Puppy Preschool Training Program in Preston
Next puppy school starting on the 17th of October: Book your spot below!
Give your puppy a positive start with our four-week indoor Puppy Preschool program at 220 High Street, Preston. Designed for puppies aged 8–15 weeks, classes focus on confidence, socialisation, everyday manners and practical skills for puppy parents.
Bonus Puppy Starter Guide: Sent before classes begin, so you can get started immediately.
Weekly training notes, tips, and homework: Delivered straight to your inbox after every class.
Build a calm, confident, well-mannered puppy: Using positive, reward-based training.
Lifetime access to our exclusive Puppy Community Facebook group: After graduation for ongoing support, advice, and social walks.
Ages: 8–15 weeks at the first class
Duration: Four weekly classes
Time: Saturdays, 2pm
Location: 220 High Street, Preston VIC 3072
Class size: Maximum seven puppies
Price: $300
Training approach: Positive, reward-based training
Included: Starter guide, weekly notes, homework and community access
What Puppy Parents Say
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— Sara
We attended puppy classes with our Golden Retriever Teddy along with my two young daughters.
Grace was so knowledgeable and runs really informative interesting classes.
I loved the small group atmosphere and meeting other puppies too.
Thanks for an amazing experience Grace.
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— Rachel Irons
Highly recommend Grace for puppy training. Grace worked with us with 2 pups, taught them new skills quickly with a calm and lovely manner. We really enjoyed working with Grace and so happy with the results walking our well behaved dogs!
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— Caity Luke
Grace was just so lovely!! I'm so glad I came here with my puppy Ollie :)
What is Positive Reinforcement Training?
We reward your puppy for getting it right, instead of punishing them for getting it wrong. It builds confidence, trust and real connection.
Your pup learns to listen because they want to, not because they're scared.
When your dog sits, comes when called, or makes a good choice we celebrate! With treats, praise, play, or affection.
With practice, they learn what makes you happy and get excited to do it again.
Why We Don’t Use Fear or Force
At Graceful Little Paws, we never use yelling, punishment, or intimidation.
Those methods might stop a behaviour in the moment, but they can damage your relationship with your puppy over time.
It breaks trust, creates anxiety, and doesn't teach your dog what to do instead.
You didn't get a puppy to control through fear. You got a puppy to be your loyal friend—and that's exactly what we'll help you achieve.
Welcome!
Hi, I'm Grace — owner of Graceful Little Paws and certified trainer through internationally renowned positive reinforcement dog trainer Victoria Stilwell.
More than seven years of professional dog-training experience using force-free, science-backed techniques that actually get results.
What makes me especially proud? The trust I've earned from renowned veterinarians who regularly recommend my services to their clients. But more importantly I help puppy parents understand their puppy, communicate clearly and build practical skills through positive training.
I believe training should be fun for you and your dog. That's why I focus on positive reinforcement, building a trust-based connection to achieve practical results you can see.
If you're ready to build a calmer, happier relationship with your pup I'd love to help guide you there.
Puppy training FAQs
What are the benefits of enrolling my eight-week-old puppy in a socialisation class?
A well-run socialisation class can help your puppy build confidence around people, puppies, sounds, surfaces, handling and new experiences. Graceful Little Paws welcomes puppies from eight weeks old once they have received their first vaccination. Puppies are supported at their own pace and are never forced to interact when they feel uncomfortable.
What will my puppy learn at Puppy School?
Graceful Little Paws Puppy Preschool covers puppy biting, toilet training, safe socialisation, recall, loose-lead walking, settling on a mat, handling, jumping, body language and other practical skills you can use in everyday life.
Does Puppy School involve more than puppies playing together?
Yes. Puppy socialisation is about much more than play. Puppies also learn how to feel safe around different dogs, people, sounds, objects and environments. Any puppy interaction is supervised, and puppies are given space and breaks when needed.
What training methods does Graceful Little Paws use?
Graceful Little Paws uses positive reinforcement and force-free training. We reward puppies for making good choices and teach them what we would like them to do. We do not use fear, punishment, yelling or intimidation.
Are the classes suitable for shy or nervous puppies?
Yes. Our small classes allow puppies to participate at their own pace. Nervous puppies are given extra space and are not forced to interact. We use treats, play and gentle exposure to help them feel safer and build confidence.
Where is Graceful Little Paws Puppy School located?
Graceful Little Paws Puppy Preschool is held indoors at 220 High Street, Preston VIC 3072. The classes are convenient for puppy parents from Preston, Reservoir, Thornbury, Northcote, Coburg and surrounding suburbs across Melbourne’s inner north.
How large are the Puppy School classes?
Graceful Little Paws classes have a maximum of seven puppies. Small classes provide more individual guidance and help puppies learn without becoming overwhelmed by a crowded environment.
Is Puppy School or private puppy training better?
Puppy School is ideal for building confidence, practising around appropriate distractions and learning important foundations. Private puppy training may be better if your puppy needs individual help at home, feels overwhelmed in groups or has a particular behaviour you would like to work on.
Graceful Little Paws offers both Puppy Preschool in Preston and private in-home puppy training across Melbourne’s inner north.
What should I bring to Puppy School?
Bring your puppy on a flat collar or comfortable harness with a standard lead. You will also need plenty of small, high-value treats, a favourite toy and a mat or towel for your puppy to settle on. Retractable leads are not suitable for class.
Does Graceful Little Paws provide support between classes?
Yes. Puppy parents receive training notes and homework to continue practising at home. After graduation, you will also receive access to the Graceful Little Paws Puppy Community Facebook group for ongoing support.
What Does Puppy School Look Like?
Week 1: Build the Foundations for a Well-Behaved Puppy
Force-Free Training
Build a relationship based on trust instead of fear, so your puppy wants to listen to you and enjoys learning. This creates a confident dog you'll love living with for years to come.
Socialisation
Give your puppy the best start in life by helping them feel safe and confident around new people, dogs, places, and experiences—reducing the risk of fear and reactivity as they grow.
Toilet Training
Say goodbye to constant accidents and confusion. You'll learn how to toilet train your puppy using simple routines that make life easier for both of you.
Biting & Chewing
Understand puppy biting and learn practical ways to reduce mouthing, protect your belongings and redirect your puppy onto appropriate outlets.
Focus Training ("Yes!" & "Look")
Learn how to get your puppy's attention, even when distractions are around, making everyday training quicker, easier, and far less frustrating.
Week 2: Create a Calm, Confident Puppy
Understanding Puppy Body Language
Learn to recognise important body-language signals so you can better understand when your puppy is comfortable, worried or overwhelmed.
Enrichment
Keep your puppy mentally stimulated so they're less likely to dig, bark, chew, or create their own entertainment around the house.
Relax on a Mat
Imagine being able to enjoy dinner, answer the door, or have visitors over while your puppy calmly relaxes on their bed instead of demanding attention.
Touch
Build focus and engagement while teaching a skill that makes recalls, loose lead walking, and everyday handling much easier.
Down
Teach your puppy how to switch off and settle, helping them stay calm in exciting situations rather than becoming over-aroused.
Week 3: Teach Everyday Manners You'll Use for Life
No More Jumping Up
Enjoy polite greetings instead of muddy paws on your clothes or your puppy jumping all over visitors and children.
Handling
Make grooming, nail trims, brushing, and vet visits much less stressful by teaching your puppy to feel comfortable being handled from an early age.
Prevent Resource Guarding
Build trust around food, toys, and chews now so your puppy grows into a dog that feels relaxed sharing their space with people.
Leave It
Feel confident knowing your puppy can ignore dangerous or unwanted items like dropped food, rubbish, or things they find on walks.
Wait & Free
Teach patience around doors, meals, and exciting situations to make daily life calmer and safer.
Come When Called
One of the most important skills your puppy will ever learn—giving you peace of mind knowing they'll come back when you call.
Week 4: Set Your Puppy Up for Long-Term Success
Understanding Adolescence
Learn what changes to expect as your puppy enters their "teenage" months so you can avoid common setbacks and stay on track.
Loose-Leash Walking
Turn stressful walks into enjoyable adventures by teaching your puppy to walk beside you without pulling.
Stay
Whether you're opening the front door, chatting with a neighbour, your puppy will learn patience and self-control.