Puppies have a “critical socialisation” period which begins at around 3 weeks of age and lasts until around 15 weeks of age. It is during this period that all experiences shape, whether good or bad, your puppy’s behaviour later in life.
Here at Heathmont Animal Hospital, we believe that it is important for puppies to be well socialised, with people, as well as other animals, to give them the best chance at developing into a confident, well-adjusted adult dog. Socialising only with people and other animals at home is just not enough! All puppies need to be exposed to many different stimuli as well as other breeds of dogs and different types of people in a safe environment. It is up to you as their leader to ensure they have as many new and great experiences as possible!
Our Puppy Parenting program gives them this socialisation opportunity. It is important that your puppy is socialised in a safe environment to ensure they get the most from every experience.
The classes are run over 5 consecutive weeks, for approximately 1 hour each session, at the clinic. The first class is without your puppy. This class is designed for you to meet me and to inform you of the training techniques used, to go through contents of the course, and deal with any problems that you may be experiencing at home, without any distraction from the puppies.
Throughout the following 4 sessions your puppy will be able to socialise with other puppies and people, while you learn how to be a good leader and teach your puppy basic good manners! We will also cover common puppy behavioural problems, such as toilet training, jumping on people, mouthing or biting, barking, chewing, etc, and try to help you with any specific queries you may have.
Your investment for the 5 session course is $90, which includes puppy preschool booklets, a bag of liver treats, and a certificate of participation.
We ask that you bring the following to each session:
• some of your puppy’s favourite treats,
• something for your puppy to chew on,
• a favourite toy,
• your puppy’s mat/ bed,
• a flat collar/ harness and lead
Places are limited – we try to limit numbers to 6 puppies and their families, so that you can get the most from each session. Children are extremely welcome but we do ask that those under the age of 16 be accompanied by an adult who is willing to be the main puppy handler.
Classes do depend on numbers – a minimum of 3 puppies is needed to provide a good socialising environment. When there is a great response there will be a second class organised.
As our method of training is “positive reinforcement” based, we do not allow correction (“choker chain”) collars or physical punishment. We will teach you how to discipline your puppy effectively and correctly without the need for harsh punishment methods.
All puppies need to have at least their temporary vaccination before the first class and have their subsequent vaccination when due. If this was given elsewhere, the record of vaccination must be presented at the first class. All puppies must be wormed before the first class.
All classes are conducted by Kim Leong who has her Certificate IV in Dog Behaviour Management, (Delta Canine Good Citizen Instructor’s Certificate).
If you have any questions please contact the clinic on 9729 4466
