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Hello, my name is Karena. I run the Tea Tree Gully Veterinary Hospital’s Puppy Preschool Program with Jodie, Tascha, Brooke and Carlee. Puppy Preschool is a safe and a fun way for pups aged 6 to 16 weeks old to socialise with other dogs and people.
Between the ages of 6 and 16 weeks is a very important period for a puppy’s development. We know that pups that have had positive experience with a wide variety of sights, sounds, smells, surfaces, people and other animals during this time grow into well adjusted adult animals that are confident and non-fearful. Most fearful or aggressive problem behaviours are due to a lack of socialisation as a young pup.
Puppy Preschool provides people with a safe place (here in the hospital) to socialise their pups without risk of exposure to dangerous diseases because pups are not fully protected by vaccination at this young age, and so cannot go out into the real world quite yet.
Puppy Preschool is a fun way to bond with a new pup whilst teaching it how to interact with other dogs and people.
Puppy Preschool is all about rewarding learning with positive reinforcement; this involves food rewards and praise. It is also an opportunity to discuss things like the best way to toilet train, reduce the risks of biting and chewing and how to deal with other potential problem behaviours.
During class the pups have the opportunity to play together, we also play different games as well as do basic obedience training and expose them to different things like hair dryers, new surfaces, etc.
We run classes on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 8:30pm for five consecutive weeks. Booking is essential. You will receive many freebies such as flea and worm control, shampoo, food and treats.
Puppy Preschool is FUN for both owners and puppies and is one of the most important things you can do for a pup at this age. |
