Our Training Philosophy
Understanding Behaviour Begins with Understanding Your Dog
At Ocean Paws Dog Training, we believe that understanding the dog in front of us is the foundation of successful behaviour change.
Every dog is an individual, with their own personality, emotions, life experiences, genetics, learning history and unique way of interacting with the world. These differences are what make our dogs so special—and why no single training approach is right for every dog.
One of the most important things we teach is that behaviour is communication. Dogs are constantly communicating with us through their body language, facial expressions, posture, movement and behaviour. Whether a dog is feeling excited, worried, frustrated, overwhelmed or relaxed, they are always providing us with valuable information about how they are feeling.
Rather than simply focusing on the behaviour we can see, we take the time to understand why it is occurring and how a dog's emotions, environment, health and previous experiences may be influencing their behaviour.
When we understand what our dogs are communicating, we are better able to support them in ways that help them feel safe, understood and emotionally able to learn. This allows us to build confidence, strengthen relationships and support meaningful, long-lasting behaviour change.
Our Approach
Our approach is centred around understanding each dog as an individual and supporting them in a way that encourages learning, confidence and emotional wellbeing.
We take a holistic approach to training and behaviour, considering not only the behaviour we see, but also the dog's emotions, environment, health, life experiences and individual needs.
Our training focuses on:
- Understanding why a behaviour is occurring.
- Helping dogs feel safe, comfortable and emotionally able to learn.
- Using force-free, positive reward-based training methods supported by behavioural science.
- Teaching guardians how to recognise their dog's body language and communication.
- Developing realistic training plans based on the individual dog and their family.
- Building confidence and practical skills that support dogs in everyday life.
Most importantly, we work with the dog in front of us and progress at a pace they are comfortable with.
Why We Choose Force-Free Reward Based Training
Modern behavioural science has given us a much greater understanding of how dogs learn and how their emotional state can influence behaviour. Fear, stress, pain and overwhelm all affect a dog's ability to process information and learn.
For this reason, we use kind, force-free, positive reward-based training methods that encourage learning, build confidence and support the dog's emotional wellbeing.
We do not use equipment or training techniques designed to cause fear, pain or discomfort, including slip leads, prong collars, choke chains, electronic or citronella collars, physical punishment, alpha rolls or lead corrections.
Instead, we use positive reinforcement, thoughtful management and gradual learning experiences to help dogs develop the skills they need for everyday life.
For dogs experiencing behavioural difficulties, we also look beyond the behaviour itself. Understanding the emotion behind a behaviour allows us to support the dog rather than simply trying to suppress what they are communicating.
Our Commitment
Our goal extends far beyond teaching dogs new skills. We want to help guardians better understand their dogs, recognise what they are communicating and feel confident supporting them throughout the different stages of their lives.
Progress will look different for every dog, which is why we celebrate the small steps just as much as the big ones. By working together with kindness, patience and an understanding of the individual dog, we can support learning, build confidence and strengthen the relationship between dogs and their families.
We believe the strongest relationships are built through understanding, trust and clear communication.
"When we understand what our dogs are communicating, we can better support them and build stronger relationships based on trust and understanding."
Dog Training Programs
Behaviour Consults
Behavioural Consults are a great way to address certain issues you may be experiencing with your dog. For example barking, nipping, mouthing or biting, digging, chewing or other destructive behaviours, reactivity on lead, or helping your new dog to settle in. As each dog and situation is different, we tailor each private consult specific to your needs and the needs of your dog, in the privacy of your own home.
$240.00 -$260.00 for 1.5 - 2 hour consult
Baby Puppy Program
Our Baby Puppy Program is designed for puppies between the ages of 8-15 weeks and consists of four one hourly lessons. This program focuses on helping you and your pup get ready for your new world together, socialisation & basic behaviours, plus more.
Our classes are held at the 1st East Gosford Scout Hall, Wattle St, East Gosford.
$200 / 4 week program
Senior Puppy Program
Our Senior Puppy Program is designed for puppies between the ages of 16-24 weeks and consists of five one hourly lessons. The aim of our senior puppy program is to instil good puppy manners such as sitting for guests, walking calmly on the lead, focus work and coming when called, plus more.
Our classes are held at the 1st East Gosford Scout Hall, Wattle St, East Gosford.
$250 / 5 week program
Adult Dog Training Program
Please note this program is not being offered at this time.
This program is designed for dogs that are 7 months of age and over. The program runs for six weeks. The aim of this program is to cover basic manners and behaviour management, such as walking loosely on lead, come with mild distraction, lead manners and calm greetings around people and dogs, plus more.
$260 / 6 week program
Dog Training at Home
If you are unable to attend a group class, or if your dog is more suited to one on one training, we offer private dog training courses, in the comfort of your home. Each course covers all of the behaviours you would learn in group class, plus educational topics typically covered in class and anything else you would like to address.
3 x 1 hour sessions $360
Assistance Dog Training mindDog & School Support Dogs
Our Training sessions aim to help you, train your dog to become an assistance dog. Each session is tailored specifically around the requirements of the Public Access Test and those requirements as set out in your mindDog training diaries.
We also offer services to support you and your School Support Dog - Enquire within for more information.
mindDog 1 hour training sessions $110.00
