Our Philosophy

At Urban Dogs HQ, we help create better human-canine relationships through a mix of activities including games, informal obedience, trick training, k9 Ninja, and more.

We make dog training fun and accessible to everyone. We encourage the whole family to get involved, and love seeing kids participate in class.

Our goal is to help families understand and meet their dogs’ needs, while building a strong relationship and genuinely having fun together.

We take a holistic approach to dog training, recognising that behaviour doesn’t exist in isolation. We look at the full picture — including the home environment, diet, exercise, social skills, developmental stages, and the human factors involved — so we can support each dog and family in a way that’s practical and sustainable.

We don’t use force, fear, or intimidation in our training. Instead, we focus on helping dogs learn through clear communication, reinforcement-based training, and thoughtful guidance. Every dog is treated as an individual and our approach is grounded in behavioural science, alongside compassion and empathy for both dogs and their people.

Katia with Freya outside Urban Dogs HQ in Brunswick. Photo by Molly Patton of Miscible Co
Katia with Freya the Australian Shepherd, outside Urban Dogs HQ in Brunswick. Photo by Molly & Kodak

Training for the real world, not a Timeline

Each dog is different, as is each owner and their lifestyle. The journey that each dog and their owner takes together is unique. Which is why a 4 week puppy school program is not enough! Dog training doesn’t fit into a set number of weeks – it’s a long process of learning and growth for everyone involved. 

This is why we don’t offer short courses or programs, instead we offer people the opportunity to train when they want, and come back if and when they need. We support families for the life of their dog, especially in the early years.

Margaret the Spoodle, concentrating amidst the chaos of Junior class. Photo by Molly & Kodak

Our methods

Our approach is practical and compassionate. We believe in building a strong foundation of trust, communication, and positive reinforcement. Our training methods are based on kindness, consistency, and real-world practicality — not on quick fixes or harsh corrections.

We provide a safe space for dogs to learn social skills and good manners, and often use stable, experienced dogs to model good behaviour. 

Our dog training philosophy is informed by all the people who have guided us, and our own deep respect for the creatures who share this world. We are grateful to all our teachers and continue to study and improve our own understanding of the world of canine and human behaviour.

Emmi the Border Collie, Billie and Kodak the Australian Shepherds, and Rae the German Shepherd Dog, working hard in Experienced class. Photo by Molly & Kodak
Emmi the Border Collie, Billie and Kodak the Australian Shepherds, and Rae the German Shepherd Dog, working hard in Experienced class. Photo by Molly & Kodak