Training Assessment
Our training assessments are a phone call with our Behavior Specialist.
The assessment will help distinguish which would be the best course for you if you are unsure between Level One, Reactive Rover or a Private Training Session.
Referral to an onsite the DSPCA assessment may be required on a case by case basis to meet with your dog, this will be decided after the initial phone call.
There is a €25 charge on the assessments which is redeemable off any course booked at the time of assessment.
As our assessments are in high demand if we can help you from the information provided we will send you the most suitable course & action to take by email.
Please note assessments are limited, puppies generally do not require a behaviour assessment for dogs under the age of 9 months call our team on 01-4994790
Private Training
Private training sessions are ideal for dog owners looking to work on specific issues. The sessions are tailored specifically to you and your dog and the issues you are having.
They are the perfect opportunity to have all family members together during training, we offer these in your home (specific areas only), onsite the DSPCA in Rathfarnham, in Bushy Park, Terenure and in St Anne’s Park, Raheny.
The training session will last an hour and a half, and our trainer will work with you on the practical elements needed to help you and your dog.
After the session, you will be emailed a tailored training plan.
What can be covered during a Private Training session?
Topics Covered:
- All puppy basics. Ideal for puppies that have not completed their vaccinations: Toilet Training, Crate Training, Play Biting, Chewing, Mouthing & more
- Basic Level One Obedience Training
- Separation Anxiety
- Destructive behaviour
- Demand Barking
- Lead Work
- Recall
- Counter Surfing
- New Baby Preparation
- Reactivity
- Resource Guarding
Locations, Dates and Booking
Private Training onsite at the DSPCA, Bushy Park, Corkagh Park, St Anne’s Park, or in your home.
Training Sessions last approximately 90 minutes with our senior or head trainer, you will then receive a full training program by email.
Price List (Per Session Approx 1.5hr)
€220.00 with a DSPCA Dog Trainer or Head Trainer
€240.00 for in your home training
€250 for a Behaviorist Session
Follow up sessions can be arranged with your trainer at a reduced rate
Training Method: Our methods are Positive Reinforcement only. No aversive methods are used and will not be permitted during the training session.
Terms & Conditions:
If you need to change a session, please provide us with 48-hour notice or you forfeit the session and it is non-refundable & we cannot reschedule. Like our courses & workshops, these sessions are non-refundable at any stage as our income goes directly to fund the work of the DSPCA Animal Shelter.
Book a One To One session with a DSPCA Dog Trainer or Head Dog Trainer
Book a Behaviorist One To One session
Book a One To One session with a DSPCA Dog Trainer
Separation Anxiety
Does your dog struggle when left alone? We have two options to help you with Separation Anxiety, we offer a package of three tailored one-to-one virtual training sessions, designed to help your dog feel more secure and confident on their own.
Our experts will guide you step-by-step through a structured training plan.
Package Cost: €450.00
Additional sessions are available at a reduced rate if further support is needed.
How to book
Call us on 01-4994792 or email info@dspcadogtraining.ie
Puppy Play Session
Our Puppy Play Sessions are for all puppies up to 6 months of age. These are a socialisation session, no formal training takes place.
Puppy socialisation teaches puppies how to behave and be happy and relaxed when around humans, other dogs, other animals and the world around them. Puppy socialisation can also help puppies have a better relationship with their owners and become used to being in a range of environments and scenarios.
During our Puppy Play Session your puppy will display a range of behaviors including chasing, ‘wrestling,’ play growling, yips of excitement and yips meant to say ‘back off.’
This type of play is normal and occurred whilst your puppy was with his or her litter-mates and must continue with their peers throughout their puppyhood. Like people, puppies have a variety of personalities and play styles. However, in general puppies are ideally suited to safely teach each other the rules of canine engagement, to help other pups learn impulse or self-control, and to help pups develop good ‘bounce back’ skills.
There are two groups;
- Up to 5KG
- 5KG +
Locations
DSPCA, Mount Venus Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16
Level One Training
Welcome to Level One Obedience Training! This class is designed for dogs and owners who are ready to start building a strong foundation of basic obedience skills. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or just looking to improve your dog’s behavior, this class will teach you the essential commands and techniques for a well-mannered companion.
In this course, you and your dog will work on:
- Sit: Teaching your dog to sit on command, creating a calm and controlled response.
- Recall: Developing a reliable recall, ensuring your dog comes back to you when called.
- Leash Walking: Teaching loose-leash walking, making walks more enjoyable and less stressful.
- Leave It: Introducing the “leave it” command to prevent unwanted behaviors like chewing or picking up inappropriate items.
& Much More!
The class focuses on positive reinforcement techniques, using treats, praise, and encouragement to motivate your dog and create a fun, interactive learning experience. You’ll also learn how to communicate effectively with your dog, fostering a deeper bond while developing a respectful, well-behaved pet.
This class is ideal for puppies and adult dogs who need to master the basics and create a positive foundation for future training. By the end of the course, you’ll have a better understanding of your dog’s needs, and your dog will be on their way to becoming a confident, well-mannered companion.
Fee: 4 Week course is €175
Duration: 1 Hour class each week consecutively unless stated otherwise.
Age Groups:
- From Fully Vaccinated – 6Months
- 6Months + (No dog is too old!)
Topics Covered:
- Sit
- Lie Down
- Wait
- Recall
- Focus & Attention
- Go to “Bed”
- Leave it
- Loose Lead Walking
- Handling Exercises
Sunday 12th April – 3rd May, 10am – 11am
NSPCA Dublin, Mount Venus Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16
Sunday 12th April – 3rd May, 11.15am – 12.15pm
Wilton Park, Dublin 2
Sunday 12th April – 3rd May, 10am – 11am
NSPCA Dublin, Mount Venus Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16
Monday 13th April – 4th May, 7.15pm – 815pm
NSPCA Dublin, Mount Venus Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16
Tuesday 14th April – 5th May, 7.15pm – 815pm
NSPCA Dublin, Mount Venus Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16
Sunday 19th April – 10th May, 10.15am – 11.15am
NSPCA Dublin, Mount Venus Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16
Wednesday 29th April – 20th May, 7.15pm – 8.15pm
NSPCA Dublin, Mount Venus Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16
Sunday 12th April – 3rd May, 10am – 11pm
Wilton Park, Dublin 2
Monday 13th April – 4th May, 8.30pm – 9.30pm
NSPCA Dublin, Mount Venus Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16
Tuesday 14th April – 5th May, 8.30pm – 9.30pm
NSPCA Dublin, Mount Venus Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16
Sunday 19th April – 10th May, 9am – 10am
NSPCA Dublin, Mount Venus Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16
Wednesday 29th April – 20th May, 8.30pm – 9.30pm
NSPCA Dublin, Mount Venus Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16
Level Two Training
Take your dog’s obedience skills to the next level with our Level Two Advanced Obedience Training class! Designed for dogs who have already mastered basic commands, this class will refine your dog’s behavior and introduce more challenging commands and distractions to strengthen your bond and enhance their focus.
In this course, you and your dog will work on:
- Advanced Sit, Stay, and Come: Adding distance, duration, and distractions to your dog’s basic commands to ensure reliability in real-world situations.
- Place: Teaching your dog to go to a specific location (like a mat or bed) and stay there until released, no matter the distractions.
- Heel: Mastering loose-leash walking with your dog walking directly by your side, even in busy or distracting environments.
- Leave It (Advanced): Strengthening your dog’s ability to resist temptations and distractions, even in high-stress situations.
- Impulse Control: Helping your dog learn to wait for permission to greet people, eat food, or access toys, promoting patience and self-control.
The class will also challenge your dog with more complex distractions and environments, teaching them to remain focused and well-behaved even in the face of everyday distractions, like other dogs, noises, and people. You’ll learn how to continue building your dog’s self-confidence while reinforcing a calm and obedient mindset.
This course is perfect for dogs who have completed a Level One Obedience class and are ready to expand their skills. With a focus on consistency, advanced techniques, and positive reinforcement, you’ll be well on your way to having a highly obedient, well-mannered dog in any situation.
Fee: 4 Week course is €175
Duration: 1 Hour class each week consecutively unless stated otherwise.
Topics Covered:
- Fading food out as a lure
- Leash walking throughout a crowd
- Impulse control
- Doggy push-ups
- Food manners
- Jumping up at guests or friends you meet on the street
- Door manners when guests come to visit & for entering through a doorway
- Find it/Search
- Enrichment
- Give & drop
- Fun Tricks
Thursday 2nd April – 23rd April, 8.30pm – 9.30pm
NSPCA Dublin, Mount Venus Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16
Well Behaved Walkies
This is a two-week Workshop that solely focuses on Loose Lead Walking & Rocket Recall.
These are the skills needed to have your dog under effectual control in public places.
Fee: 2 Week course is €120
Duration: 1 Hour class each week consecutively unless stated otherwise.
Topics Covered:
- Building your dog’s confidence in public places
- Loose leash walking
- Friendly greeting dogs and people
- Reading your dog’s body language
- Walking to heel on and off leash
- Recall with distraction
- Keeping yourself and your dog entertained on walk
Locations, Dates and Booking
The below workshop is held by our Canine Behaviorist & Head Trainer Enda. These workshops would not be a suitable environment for a Reactive Dog.
Sunday 12th April & Sunday 19th April @ 11.15am – 12.15pm
NSPCA Dublin, Mount Venus Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16
Agility Training
We are delighted to bring back our Agility Training at the DSPCA, this fun course will take you and your dog right through from the basics of agility to running a full agility course over hurdles, through tunnels and tyres and over contact equipment such as the A-frame and dog walk. Suitable for all dogs over the age of 12 months!
There are three levels
- Beginner Agility
- Advanced Agility
Beginner Agility
This is our Beginners Level Agility, suitable for all dogs and even those with no prior experience. This course can be completed multiple times and will be tailored to your dogs level and ability.
Advanced Agility
This Advanced level agility is suitable for dogs with previous agility experience and that can weave and have their basic contacts.
Location: DSPCA, Mount Venus Road, Rathfarnham, D16
Dates and Booking
Sunday 26th April – 17th May, 10.15am to 11.15am
NSPCA Dublin, Mount Venus Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16
To go on our waitlist – email us: dogtraining@nspca.ie
Saturday 28th March, 12.15PM – 1.15PM
NSPCA Rathfarnham, Mount Venus Road, Dublin 16
Saturday 4th April, 12.15PM – 1.15PM
NSPCA Rathfarnham, Mount Venus Road, Dublin 16
Saturday 11th April, 12.15PM – 1.15PM
NSPCA Rathfarnham, Mount Venus Road, Dublin 16
To arrange Private Agility Classes please
Email: Info@dspcadogtraining.ie
or
Call: 01-4994792
Webinars
We understand that busy schedules can make it difficult to attend in-person classes. That’s why our online webinars cover a wide range of topics designed to help you and your dog work through common challenges and struggles. Learn valuable skills from the comfort of your home—while still receiving real-time guidance and support from a professional trainer.
Locations, Dates and Booking
Wednesday, October 8 · 8 – 9pm CEST
Added: Online
Mon, 29 Sep 2025 20:30 – 21:30 CEST
Online
Mon, 29 Sep 2025 20:30 – 21:30 CEST
Online