Puppy Preschool at WCVH

Puppy Preschool is for dogs between the ages of eight and sixteen weeks. This period is the most vital time to train and socialise your dog. Puppy Preschool teaches you how to train your dog so that he or she is obedient, well socialised with other dogs and humans, and an enjoyable companion.

The most important part of Puppy Preschool is socialisation. In our classes, the pups learn to interact with other dogs without being afraid or aggressive.

We also teach basic commands such as "sit", "drop", "stay", "come", and "mealtime manners". Learning these may take some time, patience and practice on the owner's behalf, but it is rewarding once your pup has mastered these commands. All training is taught with positive reinforcement techniques, so that the puppies want to perform the requested behaviours rather than being forced to comply.

Other topics we cover in the classes include owner leadership, discouraging unwanted behaviours such as play biting and chewing, motivational training, environment enrichment, all aspects of routine health care, and toilet training (including helpful practical hints).

We also explain how to wash, comb, brush, and clean the ears of your dog, together with how to clip their nails if needed.

Puppy Preschool runs for four consecutive weeks, usually on Wednesday nights, and must be prepaid with our reception staff. Classes start at 7:30 pm and run for approximately one hour (unless we run late because we're having so much fun). Puppies must have received their 6 week vaccination at least.

We ask that puppies are not fed or exercised before classes since they learn better if they are not full or tired! All you need to bring is the family, your puppy on a lead and some tasty treats to assist with training.