Outdoor puppy classes in Raheny, Dublin

Small, relaxed classes that help you understand your puppy, support their development and feel more confident about the months ahead.

Puppy Classes Dublin Raheny Clontarf Killester

Local puppy classes near you with Steph's Dog Training

Puppies are hard work even when you are doing everything right

Living with a puppy can be joyful, funny and far more stressful than most people expect.

You may be running on very little sleep, cleaning up what feels like a river of wee and wondering whether the biting will ever stop. As I often tell my clients, puppies are like newborn babies with the mobility of toddlers and the teeth of small sharks.

My puppy classes give you practical help with the things making daily life difficult, but training exercises are only part of what we cover.

I will help you understand how puppies develop, why social connection matters and how to build the confidence and security they need as they grow.

I have been running puppy classes since 2013 and have worked with over a thousand puppies and their families in London and Dublin.

My approach is dog centred, kind and grounded in the puppy in front of us, so neither you nor your puppy will be expected to perform or keep up with anyone else.

book a puppy class spot

A puppy class that is more than just traditional commands

Puppies need opportunities to learn about other dogs, new people and the world around them without being rushed or overwhelmed.

This is why my classes take place outdoors. The puppies have room to move, sniff and take a break, while you learn in the sort of environment where you will actually spend time together.

We keep the groups small and the atmosphere relaxed. There is time for appropriate play, calm walking and simple scent games, with short training exercises suited to a puppy’s attention span. If your puppy needs shade, distance or a few quiet minutes, they can have it. If they are too distracted to show you what they can do, that is normal too.

You will learn the exercise in class, then practise it at home when your puppy is ready to concentrate.

Alongside the outdoor sessions, you will receive clear information about common puppy worries such as biting, sleep and toilet training. You will also have a private WhatsApp group where you can ask questions, share progress and know that support is there when you need it.

book puppy classes

Choose the support you need

Join one of my small outdoor classes for guidance through the early months, or book a focused SOS call if you need help before the next class begins. Both options give you practical advice shaped around your puppy and what is happening at home.

Outdoor puppy classes

Puppy Classes Raheny, Dublin, Clontarf, Killester, Donaghmede, Artane, Sutton, Howth, Fairview

Four small, puppy led classes in Raheny, supported by pre-recorded theory and a private WhatsApp group. Your puppy will have space to explore, interact, rest and learn in an environment that reflects the real world you will share together.

learn more about puppy classes

PUPPY SOS CALL

Puppy SOS support call Raheny, Dublin, Clontarf, Killester, Donaghmede, Artane, Sutton, Howth, FairviewRaheny, Dublin, Clontarf, Killester, Donaghmede, Artane, Sutton, Howth, Fairview

If you need help before the next class begins, book a focused 45 minute call. We will talk through what is happening, decide what needs attention first and give you a practical plan to follow while you wait.

I need more support with my puppy

My outdoor puppy classes take place in Raheny, near to St Anne’s Park and welcome families from across North Dublin, including Clontarf, Killester, Donaghmede, Artane, Sutton, Howth and Fairview.

Full dates, suitability information and booking details are available on the puppy training page.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 44 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Colt Kelly 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve had many dogs throughout my lifetime, but when we took on our beautiful Bernese Mountain Dog, George, I knew that, being such a big breed, I could use a little extra help with his training.

So we signed up for Steph’s 4-week dog training course — and honestly, I’m so glad we did! ❤️

Both my son, who is 12, and I looked forward to our training session every single week. Steph is such a lovely, gentle soul who truly sees the world through a dog’s eyes. She has such a wonderful way of explaining things that makes every lesson easy to understand, practical and, most importantly, fun.

Yes, training a dog can be hard work, but Steph made it feel so much easier. She gave us the confidence and understanding to work with our dogs rather than simply expecting them to behave.

One of my favourite things about the course was seeing all the different personalities come together. 🐶❤️

We had Fizzy, the tiny but mighty boss of a Chihuahua; Chewie, our little chatterbox Schnauzer; Arlo, the gentle giant Bernese Mountain Dog; Alfie, the crazy, playful Lab who was ALWAYS ready for action 😂; and of course, our own George, pictured here looking very proud of himself! 🎓🐾

Every dog was completely different, and that made the whole experience even more enjoyable.

I honestly couldn’t recommend Steph enough. If you’re thinking about getting some help with your dog, whether they’re big, small, young, energetic or just a little bit cheeky, give Steph a go. You’ll learn so much, and you’ll have fun along the way too.

Thank you, Steph, for making the four weeks so enjoyable for both me and my son — and for helping us understand our dogs a little better. ❤️🐾

Steph’s Dog Training — highly recommended! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

And George would definitely give it four paws up! 🐾🎓❤️
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Konstantin Suhov 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you Steph for your course. Those were great 4 weeks of training !
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Yasmin Ward Khan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Steph is the most fantastic trainer, she is hugely knowledgeable and helped us so much with our samoyed puppy. Her classes were a fantastic opportunity to learn skills but also to socialise our pup in a positive day. We had done other trainings before and Stephs stood out by far as exceptionally helpful. Can't recommend enough!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kate Hurley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really well run puppy school. She covered all the essentials for training. It was also great for socialising our puppy in a safe environment. She also went above and beyond and provided a harness and goody bag
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Daire O' Sullivan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Steph helps you understand the behavior behind your pooch’s actions as well as help reshape them where required. Highly recommended 👍
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Hazal Kaynak 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. She helped us with our puppys general behaviour as well as his toilet issues afterwards. We are still checking the tips she sent us through the course.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Elaine Crehan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. "I cannot recommend Stephs dog training  highly enough! We started bringing our puppy when she was just 9 weeks old, and the progress we’ve seen is amazing ! Steph really understands the 'sponge' phase of a puppy’s development and provided us with a clear, manageable activities for success. We focused on the 'Golden Rules' of training: keeping sessions short, high-energy, and using positive reinforcement.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   aine carey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Steph is so full of knowledge with all things doggo related. Elvis always looks forward to socialising with his puppy pals
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lisa's Zebra Life 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Steph was absolutely fantastic! We learnt so much and it has really helped us and our dog Herbie. She has a great understanding of dogs behavior and teaches everything in a fun , friendly environment. You can tell she really cares about the dogs and their wellbeing too. Highly recommend,  Lisa
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Courtney Manning 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Steph was so accommodating around my circumstances (wheelchair user) I would 100% recommend this course to any puppy owner, Stephs knowledge is incredible she is so patient. Myself and Cooper will miss our Sunday class

More ways to learn and get help

Rescue Dog Support

Classes and focused support for people who have recently welcomed a rescue dog and want to understand the individual in front of them.

Explore rescue dog support

Houndy Hangouts

Relaxed group walks and coffee for clients who would like to keep learning and give their dogs calm, sociable experiences.

join a houndy hangout

Behaviour Support

A limited number of consultations for puppy worries, separation-related problems and training difficulties such as recall and loose lead walking.

discover behaviour support

Stephanie Rousseau Founder of Steph's Dog Training Dublin

Helping you understand the
puppy in front of you

Hello, I’m Steph Rousseau, a dog trainer, author and educator based in Dublin. My work has always been shaped by an interest in how dogs experience the world and how we can live well with another species. I care far more about confidence, connection and welfare than obedience for its own sake.

Since 2013, I have taught puppy classes, supported rescue dogs and their families, worked with other dog professionals, and written and co-authored books for puppy owners and dog professionals. The part of this work I find most rewarding is helping people understand dogs and sharing information they can use.

Through education, I can reach more people and help far more dogs than I could through individual training alone.

meet steph

education and mentoring

Steph's books

Steph's dog training accreditations Yappily PDTE IVBA

☆☆☆☆☆

Really great puppy classes – highly recommend for anyone with a new puppy

“We adopted a Lurcher puppy and were going through a phase of being overwhelmed and clueless.

Steph’s training and advice was really outstanding not only during the classes but also the information provided via notes, recorded information, answering follow up questions and even providing a lend of harness and leads to try out to get best fit for our pup.”

FAQ’s

Can I use an online or AI training plan instead of coming to puppy class

A training plan can give you exercises to try, but it cannot watch your puppy, help you read their responses or give them carefully supported experience around other dogs and people.

In class, you can ask questions as they arise and learn how to adapt the training to the puppy in front of you.

Will my puppy be too lively or too nervous for class

Puppies arrive with different personalities and levels of confidence, which is why the groups are small and the classes are not built around everyone doing the same thing at the same time.

Your puppy can take breaks, have more space and join in at a pace they can manage. If you are worried about whether the class will suit them, contact me before booking and we can talk it through.

Not sure where to start?

If you have a question about puppy classes or any of my other services, send me a message on WhatsApp. Tell me a little about you and your dog, and I’ll help you work out the most suitable next step.

Outdoor puppy classes in Raheny, Dublin

Puppies are hard work even when you are doing everything right

A puppy class that is more than just traditional commands