A puppy training class is recommended and these are often offered by a local dog club or recreation department. An introductory obedience class serves to socialize the puppy by getting it out around other people and dogs, teaches it car manners, and how to behave on a leash. It also gives you, the owner, a support group for help with problems such as chewing and housebreaking. Motivation is an important key in training the Australian Terrier. The task at hand must be made challenging and fun, and the trainer should find some kind of incentive, in the form of treats, toys, or verbal praise that the dog best responds to.
Crate training is recommended, starting with puppyhood.
Australian Terriers are easily bored with routine, so short training sessions with lots of rewards are most successful. To keep the dog focused on you, the trainer, YOU must become the most interesting object in the training session. Terriers in general can be willful and stubborn, and terrier adolescence can be a very trying experience for the novice owner. A firm, consistent approach to what is and what is not acceptable behavior will prevent the Aussie from becoming a household tyrant. Australian Terriers have been trained successfully in all levels of obedience, agility, earthdog, and tracking, and have competed in national obedience events.