Puppy Classes
Expertly built small-group classes that grow value, confidence, focus and enjoyment for every owner and their dog. Includes your own online support group.
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Shrewsbury & Telford · Shropshire
Award-Winning puppy & dog training that actually works!
Kind, force-free, games-based training from Shropshire's first Award-Winning puppy academy. From first puppy classes to behaviour help, assistance and therapy dogs.
5.0 from 275+ Google & Facebook reviews
Award-Winning, fully accredited & force-free
Welcome
Real-life results, built on kindness
At Puppy & Friends Academy everything is based on fun and reward in a calm, practical environment. We use the power of games to inspire great choices, build focus and make good behaviour feel easy - for whatever life you and your dog actually live.
No pain, no force, no fear. Just modern, reward-based training that's Award-Winning, accredited and loved by hundreds of Shropshire families.
- Small classes, big attention
- Force-free, science-led methods
- Puppies, adolescents, behaviour & assistance dogs
What we do
Training for every stage
From your puppy's first weeks to specialist behaviour, assistance and therapy work.
1:1 Training & Mentorship
Private sessions and bespoke 4 or 12-week mentorship programmes with our Head Trainer - a custom plan, written guidance and ongoing support.
Learn moreAdolescence Course
Keep your teenage dog on track: advanced obedience, whistle recall, emergency stops, disengagement and scent work.
Learn moreScent & Spaniel Club
Run by Katie, our Scent & Spaniel Specialist - brilliant, mentally-tiring enrichment (15 minutes of scent work equals a 6 mile hike).
Learn moreAssistance Dog Programme
Specialist owner-trained assistance dog training - one of very few programmes of its kind in the county.
Learn moreTherapy Dog Programme
Prepare your dog for therapy and visiting work with the right temperament, skills and confidence.
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Why families choose us
The Puppy & Friends difference
Games-based method
Dogs learn fastest when they're having fun - our games turn training into the best part of the day.
Force-free & accredited
Pet Professional Guild standards: no pain, no force, no fear, ever.
Award-Winning
Central England Prestige Award winners five years running, 2020-2024.
Genuinely supportive
Real help from real trainers - before, during and long after your course.
Loved in Shropshire
What our families say
5.0 average from 275+ reviews across Google & Facebook.
As a first time dog owner I wanted the best start for my puppy. I was so lucky to find Puppy and Friends - the difference in Murphy has been incredible.
Thank you Puppy and Friends! June and I both considered ourselves decent dog handlers having previously owned two Dobermans - we still learned so much.
Where do I start. I called Siobhan one morning an emotional wreck after our catahoula/lab puppy seemed to have gone backwards - the support turned everything around.
In the media
As seen & heard across Shropshire and beyond
A Multi-Award-Winning academy that broadcasters trust - on Channel 4 and BBC Radio Shropshire.
As seen on
Channel 4
Our trainers and their force-free, games-based method - featured on national television.
As heard on
BBC Radio Shropshire
Talking puppies, behaviour and kind training with our local BBC station.
Free downloadFree puppy guide
Your Puppy's First 7 Days
The calm, kind, force-free way to start the most important week. Written by our trainers - yours free.
- Toilet training that works (without ever telling off)
- How to stop the nipping and biting, gently
- 3 simple games to start with your puppy today
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Frequently asked questions
The things new owners ask us most. Still unsure? Just drop us a message.
At what age can my puppy start classes?
As soon as they're settled at home - our puppy classes are built for young puppies from around 8 weeks, once they've had their first set of vaccinations. The earlier you start, the easier good habits are to build.
Which areas do you cover?
We serve Shrewsbury, Telford and across Shropshire. Group classes run at venues around the area, and for 1:1 behaviour work we come to you at home or in your local area - plus our online Academy you can join from anywhere.
What does ‘force-free’ training actually mean?
No pain, no force, no fear - ever. We're proud members of the Pet Professional Guild and teach entirely through games, reward and clear communication. It's kinder, your dog enjoys it, and it lasts.
My dog isn't a puppy any more - can you still help?
Absolutely. As well as puppy classes we run an Adolescence Course for teenage dogs and 1:1 training and behaviour sessions for dogs of any age - from pulling and recall to reactivity and separation anxiety.
What should I bring to my first class?
Your dog on a normal (non-extending) lead, plenty of small tasty treats, their favourite toy, a bowl and water, and poo bags - plus your vaccination record for the first session. We'll guide you through the rest.
I'm not local - can I still train with you?
Yes - our Online Academy brings the whole method to your home with step-by-step videos, live online classes and a trainer support clinic, and you can start with a 14-day free trial.
My dog's behaviour has suddenly changed - is that a training problem?
Maybe not. Sudden changes - snapping, restlessness, withdrawing, a shorter fuse - are very often a dog in pain or discomfort, not ‘bad behaviour’. Our first advice is always a vet check to rule out pain, diagnosed or not. Once your dog is comfortable, we'll help with the rest - we'll always be your dog's advocate.
Ready to get started?
Tell us about your dog and we'll help you pick the right class or session.