WisePaws
Rewards based, force free dog training in Canberra
Private dog training built on trust, rewards, and clear communication. From puppy foundations to structured, enriching walks and advanced skills, WisePaws helps dogs and owners grow together with confidence and calm.
About
Hi, I’m Dipendra, and I’ve been training dogs for over 15 years. My perspective was reshaped when I embraced force-free, rewards-based methods at the ACT Companion Dog Club, where I now proudly train. Moving away from old methods made me a true crossover trainer, focused on patience, kindness, and clear communication.Training isn’t just about behaviour; it’s about building trust and strengthening the bond you share with your dog. From puppies learning their first steps to older dogs needing extra support, I tailor each session to the individual dog.Beyond training, I also offer solo walks, in-home sitting and check-ins. These services provide consistent care and help reinforce good habits in daily life — because every wag carries wisdom.
WHy choose WISEPAWS
Because your dog deserves more than “just training”:1:1 Attention: Your dog gets my full focus, never lost in a crowd.Positive Methods: Humane, science-backed, force-free training.Proven Experience: Over 15 years with dogs, now proudly training at ACT Companion Dog Club.Heart + Skill: I know what it means to love a dog like family — because I do too.
Services
Private Trainings
Level 1: The Starter Pack – Getting started with trust and basics.
Perfect for puppies and newly adopted dogs.
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Level 2: The Confidence Pack – Building focus and core skills.
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Level 3: The Skills Pack – Calm reliability, precision, and real-world confidence.
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ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Enrichment Walks (45 mins): We combine training skills with sniffing, exploring, and problem-solving to give your dog both physical and mental enrichment.
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Pet Check-ins - Short visits for care and reassurance.
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In-home Sitting & Overnight Care -
Comfort and company in their own home.
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Level 1: The Starter Pack
The perfect beginning for puppies and newly adopted dogs. Over 6 weeks, you and your dog will build trust, confidence, and the core skills that make daily life calmer and more enjoyable.
Name recognition – Your dog learns to reliably respond when called by name, every time.
Focus and attention – Builds the habit of looking to you naturally, not just when asked.
Settle on a mat – Relaxing calmly on a bed or mat with a chew toy to unwind.
Core positions – Sit, drop, stand, and middle, held briefly until released.
Give and take – Swapping toys or objects willingly for something of equal or greater value.
Loose lead walking – Walking politely beside you with gentle guidance and cues like “this way.”
Collar handling – Accepting gentle handling and being guided calmly by the collar.
Recall foundations – Coming promptly when called, even with mild distractions.
Everyday handling – Relaxing into calm, positive handling for routine care.
Hand targeting – Touching your hand from a distance and following it around.
Polite greetings – Meeting friendly strangers without jumping, keeping all four paws on the ground.
This program lays the foundation for lifelong manners and mutual trust. Some skills may take longer to become second nature, but by the end of the course you’ll have the tools and confidence to keep reinforcing them — so your dog continues to grow long after the 6 weeks are over.
Level 2: The Confidence Pack
For dogs who’ve mastered the basics and are ready to build consistency. Over 6 weeks, we strengthen the skills learned in Level 1 and introduce new exercises to help your dog stay calm, focused, and reliable around mild distractions.
Focus and engagement – Strengthening your dog’s ability to look to you, even with more going on around them.
Loose lead walking with distractions – Walking politely beside you, responding to gentle cues like “this way” or “sit,” even when other dogs are about 10 metres away.
Safety strategies – Learning the Emergency U-turn and “Get it!” games to keep walks safe and under control.
Recall with distance – Coming when called from at least 5 metres away on a long line, then calmly allowing the lead to be reattached.
Mat training at a distance – Going to a mat from 3 metres away and lying down to relax until released — no “stay” cue needed.
Position changes – Switching between sit, drop, and stand in any order, in front of or beside you.
Building duration – Holding sit, drop, or stand for longer periods using a “wait” cue.
Gentle handling – Remaining calm and accepting touch all over the body in any position.
Chin rest – Placing their chin in your hand and allowing gentle ear and face handling.
Relaxed side position – Lying on their side with head down, calmly accepting stroking.
Cone work – Moving 2 metres away, circling a cone clockwise or anti-clockwise, and returning to you.
Polite stranger approach – Staying steady and calm when a friendly stranger walks up (without contact).
This stage builds confidence and reliability. With regular practice at home and exposure to different settings, your dog will become more attentive, cooperative, and ready for real-world situations.
Level 3 : The Skills Pack
For families who want to go beyond the basics, this advanced stage is for you. Over 6 weeks, we refine your dog’s focus, build reliability under distraction, and introduce advanced cooperative care and fun challenges.
Pay sustained attention to you, even with moderate distractions
Walk politely on a loose lead in busier settings, with smooth changes of pace and direction
Come when called from greater distances — up to 20 metres — on or off lead, with distractions
Hold sit, drop, and stand positions for longer durations while you move away (up to 2 minutes)
Move smoothly through cone patterns and figure-eights for precision and focus
Walk backwards, turn on the spot, and pivot on a platform for coordination and engagement
Remain calm when tethered while you move away or interact with others
Greet dogs and people politely, staying steady during close interactions
Perform a sequence of tricks and fun behaviours tailored to their ability
Practice cooperative care, including chin rest, calm handling of ears and face, and relaxed side position
Build advanced targeting skills — hand, mat, or location — at a distance of up to 5 metres
Settle calmly in new places (cafés, markets, busy environments) and remain confident
This level is designed for owners who want the ultimate companion — a calm, reliable partner you can trust anywhere, from quiet walks to bustling public spaces.
Enrichment walks
An enrichment walk with WisePaws is more than just exercise — it’s a 45-minute adventure designed to train, stimulate, and satisfy your dog. Along the way we practice key behaviours like loose-lead walking, stopping politely at crossings, sit, drop, and stay. We also weave in fun cues such as spin, touch, and “get it!” to keep your dog engaged and responsive. Beyond training, each walk includes plenty of sniffing, exploring different surfaces, problem-solving games, and calm pauses to take in the world — all essential parts of a dog’s wellbeing. The result is a walk that balances physical exercise with mental enrichment, leaving your dog tired, happy, and confident.
pet check-ins
Pet check-ins with WisePaws are 30-minute visits designed to give your dog care and companionship while you’re away. A typical check-in can include feeding, fresh water, toilet breaks, playtime, or cuddles — whatever your dog needs most. For puppies and young dogs, we can also practice short training sessions (sit, drop, recall, or mat settle) to keep them learning. These visits are also ideal for senior dogs or those with special needs, ensuring they get the gentle attention and reassurance they deserve. Flexible scheduling means you can book a single visit or multiple check-ins per day, tailored to your routine.
In-home Sitting
In-home sitting and overnight care with WisePaws keeps your dog happy and comfortable in the place they know best — their own home. During these stays, I provide feeding, fresh water, walks, play, and companionship, while also maintaining your dog’s usual routine to reduce stress. For dogs who need extra support, I can combine overnight care with 2–3 daytime check-ins to ensure they’re never left for too long. This service can also include small household tasks like bringing in the mail, watering plants, or taking bins out, giving you peace of mind while you’re away. It’s the closest thing to you being there — but with the bonus of consistent training reinforcement and calm companionship.
Testimonials
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Contact
Every great journey with your dog starts with a conversation. Tell me a little about you and your dog below, and I’ll get back to you to discuss how WisePaws can help.
Thank you
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