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Puppy Preschool

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For those who have a new puppy or are thinking of getting a new puppy we strongly recommend Puppy Pre-School. Having a socialised, well behaved puppy is a must for any owner especially as dogs live for a long time and that is a very long and stressful time to have an unruly companion. The aim is to expose puppies to new experiences in a safe and controlled environment. Puppies should learn to be calm around other dogs, learning to balance excited play activities with calm, quiet activities. Some puppies are naturally shy, and need to learn to feel comfortable around other dogs, with appropriate control of excited puppies when needed to avoid reinforcing their frightened, shy behaviour.

Booking for the Classes

Four 1-hour classes are conducted on Thursday nights at 6:30pm to 7:30pm for puppies aged between 6 to 16 weeks. Please call the clinic on 07-3341 3399 to book as bookings are essential as places are limited. Payment or a $50 deposit is required at the time of booking to confirm a place in class for your puppy either by in person in the clinic or by credit card over the phone.

**COVID-19 Update 2021** Due to social distancing restrictions we must adhere to, only one person per puppy can attend class. Thank you for your understanding on this matter.

What Will Be Covered?

At Rochedale Veterinary Surgery we are very lucky to have experienced veterinary nurses, who have a keen interest in animal behaviour, conducting the classes using the positive reinforcement method to cover the topics outlined below.

   Puppies

  • Respond to name

  • Begin socialising with dogs, children & adults

  • Learning dog body language

  • Sit for greeting

  • Sit when asked

  • Drop when asked

  • Begin lead walking

  • Begin recalls

   Owner Education

  • Positive reinforcement training

  • Handling and grooming

  • Toilet training

  • Bite inhibition

  • Preventing and solving simple behaviour problems

  • Nutrition

  • Dental hygiene

  • Preventative health care

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Who Should Attend?

The ideal age for puppies starting classes is 6-16 weeks. Pups are also of a similar behavioural development at this time. Puppies 6-16 weeks of age are in the critical period for socialisation in which a small amount of experience can lead to significant long lasting effects on behaviour. (Please see 2021 COVID update listed above as to who can attend).

What do you need to bring?

So, you have made the excellent decision to bring your puppy to pre-school. Along with your puppy on a good fitting collar with a lead, a bag of healthy training treats, and you will be required to bring their vaccination certificate (from their first vaccination) if they have not been vaccinated with us previously. It’s a good idea to refrain from feeding your companion a full meal prior to arrival. If you are unsure as to whether or not your puppy has been immunised, please ask reception for further advice.

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