IMDT Accredited Trainer & Specialist Puppy Instructor

The completely comprehensive puppy course you've been looking for!

Perfect Pups

Got a puppy in need of training?

Whether you're a first-time dog owner or not, bringing a new puppy home can be a daunting challenge! The world of training in itself can be a bit of a minefield, and it's not always easy to know where to start or who to trust.

Book your place today!

My course covers it all, from basic training theory and core skills to key areas of knowledge and practical exercises for the every-day. My aim is simple: to have you leave the classroom feeling confident in your skillset and knowledge as an owner!

What we'll cover

Foundational Skills

Sit, Stay, Recall, Lead Walking... all the key skills you'd expect a well-trained puppy to have!

Handling for Life

Handling considerately and appropriately for real-life scenarios such as basic husbandry, vet visits, and grooming.

Enrichment

A crucial element of any owner's toolbox, I'll give you creative methods of enrichment suitable for all contexts.

Training Theory

I don't just want to give you the steps to follow along, I want you to understand how training works and therefore come away feeling confident in what you've learnt and able to apply it in future!

Core Topics

I'll deliver several short talks during the course, which cover key areas of knowledge that are important for every owner to be aware of - from dog law to common hazards to basic canine body language.

Troubleshooting

Struggling with one of the many common puppy problems at home, such as toileting, mouthing, jumping up, or separation stress? I'n here to support you and provide help and troubleshooting tips.

meet your trainer

Hey, I'm Toby!

I'm a qualified professional dog trainer specialising in puppy instruction, and I'd love to work with you and your pup! I've been running group puppy classes in the Croydon area for a couple of years now, and love every minute of it. Check out some info about my qualifications below, and you can find a full, detailed 'about me' on my main website!

Full accredited member of the IMDT

Specialist Puppy Instructor

Specialist Scentwork Instuctor

Fully insured & K9 First Aid certified

What's Included

Group Classes

Training Booklet

Goodie Bag

Class Group

You'll receive a booklet with tons of training exercises and tips, resources, and more!

All compiled and written by your trainer Toby Duncan, with input from bestselling author of Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy, Steve Mann!

Start things out right with hands-on support from a professional

I'm a fully qualified member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers, and a specialist Puppy Instructor with tons of experience with pups of all sorts - big, small, crazy, bitey, shy, rescue - you name it!

Get Ahead of Common Puppy Problems

Save yourself the struggle - prevention is always better than a cure!

Puppy Biting

This is probably the most common thing I get asked for help with, and for some it can really be a major issue causing massive amounts of stress and frustration. Fortunately, it's super easy to get ahead of!

Sleeping at Night

Another common early struggle for puppy parents is dealing with those first few days when puppy is just settling in - how do you get them sleeping alone and all the way through the night? I'll give you the best and kindest advice on this, tailored to your circumstances.

Toileting

Not sure where to start with teaching your puppy to toilet outside instead of on the carpet? I can get you set up with the right steps to success, plus give you insight into a realistic learning timeline for puppy.

Barking / Jumping Up

Two very normal attention-seeking behaviours that can easily drive you crazy! Let's get in front of these behaviours before they become a problem with practical and easy-to-follow advice.

What the alumni have to say

"I would not hesitate to recommend Toby over and over again"

"Toby Duncan- patient, kind, gentle, knowledgeable, and Surreys very own dog whisperer! What a fantastic start for our beagle, Sunnie. We have learnt incredible techniques and lessons to help Sunnie thrive into adolescence...When choosing a puppy class for your puppy it can be very overwhelming, however I would not hesitate to recommend Toby over and over again and we are thrilled he was the choice we made. He really has been truly fantastic."

"I couldn't be happier with the results"

"I couldn't be happier with the results from Toby Duncan's Puppy Training Classes. My high-energy Boxer has transformed into a well-behaved and responsive companion, thanks to Toby's paw-some guidance and pawsitive reinforcement techniques. Toby's approach to training through fun games has made the learning process a real treat for both my pup and me. It's incredible how much my Boxer has learnt while having such a tail-wagging good time!"

"I genuinely can’t speak highly enough of him"

"If you are looking for a kind, patient, knowledgable & force-free trainer with bags of experience, then Toby Duncan is the man for you. It’s no exaggeration to say that it’s thanks to Toby, that our rescue boy is still with us today, and for that I will always be eternally grateful...Nothing is too much trouble for Toby and he deals with stressed out dog parents with infinite tact, diplomacy, empathy & wisdom - I genuinely can’t speak highly enough of him. We have met our fair share of trainers over the years, and Toby is without doubt one of the best around."

"Toby was amazing"

"Toby was amazing, professional, incredibly knowledgeable, and intuitive with both dogs and owners. Our puppy Joy attended Toby’s Perfect Pups puppy course, and she learned so much. Toby helped teach us the language of dogs, leading to positive changes in our behaviour and in our puppy, which has made a huge difference in our lives. Toby is patient, calm, and friendly. He is always helpful and takes time to listen to your concerns."

"Toby is so helpful and friendly"

"I had a great experience with Toby. My puppy attended his perfect pups puppy school, and he has learnt so much! He now does a perfect sit and loose lead walking. His recall has improved a lot along with much more. Toby is so helpful and friendly and he really takes the time to listen to your concerns. Really recommend Toby! Will be coming back for his intermediate course!"

"Highly recommend his classes"

"Toby has been a fantastic teacher for Teddy. He's been professional throughout and always helpful in developing Teddy's skills and general well being as a gorgeous well mannered puppy. We thoroughly enjoyed the classes with Toby. Highly recommend his classes.

Alumni Gallery

Some of my previous graduating classes!

nb. not all groups are represented here!