Early socialisation

The window is
open now.

The habits a puppy forms in their first few months last for years. Short, gentle sessions build confidence while it is still easy, with calm adult dogs who teach better manners than any human can.

$30for 3 hours · trial session first

Book Their Trial Call 0400 962 507

Four small dogs on lead on the grass during a gentle Puppy Programme session at The Barkyard Club

A young puppy resting in a blanket after a gentle socialisation session

Why it matters now

Confidence is built, not born.

A puppy who meets the world calmly and often becomes a dog who handles it. A puppy who does not becomes a dog who is frightened of surfaces, sounds and strangers, and that is much harder to undo later.

Short sessions matched to a puppy's real attention span
Introductions to calm, tolerant adult dogs who correct fairly
New surfaces, sounds, smells and environments
Confidence building at their pace, never flooding
Toilet routine and nap time respected, not worked around
Progress notes after every session

A three hour session

Small doses, done properly.

Three hours is deliberate. Long enough to learn something, short enough that they go home happy rather than overwhelmed.

Settle

Arrive, explore a safe space alone, and work out that nothing here is scary.

Meet

A slow introduction to one or two calm adult dogs, through a barrier first if needed.

Play

Short bursts of supervised play, with breaks before they get over-tired and silly.

Rest

A proper nap. Puppies learn while they sleep, and an over-tired puppy learns nothing.

Two small dogs sitting together on the grass during a puppy socialisation session

Before your puppy starts

What we need from you.

Vaccinations up to date for their age, with the certificate sent through
Flea and worm treatment current
Desexing is not required at any age — just let us know beforehand
Their normal food, if a session crosses a meal time
Honesty about anything that already worries them

Once your puppy is confident in short sessions and old enough for full days, they can move across to daycare and start joining Adventure Tuesdays.

Puppy questions

Getting started with a young dog.

Getting started

Your dog spends three supervised hours with a small, carefully matched group. We introduce them slowly, watch how they settle, play and rest, and send you an honest write-up afterwards. It costs $30 and every dog does one before starting regular daycare.

Yes. All dogs need to be up to date with their C5 vaccination, which covers kennel cough. Please send us a copy of the certificate before the trial day. We also ask that flea and worm treatments are current.

No. Desexing isn't required to join The Barkyard Club. We just ask that you let us know beforehand if your dog isn't desexed, so our team has a heads-up and can group and supervise them in the way that gives everyone the best possible day. Females in season cannot attend.

Their lead and collar with an ID tag, their own food if they are staying overnight, and any medication with written instructions. Beds, bowls, water and treats are all provided. Please leave favourite toys at home so there is nothing to guard.

Care and safety

We separate calmly and early, long before anything escalates. Groups are matched on size and play style for exactly this reason. If your dog is consistently uncomfortable in a group, we will tell you honestly and talk about whether one-on-one care suits them better.

Tell us everything on the booking form and we will be honest with you about whether we can help. Some nervous dogs thrive here with a slow introduction. Some dogs are genuinely happier with one-on-one care, and we would rather say so than take your money.

We can administer medication during daycare and boarding. Send it in its original packaging with written instructions and dosage times, and note it on the booking form so we have it on file.

Yes. Premium treats are provided through the day as part of their Barkyard experience, at no extra cost — because good dogs deserve good snacks. Treats are given in sensible amounts alongside their normal routine, and we always work to the dietary requirements, allergies and feeding instructions you give us at booking. If you would rather we gave your dog nothing at all, or only what you send in, just tell us and we will.

Read All FAQs

Also at the Club