Puppy Preschool

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Getting a young puppy is an exciting time for you and your family. You’re about to embark on a special relationship that will last for many years and bring you lots of fun, laughter and love.

To make the most of your new relationship, it’s very important that your puppy learns to get along with other people and animals and becomes familiar with the good behaviours that will help it fit into your family and community.

Puppies go through a critical socialisation period between the ages of 3-14 weeks.  They are usually more receptive to socialisation during this time, enabling you to introduce them to new life experiences. Having a puppy which feels comfortable and safe with different people, other pets, in their own home and new environments (including having positive experiences at your vet clinic) is incredibly important.

Whether this is your first dog or your fifth, your new puppy can really benefit from attending puppy preschool.

Why is puppy preschool important?

Having a puppy that feels comfortable and safe with different people, other pets, in their own home and new environments (including having positive experiences at your vet clinic) is incredibly important.

The socialisation period between the ages of 3-14 weeks means they are usually more receptive to socialisation during this time. This enables you to introduce them to new life experiences in a fun way that will create positive associations for life.

What will my puppy learn at puppy preschool?

Your puppy will learn to socialise with other puppies of various breeds and sizes. They will also learn the basics of manners and good behaviours. They will practise developmentally appropriate skills that help them learn in a positive environment.

We’ll cover basic cues such as Sit, Come and Drop. We’ll also teach you how to deal with those not-so-fun challenges: crying at night, toilet training and mouthing behaviour. There are excellent ways to manage these behaviours that help your puppy learn the correct ways to behave, while strengthening your bond at the same time.

Puppy preschool age – How old should my puppy be to join puppy school?

Puppies can enrol in puppy school from 8 weeks of age as long as they have started their vaccination course. Puppies should be no older than 14 weeks when starting.

Is puppy school family friendly?

Yes! Puppy preschool is family friendly. Two people per puppy and the class is not suited for young children under 5yrs*. Involving your children in puppy school classes helps them learn about their new pet, including how dogs communicate, socialise and learn. They’ll also pick up some great dog training skills, learn about dog health and learn about appropriate interactions to create a strong bond and mutual trust and respect for one another.

Together you can learn what different dog behaviours mean and develop the skills you need to take great care of your new pet.

*However when COVID restrictions are in place we can only have one person per puppy due to space restrictions.

Meet the trainers

Emma, one of our lovely nurses, is also a qualified dog trainer and runs our puppy classes at Port Road Vet. As of 2021 Emma is on Maternity leave. The classes are instead being run by Dr Emma Ruck and Nurse Danni Lester.

Emma uses positive based training methods and keeps up to date with the latest information. Puppy classes are a great way to help socialise your puppy in a safe and controlled environment, before they are fully vaccinated.

When is puppy school held?

Classes go for 4 weeks, usually on a Tuesday evening at 7.45pm until 8.45pm.

How do I book my puppy into puppy preschool?

If you are interested in booking your puppy into our puppy preschool or would like more information please give us a call on 8340 0388.

We would love to hear from you!