10 to 16 weeks is the window.
This is when your puppy forms their first emotional map of the world. Miss it and you spend months undoing fear, rough social habits, and poor recall instead of building from a clean start.
July intake: 2 spots left
Small group puppy training in Christchurch.
Led by Shannon. Certified vet nurse, certified groomer, 26 years of hands-on animal experience. Maximum 4 puppies per class.
- Wednesday evenings, 6:15 pm
- 473 St Asaph Street
- 6 weeks, $330
Six weeks of foundations
What your puppy learns
Every session builds on the last. Your puppy leaves the course with the skills every Christchurch owner needs before adolescence.
- Recall
- Focus work
- Loose lead walking
- Calm social exposure
- Confidence around sounds
- Crate training basics
- Overtired puppy behaviour
- Reward timing
Maximum 4 puppies per class.
Shannon works with each puppy and owner during the session. You leave knowing what to practise at home, not just watching a demonstration from the back row.
Shannon reads puppies before they react.
Her vet nursing background means she notices stress signals early and adjusts the session before a puppy tips into fear or frustration. A nervous puppy does not need pressure.
Reviews
What Christchurch puppy owners say.
4.9 stars across 213 Google reviews. Here are two about the training programme.
"I 100% recommend these classes at Kuri to anyone with a new puppy - it is worth the price you pay! Shannon is such an excellent trainer and teacher who is non judgemental and friendly. My puppy loved our weekly sessions as did her humans, we learnt so many foundational skills whilst having a lot of fun - so much so we were sad when the course came to an end."
Rosie T, Google review"We have just completed the 6 week puppy class and would highly recommend it. Shannon is friendly and caring and exceptionally knowledgeable when it comes to puppy training. Her enthusiasm and love for what she does is infectious and we finished the course feeling very confident and well equipped to continue training our Border Collie x Golden Retriever, Basil."
Laura C, Google review
Who it's for
All breeds. All temperaments.
Confident puppies, shy puppies, first-time owners, and owners who want better foundations before adolescence. Positive reinforcement throughout. No punishment, no aversive tools.
Many training graduates go on to join our small dog daycare — the only daycare in Christchurch built exclusively for small breeds.
Next intakes
July: starts Wednesday 1 July 2026, 6:15 pm. Finishes 5 August 2026. 2 spots left
September: starts Wednesday 23 September 2026, 6:15 pm. Finishes 28 October 2026. 4 spots left
Other Kuri services
Doggy daycare
Small dog daycare, Monday to Friday.
Christchurch's only daycare built exclusively for small breeds. Pack-based socialisation, 7 am to 6 pm. Under 15 kg only.
Dog walkingGroup walks and solo walks in Christchurch.
Led by Elodie. 2-hour group walks from $49. Solo walks from $55. North and East Christchurch.
Puppy groomingFirst grooms from 16 weeks, from $48.
Calm, short sessions with experienced groomers. No full vaccination required. Same-day appointments available.
FAQ
Puppy training FAQs
Short answers before you sign up for puppy classes at Kuri City.
How much does the course cost?
The 6-week course is $330. This covers all six Wednesday evening sessions, a written course manual, and weekly homework support from Shannon.
What age should my puppy start?
10 to 16 weeks at the start of class. Earlier in this range is better because the socialisation window is still open. If your puppy is over 16 weeks, ask us about the adult dog training pathway.
Does my puppy need full vaccination?
No. Your puppy needs their first vaccination before joining. Full vaccination is not required.
How many puppies are in each class?
Maximum 4 puppies. Shannon works directly with each puppy and owner during the session.
What if my puppy is shy or nervous?
Tell us when you sign up. Shannon uses calm, positive exposure and adjusts the pace for nervous puppies. A nervous puppy does not need pressure — they need a clear, quiet handler and time.
Where is the class held?
Inside the Kuri City facility at 473 St Asaph Street, Phillipstown, Christchurch. The training space is heated and indoors. Free on-site parking is available.
What should I bring to the first session?
Your puppy on lead, proof of their first vaccination, and high-value treats they love. Shannon will cover the rest in the first session.
Two spots left for July. The next course is September.
Sign up above or phone Kuri City now. Places are held on payment only. Once the intake is full, the next available course is 12 weeks away.