Puppy Pre-School is a must for any owner wanting a well-behaved, sociable dog. These classes are designed for puppies between the ages of 6 and 12 weeks, as it is much easier to teach your puppy correctly from the start rather than having to correct bad behaviour later on.

Why Puppy Pre-School?

Each year thousands of dogs are destroyed or end up in pounds and animal shelters (and are eventually euthanased) due to behavioural problems developing in later life. Due to vaccination specification, it is very difficult to do this safely. Puppy Pre-School provides a safe environment for your puppy to socialise and classes are kept small so time can be spent with each puppy and their owners.

What does it cover?

The course runs for four weeks and uses the positive reinforcement method to cover topics such as socialisation, house training, discipline, obedience training, grooming, fleas, exercise requirements, what to do in emergencies and dental care. The course will also cover any individual problems you may experience or questions you may want answered.

Course Outline

• Dogs in Nature - Background on dogs' natural "pack" behaviour and how this can help you to understand many of the behaviours displayed by your new puppy.
• Socialisation - Why socialisation is so important and how to go about ensuring your puppy is well socialised.
• Preventative Medicine - Outline of the preventative medicines currently available and which ones are important for your puppy.
• Toilet Training - Effective methods and how to discipline.
• Discipline - How to go about disciplining your puppy effectively.
• Diet and Feeding - When, where, how often, what to feed and what not to feed your new puppy.
• Dental Care - Maintenance of healthy teeth and gums.
• Grooming - Brushing, bathing, nail clipping. When to start, what needs to be done for your individual puppy. How to introduce your puppy to being groomed without making them afraid.
• Fleas - What's effective, what's not and how to avoid a flea explosion in your household.
• Dangers in the Home - How to make your home a safer place for your puppy... common dangers which are easily overlooked.
• Exercise and Play - How often and for how long? The importance of exercise and play.
• Training - The importance of training, where and when to train your puppy.
• Hospital Tour - Catch a glimpse of what it's like "behind the scenes" at VETWEST!
• Problem Behaviours - Chewing, digging, jumping up on people etc... why all puppies do it and effective ways to discipline.
• Council Laws - Advice on what's legally required for your puppy and where you can exercise him in your local shire.
• Missing Dogs - What to do if your new puppy goes missing... Effective ways of locating your little friend!
• GRADUATION! - Presentation of graduation certificates and treats!

Training: All classes finish with a training session. Time is spent with each puppy individually... to ensure training is relevant and effective. Behaviours covered are: Recall, sit, drop, lead work, stay....

Frequently asked questions about Vetwest Puppy Pre- school

Where are the Puppy Pre-school classes held?

Puppy Pre-school classes are run at all Vetwest Animal Hospital practices.

When are classes held?

The classes are held on different days of the week. The day of the week depends on the hospital you visit. The course consists of 4 classes which are held over 4 weeks. In most cases, your class will be held on the same day each week between 7.00pm-8.00pm.

How old should my puppy be?

Puppies should be between 6-12 weeks of age. This is the optimal time for training and ensures all puppies in the class are socialized in a safe environment which is appropriate for their age and size. If your puppy is older than 13 weeks then please contact us for our recommendations on Junior dog training. Or do we just provide a list?

What do I need to bring to class?

Please bring a lead to class, your puppy should also be suitably fitted with a collar. If your puppy was not vaccinated at a Vetwest Animal Hospital please bring a long your puppy's current vaccination record.

Should I feed my puppy before class?

No, puppies like to sleep after a meal and they are less responsive to treats which are used as a form of positive reinforcement during class.

How much does Puppy Pre-school cost?

Puppy pre-school is a four week course and includes a graduation certificate and treat. Our puppy pre-school trainers undertake the Vetwest Puppy Pre-school accreditation course which provides them with vital knowledge on raising a well behaved pet. The cost of the course is $72.

How do I book my puppy into a class?

Please call your local Vetwest Animal Hospital and they will book you into the next available class.

Zoo Studio special discount for Vetwest Puppy Pre-School clients

Contact Ken on 0409 807 831 for more info. www.zoostudio.com.au