Puppy Pre-School is a must for any owner wanting a well-behaved, sociable family pet. Our puppy school classes are held at Prospect Road Veterinary Hospital, Goodwood Road Veterinary Clinic and Burnside Veterinary Centre for puppies aged 6 - 12 weeks. This is the critical learning stage when puppies gain important socialisation skills and learn the basics of being a well behaved pet.
As veterinarians and pet lovers we believe it is much easier to give your puppy the best chance from day one rather than addressing behavioural issues at a later age.
Why Puppy Pre-School?
Without socialisation skills and basic training your bundle of joy can quickly turn into a dog that is destructive, aggressive, shy or fearful or even obnoxious and bossy. Unfortunately some dogs deteriorate to a point where their owners can no longer handle their behaviour, which is why we see thousands of dogs being destroyed or ending up in animal shelters due to behavioural problems. The great news is, this doesn't have to be your new family member with the right start in life.
The critical socialisation period
At the age of 6-12 your puppy is at the optimal age to be exposed to as many things he or she is likely to encounter as an adult as possible. This means interactions with lots of people, other pets, places, noises, activities and experiences. This needs to be done safely, particularly when it comes to being socialised with other puppies and given the threat of virus and disease.
Puppy Pre-School provides a safe environment for your puppy to learn important socialisation skills. Classes are kept small so time can be spent with each puppy and their family. All puppies are vaccinated prior to class commencement.
What do classes cover?
During the five sessions your puppy will have a chance to interact with other puppies and you will learn important obedience exercises. We use rewards based training, so your puppy will receive treats, gifts and maybe even a prize for a job well done! We will also set aside some time to cover any individual problems you are experiencing or questions you would like answered.
Desired outcomes for your puppy
Ideally at the completion of the program, your puppy will:
- Respond to his/her name
- Will sit on cue
Greet family and visitors politely- Come when called
- Lie down on cue
- Understand "leave it" and "take it"
- Be learning to walk on a lead without pulling
- Go to the toilet outdoors
- Travel safely in a vehicle
- Be socialised with dogs, children and adults
Outcomes for a new pet parent
As a new pet parent you will have a practical understanding of:
- Reward-based training - background and methods
- A leadership program for your entire family
- How to handle and groom your puppy
- Effective toilet training
- Bite inhibition
- Health care and wellness so your puppy can live a long healthy life
- Preventing and solving simple behaviour problems. For example jumping up, barking, mouthing and digging
- And you will have expectations based on an appreciation of the age of your puppy.
About our instructors
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Jasmine Chilton
Jasmine is absolutely passionate about animals. She is owned by Ace, the Whippet, three cats, Milton, Maggs and Mercedes, two chooks, Toot and Roz, two green tree frogs, Justin and Davey as well as several fish and Sundance the horse. Jasmine is a Senior Veterinary Nurse and has over 15 years experience in Veterinary Practice. She has been part of our Prospect Road Veterinary Hospital team for 11 years and has a special interest in canine behaviour. She has attended various Delta Society courses, worked with many clients to help solve behavioural problems as well as instructing countless puppy classes.
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Natalia Duczkowski
Natalia is absolutely crazy about pets, including her cheeky Labrador Retriever Cross, Oskar. She is currently completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing studies. She has worked in an animal shelter for four years, as a nurse assistant for three years and as a dog behavioural trainer for four years. Her formal behaviour training has been completed with the Delta Society.
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Cost
Our puppy school includes five (5) sessions with a maximum of six participants (five participants if the puppies are larger size dogs). The cost for the full course including a formal graduation certificate is $125 per puppy.
Enrol Today
Bookings are essential so we can keep classes to a minimum.
You can enrol your puppy by submitting the Enrolment Request Form. Alternatively, call your local practice or see our receptionist for course details, times and further details about enrolment.
Please note: All puppies must have their first vaccination before commencing their first class.
Day courses may be available depending on demand. Individual consultations are available to discuss other behavioural issues. Please ask us for more information.
