One of the most exciting things in life is welcoming a puppy into your family. There are bucketloads of excitement, cuddles and fun as you get to know your new canine friend. However, with fun also comes a great responsibility in making sure your new puppy grows into a well-mannered and safe adult dog. This is where puppy school steps in. Puppy training is more than just teaching the basic commands like sit and stay. It’s important to create a strong, trusting and positive foundation with your dog which ultimately will set your dog up for success.
Let’s take a look at what is involved with puppy training, why it’s important, how to find a good puppy preschool and what’s involved post puppy school.
Understanding the Importance of Puppy School
The early months of a puppy’s life are filled with adorable antics and endless energy, however it’s also a critical period for learning and development. During this time, puppies are exceptionally receptive to new experiences. This can significantly influence their behaviour and personality as adults. This is why puppy school is an essential foundation for any young dog’s education. Puppy training lays the groundwork for a well-adjusted, sociable, and obedient adult dog.
The Crucial Developmental Window for Puppy Training
From as early as six weeks old, puppies enter a critical period of rapid learning that continues until around six months of age. This period is a golden opportunity for owners to invest in their puppy’s future. Puppy school utilises this developmental window to introduce basic commands, proper social behaviour, and positive interaction with both humans and other dogs. It’s about taking advantage of this receptive phase to instil good habits and prevent potential behavioural issues.
Benefits of Puppy Preschool
Puppy training classes offer more than just the basics of sit, stay, and heel. They provide a structured environment where puppies learn vital socialisation skills. Interacting with other puppies and people in a controlled setting helps prevent the development of fear, aggression, and anxiety. Additionally, puppy preschool teaches owners about canine communication, enabling them to understand and respond to their puppy’s needs effectively.
Socialisation: Puppies learn to interact positively with other dogs and humans, which is crucial for preventing behavioural problems.
Obedience: Basic commands and good manners are instilled early, making future training sessions much easier.
Problem-Solving Skills: Puppies are encouraged to think and learn, improving their adaptability and intelligence.
Bonding: The shared learning experience strengthens the bond between puppies and their owners, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
Choosing the Right Puppy School
Selecting the ideal puppy school is crucial for laying the foundation for a lifelong journey of companionship and understanding with your dog. The right program goes beyond teaching basic commands like sit, stay, and come; it creates a positive learning environment that promotes growth and development. Here’s how to ensure you pick the right puppy training program.
Key Factors to Consider
Curriculum and Training Methods: Look for a curriculum that covers a broad range of essential skills, from basic commands to advanced behavioural training. The methodology should emphasise positive reinforcement, this approach not only strengthens the bond between you and your puppy but also encourages a love for learning.
Trainers’ Qualifications: Experienced, professional trainers are imperative for any effective puppy school. Check the trainers’ qualifications, ensuring they have a solid background in canine behaviour and can provide positive outcomes. Pet Resorts Australia prides itself on its team of certified trainers who bring passion and expertise to every class.
Class Size: Smaller class sizes ensure personalised attention for each puppy and their owner, fostering a more productive learning environment. It allows trainers to address individual challenges and monitor each puppy’s progress closely.
Facilities: The training facility should be clean, safe, and equipped with the necessary resources to facilitate a comprehensive training experience. Pet Resorts Australia offers state-of-the-art facilities designed with your puppy’s comfort and safety in mind.
The Difference a Positive Social Environment Makes
Selecting a puppy school that incorporates a variety of training methods, including positive reinforcement, can be beneficial. This approach rewards behaviours that are desired, thereby increasing the likelihood of their recurrence, while also considering the use of other techniques as needed to address undesirable behaviours. Training that integrates different strategies can help foster a well-rounded learning environment, allowing puppies to adapt to various situations while still enjoying their training sessions and forming positive associations with learning.
Preparing for Puppy School
Before the first day of puppy school, there are several steps owners can take to ensure both they and their puppies are ready for this exciting journey. Proper preparation can greatly enhance the learning experience, making the transition smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved. Here’s how to prepare for your puppy’s first class:
Vaccination and Health Check
– Ensure your puppy is up-to-date on vaccinations. Most puppy schools, including Pet Resorts Australia’s course, run by our partners at Canine Evolution, require proof of vaccination to protect all participants. Check with your vet to ensure your puppy has received all necessary shots.
– Conduct a health check. Confirm that your puppy is in good health before attending class to avoid spreading any illnesses to other puppies.
Gathering Essential Supplies
– Bring the right gear. A collar, leash, and harness (if necessary) are essential. Choose comfortable, well-fitting equipment to help your puppy focus on learning rather than discomfort.
– Pack treats for training. High-value treats can significantly enhance the training experience. Choose small, tasty treats that your puppy loves, as they will be used as rewards during training sessions.
– Don’t forget water and a bowl. Keeping your puppy hydrated during class is important, especially after play and training activities.
Setting Realistic Expectations
– Understand that every puppy learns at their own pace. It’s important not to compare your puppy’s progress with others. Patience and consistent reinforcement at home are key.
– Be prepared for homework. Training doesn’t end in class; practising at home is crucial for reinforcing new skills and behaviours.
– Know that challenges are part of the process. Encountering obstacles is normal and provides valuable learning opportunities for both you and your puppy.
By taking these steps to prepare for puppy preschool, you’re not only setting your puppy up for success but also enhancing your own experience. Puppy training is a team effort, and being well-prepared can make all the difference.
Beyond Puppy Preschool: Continuing Education and Socialisation
Graduating from puppy school is just the beginning of your puppy’s learning journey. A well-behaved, sociable adult dog is the result of ongoing education and socialisation. Here’s how to continue supporting your puppy’s development after the initial training classes.
Continuing Education
Advanced Training Classes: After mastering the basics, consider enrolling in advanced training classes to tackle more complex commands and behaviours. Pet Resorts Australia offers a variety of sessions & courses that cater to different interests and challenges, from agility training to advanced obedience.
Daily Practice: Consistency is key in dog training. Incorporate short, daily training sessions to reinforce learned behaviours and introduce new skills gradually.
Interactive Toys and Games: Engage your puppy’s mind with puzzle toys and interactive games. These activities encourage problem-solving skills and can keep your puppy mentally stimulated.
Ongoing Socialisation
Regular Playdates: Arrange playdates with other dogs to maintain and enhance social skills. Exposure to different dogs and environments helps your puppy adapt and remain comfortable in various situations.
Visit Dog-Friendly Spaces: Regular visits to dog parks, cafes, and stores can provide valuable social experiences for your puppy. Ensure your puppy is well-behaved in public spaces and respectful of others.
Participate in Community Events: Look for dog-related community events and activities. These can be great opportunities for socialisation and fun for both you and your puppy.
Why Canine Evolution @ Pet Resorts Australia?
Canine Evolution stands out due to their holistic approach to puppy training. They understand that each puppy is unique, and our programs are tailored to accommodate different personalities, learning styles, and pace. Their training includes:
Comprehensive Curriculum: From basic obedience to socialisation and beyond, our courses are designed to cover all aspects of puppy training.
Expert Trainers: Our team of certified trainers is passionate about dogs and dedicated to providing the best possible training experience for you and your puppy.
Optimal Class Sizes: We maintain small class sizes to ensure personalised attention, maximising the learning experience.
Superior Facilities: Our facilities are designed to provide a safe, engaging, and comfortable learning environment for your puppy.
Specific Information for Puppy School Intakes at Pet Resorts Australia
Visit our dog training page for information on schedules and pricing.
Puppy School Course Content
Week 1 – Initial Session and Familiarisation
– Course Briefing: An overview of the course objectives, benefits, and structure.
– The Significance of Early Socialisation: Understanding the critical window for puppy socialisation and its long-term impact on adult behaviour.
– Reinforcement Training Overview: Introduction to the reinforcement training methods to be used throughout the course.
Week 2 – Social Skills and Elementary Etiquette
– Socialisation Practice: Facilitating puppy introductions to aid their social development.
– Foundation Commands: Teaching basic commands like “Sit”, “Stay”, and “Come”.
– Bite Moderation Training: Helping puppies learn to moderate their biting strength.
Week 3 – Compliance and Confidence Enhancement
– Progressed Commands: Advancing to more complex commands such as “Leave it” and “Down”.
– Confidence Augmentation Activities: Exposing puppies to various surfaces, heights, and noises to build confidence.
– Lead Behaviour: Training puppies for polite behaviour while on a lead.
Week 4 – Domestic Training and Behaviour Management
– Domestic Training Guidance: Strategies for effective house training.
– Behavioural Issue Resolution: Addressing common issues like excessive chewing, barking, and digging.
– Crate Familiarisation: Introducing crate training for secure and comfortable confinement when needed.
Week 5 – Advanced Compliance and Shaping Behaviours
– Command Consolidation: Continuing to practise and reinforce previously taught commands.
– Recall Reinforcement: Emphasising the “Come” command in various situations for improved recall.
– Shaping Behaviours: Teaching puppies how to learn through offering behaviours.
Week 6 – Completion and Progression
– Recap and Practice: A comprehensive review and practice of all taught commands and behaviours.
– Completion Ceremony: Celebrating the puppies’ achievements with the issuance of completion certificates.
– Future Development: Discussing opportunities for advanced training, ongoing socialisation, and sustained obedience practice at home.
Samford: At Samford, the focus shifts to an Obedience Class For Adult Dogs, which takes place at 6:30 pm on Wednesdays, starting from 8th May and wrapping up on 12th June. This course also comprises 6 x 1-hour weekly sessions, with a cost of $250 for the full program.
Course Content for Obedience Class at Samford
Week 1: Introduction & Basic Manners
– Overview of training importance, class rules, and necessary equipment.
– Introduction to balanced training concepts, including various reinforcement and punishment types.
– Basic manners training, focusing on ‘sit’, ‘stay’, and ‘down’ commands, employing treats and a reward-based system.
Week 2: Walking, Heeling, & Recall
– Techniques for loose lead walking to prevent pulling.
– Training your dog to ‘heel’ and walk beside you on command.
– Recall training strategies to ensure your dog comes when called, despite distractions.
Week 3: Socialisation & ‘Leave it’
– The significance of socialising your dog and the benefits therein.
– Supervised playtime to encourage positive dog interactions.
– Teaching your dog the ‘leave it’ command to avoid unwanted items or food.
Week 4: Advanced Manners & Behaviour Correction
– Reinforcement of basic commands with added complexity like distance and distractions.
– Introducing ‘place’ and ‘wait’ commands for better control.
– Addressing and correcting common undesirable behaviours.
Week 5: Agility & Confidence Building
– An introduction to agility training with basic equipment.
– Confidence-building exercises and exposure to new stimuli to boost your dog’s adaptability and focus.
Week 6: Review, Troubleshooting, & Graduation
– A comprehensive review of all commands and behaviours learned throughout the course.
– Personalised troubleshooting for any lingering issues.
– A graduation ceremony to celebrate the achievements of both dogs and owners, complete with certificates and rewards.
The path to a well-behaved adult dog is filled with challenges, but with patience, consistency, and the right support, it’s a journey that is deeply rewarding and filled with unparalleled companionship. Let Pet Resorts Australia and Canine Evolution be your partners in laying the groundwork for a well-behaved, happy, and healthy dog. Together, we can ensure that the adorable puppy you bring home grows into the well-mannered adult dog you’ve always envisioned!
