Assistance Dog Puppy Training Canberra

Assistance Dog Puppy Training in Canberra

Supporting owner trainer teams across Canberra and the ACT.

YoPaws Puppy Foundations Program

Start your puppy on the right path with structured, ethical assistance dog puppy training in Canberra. The YoPaws Puppy Foundations Program supports owner trainers and families raising puppies for the assistance dog pathway or as well-adjusted companion dogs across Canberra and surrounding regions.

Start Strong. Build for the Future.

The YoPaws Puppy Foundations program supports puppies and handlers during the most important developmental window. Whether your goal is the assistance dog pathway or raising a well-adjusted companion, early foundations matter.

This program focuses on:

emotional regulation
engagement with the handler
early neutrality skills
safe exposure to the real world
practical skills for everyday life

Guidance is tailored, welfare focused, and grounded in lived experience supporting owner trainers and disabled handlers.

Puppy Foundations Suits

This program is ideal for:

owner trainers considering the assistance dog pathway
puppies aged approximately 8 weeks to 6 months
handlers wanting structured early guidance
families seeking ethical, force-free support
teams wanting to build calm focus and engagement early

Not sure if your puppy is suitable?

Start with the YoPaws Assistance Dog Quiz to explore suitability, expectations, and next steps.

Referral & Suitability

Entry into YoPaws Puppy Foundations occurs via referral or suitability screening to support the best outcomes for both puppy and handler.

Puppies may enter via:

Referral from a reputable breeder
Referrals from veterinarians, qualified trainers, or behaviour professionals.
Completion of a YoPaws Discovery Consult

YoPaws may recommend delaying program entry if the timing or fit is not yet appropriate. This supports the welfare of both human and dog, and protects long-term success.

Program Investment

The program builds the foundations that future assistance dogs and well-balanced companions rely on.

Core focus areas

sleep and regulation protection
handler engagement and connection
early loose lead foundations
safe environmental exposure
body handling tolerance
emotional recovery skills
early public manners

Training is paced to support learning without overwhelm.

NDIS and Support Coordination

YoPaws is not a registered NDIS provider.
Self managed and plan managed participants may be able to use their funding where appropriate. Please discuss with your plan manager or support coordinator to confirm suitability.

Invoices and supporting documentation can be provided on request.

Investment in Structured Early Foundations

Program Structure

6 hours of personalised training support, delivered across 4 to 6 sessions.

Sessions are tailored to your dog’s development, your goals, and your real-world environment.

Delivery Options

Available in-person or online
No difference in support, structure, or quality.

In person: Canberra North and Inner North
Online: Australia-wide via live coaching sessions

Online sessions provide the same individualised guidance, practical application, and real-world focus, adapted to your home environment.

Program Timeframe

All sessions must be completed within 3 months of commencement to support steady, sustainable progress.

Program Investment

$800 AUD (all inclusive)

6 hours of personalised training
Delivered across 4–6 sessions
In-person or online (same price)
Includes 2 x 10-minute phone support sessions between appointments
Includes 1 x Community Training

Payment Plan Option

Payment plans are available to support accessibility while maintaining program continuity.

Total with payment plan: $810 AUD
(includes $10 administration fee)

$405 due at enrolment
$405 due before or at the third session

Additional Information

In-person sessions are available within Canberra North and Inner North
Other locations may be available. Travel fees may apply

Please enquire to confirm availability and suitability.