FAQs

The dog should be at least three months old and have finished their vaccinations.  Your vet may recommend that they do not attend classes until a week or two after their final puppy vaccination, so check with them.

We take all dogs over the age of three months that are fully vaccinated.  No dog is too old. Old dogs can learn new tricks!

We do not take puppies under three months, or those that are not fully vaccinated.  We recommend that younger puppies attend a specialized “puppy preschool”.  Check with your vet to see if they run one.

In-season bitches cannot attend the class as it would be too disruptive.  However, if she comes into season after you have booked and paid for a place for her, or after the class has started, you can attend the class next term free of charge.

Reactive dogs are stressed and cannot learn, and may also upset the other handlers and dogs. If your dog is very reactive, a class is not the right place for it.   You need to find a trainer who will work with your dog individually – we do not offer one-on-one training because we do not have the resources.

We do not allow dogs to play in class.  They are there to learn. The best form of socialising for dogs is to learn to be well-mannered in public, i.e. not expecting to be able to play with any dog it sees whenever it feels like it but to ignore things/people/dogs that are none of its business.

Yes, but only if one handler takes the dog at a time. This means that you have the lead, the treats, and tell the dog what to do. Your partner should stand well back and not try & tell the dog or you what to do.

No, children must be 12 years or older to handle dogs in class.

No one-on-one training is not offered. View our classes.

If you are sick, please stay at home. We do recommend that you contact your instructor to let them know that you are not coming to class.

No, please stay at home and contact your vet. Kennel cough is highly contagious and is especially dangerous for puppies, so consider the safety of other dogs and stay at home. It would be a good idea to warn your instructor too.

Domestic obedience classes (Junior, Basic & Intermediate) are only held on Tuesday evenings.

No problem.  I’m sure we’ve seen worse.  We are quite happy to instruct “naughty but nice” dogs.

The safety of instructors, clients, and their dogs is paramount.  Therefore, we cannot have people-aggressive dogs in class.  You need to take your dog to a professional handler with experience in rehabilitating dogs like this.

No.  They instruct you on how to do the training.  Initially, you will need to practice every day.  It gets easier, but training a dog is a lifetime (of the dog) commitment – they will always need “refreshers” of what they have learned.  It’s a bit like having children – they always need to brush up on something!

Training Fees for 2024 (per a nine-week term)

• Training fees for domestic obedience classes – $80
• Training fees for all advanced classes (excluding Rally-O classes) – $40
• Training fees for Rally-O classes – $80
• Membership fees (to be paid only by participants of all advanced classes, instructors, and Committee members, and those willing to belong to the Club) – $20 (annually)

Check the classes and enrolments page for more details

For special conditions for instructors and committee members please check here

During Terms 1 and 4, the classes are held on the grounds of the Manawatu Canine Centre in Ashhurst.


In Terms 2 and 3, we train in Longburn.

Please check here for the exact locations.

Click here and select the class you wish to enroll in. You will be prompted to complete the application form when you purchase a class. Make sure you complete the details for you and your dog correctly.

The dates for applications are announced on our FB page and on this website, and the application form is only open for a limited period of time.

You will need to be in quick because spaces are limited.

We will send you an email advising on the status of your application and payment instructions (if you got a spot in a class) within the next few days after you applied.

First, ensure that you didn’t miss our email. Check your Inbox, Spam, and (for Gmail accounts) Promotions folders. Search for emails from tadtc@yahoo.co.nz. If you are sure it’s not there, send a message to us on FB. Make sure you mention the name you used on the application form.

Alternatively, contact us on our contact page.

Yes, you can still complete the application form, just explain why can’t provide it at the time of application. However, remember that your dog needs to be registered with PNCC by the time the classes begin. Unregistered dogs will not be allowed to train.

You will need to bring your dog’s vaccination certificate. If you were not able to provide your dog’s council registration number at the time of application, you will need to bring proof of that (collar tag or receipt of payment). The first night of the term is the induction night, where you will meet with your instructor and learn about what to expect from the course. There is no class this night, so please DO NOT BRING YOUR DOG – but DO BRING VACCINATION DETAILS.

The instructor will explain everything at the induction night, but here’s a typical list.

Bring lots of small, delicious, soft treats for your dog (such as cheese or skinless sausage) that can be eaten quickly without the dog choking on them – excited dogs often forget to chew! Chunkies or Possyum are a great choice and are available in your supermarket. Aim for small pieces – treat quantity is more important to your dog than treat size.

Having a treat pouch (one that attaches around your waist or clips onto a belt) is a good idea but if you prefer to have a small container with treats instead, that’s fine too. It is important that you can access the treats easily as timing for treating is really important!

If your dog is not food-motivated, bring a tug or toy for your dog (NOT squeaky please as this distracts other peoples’ dogs).

A suitable leash and collar. NO choke chains or retractable leads.

Poo bags for cleaning up after your dog.

Also, make sure you wear suitable clothing for training – clothing you don’t mind getting a little dirty, and closed-toe shoes.