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Writer's pictureGoodna Vet

The Importance of Puppy Preschool

Updated: Nov 30, 2023

Bringing home a new puppy is a joyful time! Having your very own bundle of fluff to play with, cuddle and care for is an exciting and fulfilling experience; however, what you do in the first few months of your puppy’s life will have a significant impact on their development and behaviour going forwards.

Puppies can get into all sorts of trouble and mischief, and that’s perfectly normal! However, your puppy relies on you to teach them what to do in certain situations and how to get along in the world. With some gentle guidance and training, your pup will:


  • Feel more confident and at ease in any surroundings or circumstances, including visits to the vet, doggy daycare, the dog park or at other people’s homes.

  • Stay safe by listening and responding to your commands.

  • Be able to make friends with (or at least tolerate!) other dogs.


Behaviour and Communication


Basic Obedience


Basic obedience training starts with teaching your puppy a few simple commands, such as:

  • Sit

  • Stay

  • Come

  • Respond to their name


These commands form the foundation for effective learning and communication. You will learn how to get your puppy’s attention using positive reward-based training techniques, and they will quickly see that training is fun! Your puppy’s confidence will grow, and you will begin to find out what motivates them. Some puppies will do almost anything for a treat, whereas others simply want to please you!


Once the basic commands have been mastered, you and your pup will be able to move on to more advanced lessons, including:

  • Toileting

  • Walking on a lead


Desensitisation


At Puppy Preschool, your puppy will learn behaviours that help them to feel comfortable in a variety of situations, such as at the vet, the groomer or out in public:


  • Desensitisation to common noises (e.g. clippers, other dogs barking) and being handled for examination can significantly reduce fear and stress, creating a positive experience for your dog—and you too!

  • Crate training is also a valuable teaching tool. It allows you to travel safely with your pet, and it also gives your pup a safe place to retreat to if they are feeling overwhelmed.

When your pup knows what to expect and what you require of them, they will quickly learn that going out is a fun adventure that you can share together, while strengthening the bond between you.


Preventing Problem Behaviours


Preventing unwanted behaviours at an early age is essential to the mental and physical well-being of your dog. Once negative behavioural patterns have been established, it can be very difficult and time-consuming to correct them.


Puppy Preschool teaches pet owners about issues such as:

  • Barking

  • Separation anxiety

  • Chewing

  • Digging

Sadly, these behaviours represent the most common reasons that people end up surrendering their dogs. Learning what causes this behaviour and how to correct it is one of the most important things you can do for your puppy during their early development.


Socialisation


Puppy Preschool is not only about learning commands. It’s also an opportunity for your puppy to socialise with other dogs and learn about body language, vocalisation and pack behaviour.


A well-socialised puppy who is responsive to your commands will be able to accompany you almost anywhere, happy and relaxed, without fear of aggression or anxiety.

Bookings

Have you recently welcomed a new puppy into your family?


To enrol, your puppy must:

  • Have had at least their 1st Vaccination

  • Be up to date with intestinal worming, flea and tick prevention

  • Be 8-18 weeks of age

Our classes are a four-week course that runs for one hour a week over the four weeks (at the same location on the same day and time each week).


For more information, please call Jordan Dog Training on (07) 3264 8180


 

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Goodna Vet is your trusted partner for exceptional pet care in a wide range of areas, including Collingwood Park, Greater Springfield, Springfield Lakes, Ripley, Ipswich, Forest Lake, and Redbank Plains. As a premier veterinary clinic, we proudly extend our services to pet owners in Jindalee, Darra, Oxley, Sumner Park, Sinnamon Park, Riverview, Redbank, Dinmore, Karalee, Karana Downs, Camira, Gailes, Brookwater, Augustine Heights, Bellbird Park, Bundamba, Mount Ommaney, Westlake, Riverhills, Middle Park, Jamboree Heights, Richlands, Inala and Ellen Grove. Your furry friend's well-being is our priority, and we can't wait to welcome you both to our clinic.


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