Training classes & workshops for therapy, emotional support & assistance (service) dogs
Group training classes & workshops are now available to people wanting to prepare their dogs for therapy, emotional support and assistance/service work, and for those who have graduated from our Certification courses and would like to maintain or extend their skills.
Learn with the best!
Group classes are a great way to get your dog started on the right path towards their future career. This is particularly important for baby puppies who move through their critically important socialisation period from 8 to 14/18 weeks of age.
Explore our range of options for casual classes and memberships, day time and evening sessions and online options. Class sizes are strictly capped to ensure the best possible service, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Workshops are longer sessions where participants focus extensively on a specific skill, such as socialisation, manners, drives or working with multiple dogs.
Time: Classes: Wednesday afternoons & every second Thursday evening
Workshops: Various
Venue: Lead The Way Institute Training Centre, Unit 5/91 Dorset Road, Ferntree Gully, Vic. 3156
Or Online
Information & Bookings: Email tglasson@leadtheway.com.au
Introductory Class & Specialist Puppy Class
In Person Classes:
on 6.30 pm fortnightly on Thursdays (Classes resume 19th January 2023)
*NEW Online Classes:
6.30pm fortnightly on Thursdays (Live Zoom) (Classes resume 9th February 2023. Note Jan 26 public holiday no training)
Self paced online programme (coming in 2023)
Introductory Class
Introductory classes are open to people who would like to investigate our training, ask questions, and see if our courses or programmes may be a good fit for themselves and their dogs.
You will be introduced to the training system and simple obedience cues, the fundamentals of communicating with your dog, understanding behaviour and assisting your dog to develop self regulation. Specific socialisation topics are covered each session to ensure your dog can confidently face a range of sights, sounds, smells, equipment, situations and animals that they may encounter in the future.
Specialist Puppy Class
Puppies are encouraged to join in our Introductory Classes where they will learn all of the fundamentals required to develop into happy and social members of our human world. With a focus on behaviour and self-regulation your puppy will learn good manners from a young age, and is much less likely to go on to develop concerning behaviours which could negatively impact on their ability to pursue a career as a therapy, support or assistance dog.
Socialisation topics at the Introductory level are particularly relevant for assisting puppies to develop social confidence and curiosity.
Emotional Support Dog (ESD) Classes
In Person Classes:
2 pm selected Wednesdays (Resume 25th January 2023)
4.15 pm selected Thursdays (Commencing 2nd February 2023)
The ESD classes are introductory level classes, very similar to the Introductory and puppy classes, however the classes run at a slightly slower pace, and a mental health professional is always in attendance to support the participants. The classes run most weeks, except those weeks when we are running training courses.
Preparation Class
In Person Classes:
7.30 pm fortnightly on Thursdays (Resume 19th January 2023)
Online Classes *NEW TIME*:
6.30 pm fortnightly on Thursday evenings (Resume 9th February 2023)
Once you and your dog have learned the basics of the training method, and you have enrolled in one of our courses (e.g. therapy dog certification or emotional support dog programme) you are eligible to move on to our Preparation Class. Please note this class is not suitable for dogs under 5 months of age.
In this class you will learn specific cues and skills that will be of assistance in your dog’s future working life. There is a greater focus on your dog being able to listen and work under high levels of distraction, and of course ensuring that they are confident and social.
For more information, pricing and bookings, please email Tanya at tglasson@leadtheway.com.au
Classes for Graduates
Maintenance Class
In Person Classes *NEW TIME*:
7.30 pm fortnightly on Thursdays (Resume 9th February 2023)
Online Classes *NEW TIME*:
6.30 pm fortnightly on Thursday evenings (Resume 9th February 2023)
If you have previously trained or Certified with us, you’re eligible to attend Maintenance Class. Keep up your skills in a friendly and supportive group with other graduates.
Extension Class
In Person Classes *NEW TIME*:
7.30 pm fortnightly on Thursdays (Resume 9th February 2023)
*NEW* Online Classes:
6.30 pm fortnightly on Thursday evenings (Commencing 9th February 2023)
These classes will help you to develop your skills to the next level in preparation for Advanced Certification, and keep you learning more even after completing your advanced training. This class is open to graduates at Level 3 or above
For more information, pricing and bookings, please email Tanya at tglasson@leadtheway.com.au
Workshops
Workshops are suitable for dogs working at the preparation and maintenance levels or above. If unsure, please ask your trainer.
Socialisation
Monday 22nd May 2 pm – 4.30 pm
Thursday 26th October 9.30 am – 12 pm
The socialisation workshop provides dog and handler teams the chance to see how their dogs cope with a wide variety of stimuli in the environment, including sounds, sights, movement, smells, surfaces and novelty. Teams will work around novel equipment, and walk in the local area. Handlers will learn how to ensure that the dogs achieve a positive outcome using socialisation principles.
Drives (Regulation)
Friday 3rd February 2 pm – 4.30 pm
Tuesday 4th April 10 am – 12.30 pm
Friday 4th August 2pm – 4.30 pm
Monday 2nd October 2 pm – 4.30 pm
The drives/regulation workshop provides dog and handler teams the chance to see how their dogs cope with a wide variety of stimuli which may typically result in play drive, prey drive, or food drive, including meeting the guinea pigs, playing with toys, and working around food and other dogs. Handlers will learn how to ensure that the dogs achieve a positive outcome using socialisation principles.
Manners
Wednesday 22nd February 9.30 am – 12 pm
Wednesday 14th June 9.30 am – 12 pm
The manners workshop provides dog and handler teams the chance to practice and refine their dog’s every day manners including respecting boundaries, polite greetings, and self regulation around food and people. Handlers will learn how to ensure that the dogs achieve a positive outcome using the principles of canine good-behaviour shaping (manners that matter) and behavioural problem solving.
Multi-Dog Handling
Wednesday 2nd August 9.30 am – 12 pm
The multi-dog workshop provides handlers the opportunity to develop skills in working with more than one dog simultaneously. The workshop is ideal for advanced handlers who already have one certified working therapy dog, and are hoping to introduce a second dog, new puppy, or prepare for multi-dog handler certification.