Small Group Dog Training in Christchurch.
Led by Shannon. Certified groomer, certified vet nurse, 26 years of hands-on animal experience. Maximum 4 dogs per class.
Wednesday evenings, 6:15 pm. 473 St Asaph Street, Phillipstown. Heated indoor facility. 6-week course, $330.
- Max 4 dogs per class
- Positive reinforcement only
- All breeds welcome
Why Shannon Trains Differently.
Most dog trainers have a training background. Shannon has a training background plus 26 years of hands-on animal handling and a vet nursing qualification. That combination changes what she sees in a dog and what she can do about it.
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She reads dogs before they escalate Her vet nursing background means she understands stress signals and body language. She spots when a dog is shutting down before the behaviour becomes a problem, and adjusts accordingly.
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Grooming experience that translates directly to training Dogs that become comfortable with handling ears, paws, face, body learn faster. Shannon builds that confidence deliberately. It pays off at the vet, the groomer, and at home.
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Positive reinforcement throughout, no exceptions No punishment, no aversive tools. The goal is a dog that responds because it wants to, not because it is afraid of what happens if it does not.
Six Weeks. Six Skills.
Each Wednesday evening builds on the last. By week six, your dog has the foundations that make everything else easier.
Enrichment and Engagement
We start by building your dog's interest in working with you. Enrichment games, focus exercises, and name recognition. A dog that finds its owner the most interesting thing in the room is a dog that is ready to learn.
Recall
Coming when called is the most important skill a dog can have. We work on building a reliable recall in a controlled group environment, with increasing levels of distraction across the weeks.
Basic House Commands
Sit, stay, drop, wait. Introduced with clear, consistent cues and rewarded reliably. These are the foundations that everything else builds on.
Loose-Leash Walking
Walking beside you without pulling is a skill, not a default. We break it down into steps and give you the tools to keep working on it at home between sessions.
Handling and Grooming Desensitisation
Shannon's grooming background becomes directly useful here. We introduce dogs to being touched on their ears, paws, face, and body in a way that feels safe and predictable — a skill that pays off at every vet visit and groom for life.
Putting It Together
A review session covering all the skills from the course, with increased distractions and real-world scenarios. We work through any sticking points and set you up with a clear plan for continuing at home.
Every participant receives a written course manual and homework exercises to practise between sessions. Shannon is available to answer questions between classes.
How the Classes Run
Who the Course is For
Puppies
Under 16 weeks
The early weeks are the most important window for socialisation and foundational learning. If your puppy is old enough to be vaccinated, they are old enough to start.
We treat puppies' first group experiences with care: short, positive, and confidence-building.
Young Adult Dogs
Missed puppy class or developing habits
Dogs that missed puppy class, or that have developed habits you want to address, can join the adult stream. The curriculum is the same.
Shannon assesses each dog at the start of the course and adjusts her approach based on what you bring in.
Training is open to all breeds and all sizes. This is one of the Kuri services that is not small-dog-only.
One Course. One Price.
6-Week Group Training Course
Wednesday evenings, 6:15 pm · Maximum 4 dogs
What's included
- All 6 weekly sessions
- Written course manual
- Homework exercises for each week
- Support from Shannon between classes
What to bring
- Your dog on a lead
- High-value treats your dog loves
- Something to take notes
- Shannon provides everything else
Payment is required to hold your place. Class sizes are strictly limited to 4 dogs and places go quickly. Contact us to check availability before the next intake fills.
Common Questions
When is the next course starting?
Call (03) 355 5874 or email [email protected] to ask about upcoming start dates. Places go quickly given the 4-dog cap, so it is worth getting on the list in advance.
My dog is reactive around other dogs. Is this class right for us?
Contact us before booking. Shannon assesses each dog individually and will let you know honestly whether the group format is the right fit, or whether a different approach would serve your dog better first.
Can I join mid-course?
No. The course is designed as a 6-week progression. Each week builds on the last, so joining partway through does not work for the dog or the group. We recommend getting on the waitlist for the next intake.
What do I need to bring?
Your dog on a lead, a supply of high-value treats your dog loves, and something to take notes. Shannon will give you everything else you need.
Is this a puppy school or adult dog training?
Both. We run classes for puppies under 16 weeks and for young adult dogs. The curriculum is the same. Shannon adjusts her approach based on the age and experience of the dogs in each group.
Do you offer one-on-one training sessions?
At this stage, Kuri City offers group classes only. Contact us to discuss your situation if a group class is not the right fit.