Considering a Puppy?
Read This First.
Most long-term dog behaviour problems start before a puppy comes home.
Get expert guidance to avoid costly mistakes with breed choice, breeders, and early training.
Trainer-led, independent advice - not selling puppies.
Meet Your Puppy Expert
Hi, I’m Chris Augustine.
I’m an experienced dog trainer, and over the years I’ve noticed that most behaviour problems don’t start after a puppy comes home - they start long before that.
In my work with families, I consistently see the same three things causing issues down the line: choosing a breed that doesn’t truly fit their lifestyle, buying from the wrong breeder, and not having the right guidance during those early puppy stages.
This page exists to help you avoid those mistakes before you commit.
You don’t need to know everything right now - you just need clarity on what to look for and what to avoid. That’s why I’ve put together a simple checklist to help you think through breed choice, breeder conversations, and early preparation with confidence.
If you’re in the research phase or starting to speak with breeders, it’s a calm, practical place to begin.
"We are absolutely delighted"
"We have taken on a rescue Doberman, almost two years old, who has had very little socialisation and we are absolutely delighted how far he has progressed in just two sessions with Chris.
Chris really knows how dogs think and explains the psychology behind the dog’s behaviour. He has extensive knowledge, a calm nature and uses reward based training.
My dog enjoys the training and I am finding greater confidence through his teaching."
- Bev O.
"She just loves him"
"We have had a great experience using Chris. I have a border collie who had issues with food guarding and also could tend to be unfriendly to other dogs, but Chris handles her so well and her behaviour is transformed!
She just loves him, and he has always been a pleasure to deal with.
I have actually learned a lot myself! If you need help training your dog I would highly recommend Chris."
- Charity H.
"He is natural with animals"
"I can’t recommend Chris enough!
He has been amazing with our dog Snowy, she feels really happy around him and very comfortable. You can tell how much he loves animals.
His family has an incredible setup. They live on a beautiful farm, which gives the dogs so much space to run and play.
We feel Snowy is in the best hands with Chris. He is natural with animals - just perfect for the dog world!!"
- Julia C.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age should my dog start training?
Training can begin as early as 8 weeks old. Its never too late to start!
What methods do you use for training
I utilise positive reinforcement methods, including treats, praise, and play to encourage good behaviour
How long does a training session last?
Training sessions typically last between 45-60 minutes, depending on the dog's focus and the session's goals.
Do you guarantee results from your training programs?
While I provide tools and techniques, results can vary based on factors like the dog's background and the consistency of reinforcement at home.
Can you help with a dog that is aggressive toward other dogs?
Yes, I offer training programs aimed at reducing and managing aggression to improve socialisation skills.
What do I need for a training session?
Just a regular collar or harness, lead, a variety of treats, and a favourite toy
Testimonials
Jasmine Richards
Chris’s puppy training worked wonders! His obedience sessions also drastically improved our dog’s behavior. Highly recommend his methods!
Monica Chandler
Explored various trainers, Chris’s obedience and behavior mod programs truly stand out. Clear, effective methods that really made a difference. Highly recommend.
Thomas Krazinski
Had a couple of private sessions with Chris; definite improvements. Conveniently tailored advice and attention to details. Good for those looking for specific solutions.
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