Mentoring sessions can also be made via the Client Portal.
6.30 pm online class dates: (to July 2026)
- 12 February
- 5 March
- 9 April
- 7 May
- 4 June
- 2 July
- 30 July
Individual support
One on one sessions with one of our dedicated trainers
Private Lessons
- Not sure where to begin?
- Looking for specific advice?
- Not sure if group classes will suit you?
- Need some extra support?
Private Lessons are available for those who need a little textra guidance, support, or time. They’re also a great way to jump start your training, help your dog get settled, or workshop specific goals.
By appointment weekdays
Call 03 9761 0973 for enquiries or bookings