Dog Training FAQs Cork
Read on to find the answers to some Dog Training FAQs, Cork
Below you’ll find answers to the questions we’re asked most often about puppy training, obedience, and behaviour work here in Cork. Whether you’re just starting out with a new puppy or working through a specific challenge with an older dog, these should give you a clear idea of what to expect. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Give us a call on 083 858 4097 and we’ll be happy to help.
Puppy FAQs
Everything you need to know about getting started with a new puppy — from what age to begin, to what our puppy courses cover and how to prepare for your first session.
01 What age should I start training my puppy?
We train puppies from as young as 8 weeks old in our 8-week Early Puppy course. From 12 weeks old, we switch puppies to our 7-week puppy training course.
02 What can you help my puppy with?
We can help with common puppy challenges including biting and mouthing, toilet training, jumping up, lead walking, recall, socialisation, settling, chewing, focus and calm behaviour around the home.
03 Do you help prepare puppies for their first groom?
Yes — grooming readiness is something we build into puppy sessions, including handling exercises for paws, ears and muzzle. We also have a free downloadable guide, First Groom Ready, covering exactly how to prepare your puppy at home before their first salon visit.
04 Why are there two different puppy courses?
Very young puppies are still developing their senses and require a slightly slower tempo, so we developed our 8-week-long Early Puppy Course. From 12 weeks old, pups change quite a lot and can handle a faster pace, so are better suited to our 7-week Puppy Training Course.
05 How long is each session?
Sessions last approximately an hour.
06 What if my puppy is very energetic or distracted?
That’s completely normal. The training is designed for real-life puppies — not perfect ones.
07 What if my puppy is older than 6 months?
For dogs older than 6 months, we have a 6-week Good Dog Obedience course that is better suited to them.
08 My puppy is not fully vaccinated yet. Can I still train?
Yes! Because we train your pup in your home, starting training before they have had all of their vaccinations is perfectly safe.
09 Do I need any special equipment?
Once you book the course, you will receive an email with the full agenda and equipment list. Equipment includes items you likely already have, such as a lead, harness, collar, bed, and treats.
Obedience FAQs
Answers to common questions about our Good Dog Obedience Course, for adolescent and adult dogs who need a bit more structure, focus, and everyday manners.
01 What age does my dog need to be for obedience training?
Our obedience course is designed for dogs aged 6 months and older. If your dog is younger, we recommend starting with puppy training.
02 What payment methods do you accept, and can I pay in installments?
We accept card payments via Stripe, as well as Amazon Pay, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
If you wish to pay in installments, we are partnered with Klarna, who will allow you to pay in three monthly installments.
You can see all of these options at the checkout page.
03 Do you work with all dog breeds, including large or giant breeds?
Yes, we train dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes across Cork.
04 Does everyone in my household need to attend the sessions?
No, but we’d encourage anyone who regularly handles or walks the dog to join at least one or two sessions, so training stays consistent when you’re not around.
I recommend that one person is present for all sessions, whereas other members of the family can be more fluid.
05 Do you work with rescue dogs, and is your approach different?
Yes. Rescue dogs often carry an unknown history, so we adapt the assessment and pace accordingly, with extra focus on building trust and confidence early on.
06 Do I need any specific equipment?
Once you book the course, you will receive an email with the full agenda and equipment list. Equipment includes items that you likely already have, such as a lead, harness, collar, bed and treats.
07 Is this training suitable for reactive or fearful dogs?
Our obedience course is best suited to dogs who can work in a learning environment without extreme fear or reactivity. If your dog struggles with significant fear, aggression, or reactivity, we recommend booking a behaviour consultation first so we can create a tailored plan to set them up for success.
08 What will my dog learn during the 6-week course?
Your dog will learn how to walk politely on a lead, come when called (even with distractions), listen well in the home, go to bed when asked, and much more.
09 How long are the sessions?
Each session lasts approximately 60 minutes, giving enough time to teach, practice, and answer any questions you may have.
10 How much does dog obedience training Cork cost?
We run a 6-week long course in your home for €399.99.
11 How long does dog training take?
Our Good Dog Obedience Course is 6 weeks long, and the vast majority of owners manage to achieve their goals in this time. If owners want to tackle something that is not included in the course, they might book in for an additional follow-up session, but this is rare.
Usually, you will see a big difference in your dog within 2–3 sessions.
Behaviour FAQs
Questions about our one-to-one behaviour consults, for dogs dealing with reactivity, fear, anxiety, guarding, or other more complex challenges that go beyond general training.
01 What happens during the initial behaviour consult?
We take a detailed behavioural history in a call before the session. When we meet, we will assess triggers and patterns and observe your dog and their reactions. You’ll leave with a clear explanation of what’s driving the behaviour and a structured, step-by-step plan tailored to your dog.
02 What’s your safety protocol if a dog becomes distressed, has an accident, or bites during a session?
Safety comes first in every consult. We use careful management techniques (leads, barriers, distance) to reduce risk throughout, and for known bite cases we agree a specific safety plan with you before the session begins.
03 Do you work with rescue dogs, and is your approach different?
Yes. Rescue dogs often carry an unknown history, so we adapt the assessment and pace accordingly, with extra focus on building trust and confidence early on.
04 My dog has bitten before. Can you still help?
Yes. Cases involving bites require careful assessment and management planning. Safety protocols are put in place immediately, and we work methodically to reduce risk and prevent further incidents.
05 Is this different from obedience training?
Yes. Behaviour consults address emotional drivers such as fear, anxiety, frustration and guarding. This is behaviour modification work — not basic commands or general manners training.
06 Will my dog need medication?
Some severe anxiety or aggression cases benefit from collaboration with a veterinary behaviourist. If appropriate, I will discuss this with you. Behaviour modification and medical support should work together for optimal results.
07 Do you offer support between sessions?
Yes. Behaviour change requires consistency. Follow-ups and guidance ensure you’re supported as situations arise and progress develops.
08 How long does behaviour change take?
There is no instant fix for complex behaviour. Some improvements (like management strategies) can happen quickly. Long-term change depends on severity, consistency and environment.
09 Can behaviour problems be completely “fixed”?
Some cases resolve fully. Others are managed long-term. Where necessary, we may work with a veterinary behaviourist to ensure that your dog is getting the right level of care that they require. The goal is always increased safety, reduced stress, and greater predictability — not unrealistic guarantees.
10 Is my dog “too old” to change?
No. Dogs of all ages can improve with structured behaviour work. Progress depends more on consistency than age.
General FAQs
A few broader questions about how we train, what to expect after booking, and where in Cork we provide our in-home sessions.
01 What training methods does Planet Pup use?
At Planet Pup, we use reward-based training methods focused on positive reinforcement, following the LIMA approach. This approach builds trust and motivates your dog to learn and respond willingly. Our science-backed techniques are designed to be enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.
02 How much does dog training cost in Cork?
Our dog training prices depend on the type of training your dog needs. Puppy courses start at €469.99, our 6-week Good Dog Obedience Course is €399.99, and Behaviour Consults start at €219.99. You can view all current prices on our dog training prices page.
03 What happens after I book?
After you book, you’ll receive access to my booking calendar, where you can book your training sessions at times that suit you.
If you’ve booked a Behaviour Consult, go ahead and book your follow-up sessions through the calendar. I’ll then contact you separately to arrange your history call before your initial consultation.
04 What’s your cancellation or rescheduling policy if I can’t make a session?
You may cancel or reschedule sessions up to 24 hours in advance on the online portal.
05 Do you ever run online/virtual sessions, or is it always in-home?
Sessions tend to be home-based for the most part. On occassion, we may run virtual sessions too, but these will need to be organised with your trainer at their discretion.
06 Can you train more than one dog in the household at the same time?
I generally recommend focusing on one dog at a time, but in some cases we can look at multiple dogs in a session. This depends on the issues that the dogs have and how quickly the dogs pick up on the training.
07 Does everyone in my household need to attend the sessions?
No, but we’d encourage anyone who regularly handles or walks the dog to join at least one or two sessions, so training stays consistent when you’re not around.
I recommend that one person is present for all sessions, whereas other members of the family can be more fluid.
08 When should I start training my puppy?
Puppy training can begin from 8 weeks old. Early socialisation and foundational skills prevent common issues like biting, pulling on the lead, or poor recall. Starting early builds confidence and good habits.
09 Can you help a reactive, fearful or aggressive dog?
Yes. We provide one-to-one behaviour consults in Cork for reactivity, fear, separation anxiety, and aggression. Each consult includes a full assessment and a step-by-step behaviour plan tailored to your dog.
10 Is my dog too old to train?
No — dogs can learn at any age. While early training is ideal, adolescent and adult dogs can improve significantly with consistent, structured guidance.
11 How many sessions will my dog need?
Puppy training is delivered in structured courses of 7 or 8 weeks, depending ont he puppys age. Adult obedience courses are 6 weeks long. Behaviour consults vary depending on the issue, but start with an initial consult and a follow up. After your first assessment, you’ll receive a clear plan with expected progress and next steps.
12 Where do you provide dog training in Cork?
We provide 1-to-1, in-home dog training across Cork City, Cobh, Douglas, Glanmire, Ballincollig, Carrigaline, Midleton, Blarney, Mallow, Fermoy and surrounding areas. Because training takes place in your home and local environment, we can work on the behaviours that matter most in your everyday life
13 How many sessions should I book each week?
We generally recommend one session per week. In some cases, your trainer might suggest a different time gap, but generally one session each week is optimal for the training courses.
Still have questions?
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