Puppy Preschool at Central Bark
Give your puppy the best start in life with kind, practical puppy training at Pets In The City Parnell.
Puppy Classes are back at Central Bark from 26 July, led by experienced puppy trainer Madeleine de Vrije. Our Puppy Preschool Masterclass helps new puppy owners build confidence, create good habits early, and understand what their puppy needs during this important stage of development.
Classes are force-free, reward-based and designed to support real families in real homes. No harsh tools. No fear. Just kind guidance, clear boundaries, and practical skills you can use every day.
What your puppy will learn
Puppyhood is exciting, adorable, and occasionally a little chaotic. That's normal. Our Puppy Preschool Masterclass is designed to help you understand your puppy's behaviour and guide them with confidence.
You will also learn how to support your puppy at home, manage common puppy challenges, and build a strong bond from the very beginning.
Meet some of our puppy pack
A few of the adorable faces who've started their journey with us. Every puppy is welcome, whatever their breed, size or personality.
Madeleine de Vrije
Madeleine de Vrije has been working professionally with puppies and their families since 2020, after completing her studies in canine behaviour and training.
She began her training career as a puppy class assistant for one of Auckland's most respected puppy training providers, before stepping into the role of Head Puppy Trainer in 2021. Since then, Madeleine has helped guide approximately 3,500 puppies and their owners through the early stages of puppy development.
Alongside her training work, Madeleine founded a successful dog walking and puppy-raising business on Auckland's North Shore, specialising in puppy development, socialisation and in-home support.
Her approach is practical, realistic and family-friendly. Madeleine focuses on creating sustainable boundaries that fit naturally into each household, helping owners enjoy their puppies while raising well-mannered, adaptable family companions. Today, she has partnered with Pets In The City to deliver a reimagined Puppy Preschool Masterclass at Central Bark.
Why Puppy Preschool matters
The early months of your puppy's life shape how they experience the world. With the right support, puppies can grow into more confident, settled and resilient dogs.
Puppy Preschool gives you a safe, structured environment to ask questions, practise skills and understand what your puppy is trying to tell you. It is not just about "training commands". It is about raising a puppy who can cope with everyday life.
That means fewer surprises, better routines, and a happier home for everyone. Including the humans.
Why choose Pets In The City?
At Pets In The City, every interaction is built around kindness, respect and positive reinforcement. Our philosophy is force-free, using rewards, trust and calm handling rather than fear or harsh tools.
Led by a Puppy Specialist
Classes are run by Madeleine de Vrije, an experienced puppy trainer with thousands of puppies guided.
Held at Central Bark, Parnell
Our purpose-built Parnell centre is the home of Puppy Preschool, a safe, welcoming space to learn.
Small & Supportive
Classes are small and practical, focused on real-world puppy skills you can use every day.
Force-Free & Reward-Based
We use rewards, trust and calm handling, never fear or harsh tools, to help puppies and owners succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Puppy Preschool at Central Bark.