Puppy Classes – Why are they so important?

Firstly, congratulations on your newest addition to your family. Introducing a new puppy is a very exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming, so we are here to help with an easy transition so it can be an enjoyable experience for all.

Our puppy classes are designed especially to achieve this.

Puppies have what we call a critical period of socialisation which occurs between the ages of 6-16 weeks. Everything a puppy experiences in this time sets them up for adulthood, so it is important in these early days that we teach them the tools required to be a well rounded adult and to avoid social behaviours such as separation anxiety, fear aggression or reactive behaviour.

We take several steps to minimise the risk of infectious disease in our classes. As such, we request that all pups attending must have had their 6 week vaccination before starting. For pups that have not had their vaccinations done by Lakeside Vet Centre, a vaccination certificate must be provided prior to attending the course. 

What makes our Puppy Classes Special?

Our classes promote positive reinforcement techniques, and we welcome (in fact, we encourage!) the entire family to participate. Having a well-trained and social dog will enhance your family life in the long term, and we’re passionate about helping to you achieve this.

Course Cost & Inclusions

• Course fee: $230
• FIVE WEEKS of training & personalised advice with our amazing and fully qualified dog trainer, Cali. Our extended course, with all 5 sessions including your puppy in class, gives you ample time to learn in class & then practice the skills at home. This additional support will help you to get things right before graduation.
• ONE HOUR of fully immersive & in-person classes with a maximum of 6 puppies per class, ensuring that our trainer can focus on coaching your pup’s individual behaviours
• Disinfection of the premises prior to classes for your puppy to learn & play in a clean & safe environment, minimising any risks to your puppy
• Positive reinforcement & treats to help create a fun and happy experience for your puppy
• Take home notes/homework each week to assist you in implementing the training in between classes
• Graduation certificate after successfully completing the sixth lesson
• A lot of fun and opportunities for you and your pup to make new friends!

Topics that your puppy will learn

• How to socialise well with puppies of different sizes and breeds
• Increased confidence with new experiences
• Toilet training tips & tricks
• Advice on digging, barking and destructive behaviours
• General obedience – “sit”, “come”, “stay” etc
• Recall
• Loose leash walking
• Impulse control
• Preventative health care – how to keep your puppy safe, happy and healthy
• Toxins & household poisons – what to avoid to keep your puppy safe
• How to have fun and to love your vet!

Eligibility

Puppies can start our classes after their first 6-week vaccination and are welcome up until 4 months of age. Classes are open to everyone, not just Lakeside Vet Centre clients.

Class Information 

• Treats are provided and will be kangaroo based. Please notify our staff if your puppy has any allergies. We ask that you please provide your own treats if your puppy cannot eat the treats we provide.
• Puppies must be carried to and from the facility as it is not safe for them to walk on the ground outdoors when not fully vaccinated.
• Clients may be asked to remove their shoes on entering the class area to comply with the safety of the unvaccinated pups in the class. Please ensure you are wearing socks for this reason. Alternatively, you may be asked to sanitise your shoes on a disinfected mat as you enter the premises.
• It is important that you DO NOT feed your puppy in the hours leading up to class time. Puppies with full tummies develop selective hearing! We want the puppies to be keen for their treats so we can reinforce what we are teaching them.
• If your puppy is showing signs of sickness, please either contact us or your regular vet for medical advice, and stay at home to avoid any spread of infection to other puppies in the class. Please avoid attending classes until your puppy is well again.

Booking

Classes are held at Lakeside Vet Centre on Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm.

If we reach capacity (no more than 6 pups per class), there may be scope for us to create an extra class if needed.

To enrol, fill out the enrolment form located below.

Once the form is submitted, we’ll call you to take payment, and you’ll receive a welcome email providing you with more details about what to bring with you to the classes.