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 training and 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 valuable information about how they are experiencing the world around them.
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.
Learning to recognise these subtle signs is one of the most valuable skills we can develop as guardians. When we understand what our dogs are communicating, we are better able to respond in ways that help them feel safe, understood, and supported.
By creating an environment where dogs feel emotionally secure and ready to learn, we can build confidence, strengthen relationships, and support meaningful, long-lasting behaviour change through kind, science-based, force-free training.
Our Approach
At Ocean Paws Dog Training, 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 achieve lasting behaviour change by:
- Taking the time to understand why a behaviour is occurring.
- Supporting dogs so they feel safe, comfortable, and emotionally able to learn.
- Using force-free, positive reward-based training methods supported by modern behavioural science.
- Teaching guardians how to recognise their dog's communication and body language so they can better understand and support them in everyday life.
- Creating realistic training plans tailored to each dog's individual needs, personality, and learning style.
- Working together with families to build calm, confident dogs and strong lifelong relationships.
Why We Choose Force-Free Reward Based Training
Kind, force-free, reward-based training is recognised as modern best practice, combining current behavioural science with humane training methods that support canine learning, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing.
We believe dogs learn best when they feel safe, supported, and emotionally able to learn.
Our training is designed to create positive learning experiences that encourage curiosity, confidence, and engagement while strengthening the relationship between dogs and their guardians.
Rather than focusing solely on changing behaviour, we look at the whole dog—their emotions, environment, physical wellbeing, routines and individual needs—to help them develop skills that support everyday life....
Our approach focuses on:
- Building confidence
- Creating calmness
- Supporting emotional wellbeing
- Encouraging positive social experiences
- Developing practical life skills
- Strengthening the relationship between dogs and their guardians
- Helping dogs feel safe enough to learn
Supporting Learning and Welfare
We choose training methods and equipment that support both learning and welfare.
Modern behavioural science has significantly improved our understanding of how dogs learn and how emotions influence behaviour. We now know that fear, pain, or intimidation can interfere with learning and may increase stress for some dogs.
For this reason, we choose not to use equipment or training techniques designed to cause discomfort, fear, or pain.
Examples include:
- Prong collars
- Choke chains
- Slip collars used to apply corrections
- Electronic or citronella collars
- Throw chains
- Alpha rolls
- Physical punishment
- Lead jerks or leash corrections
Instead, we focus on creating an environment where dogs feel safe enough to explore, learn, and make positive associations with the world around them.
Our Commitment
Our goal extends far beyond teaching new skills.
We want to help guardians better understand their dogs, recognise what they are communicating, and feel confident supporting them through every stage of life.
When we understand the reasons behind behaviour and respond with kindness, patience, and evidence-based training, we create opportunities for dogs to learn, grow, and thrive.
We believe the strongest relationships are built through understanding, trust, and clear communication, and we are passionate about helping both dogs and their guardians enjoy that journey together.
"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
