North Hobart Veterinary Hospital’s Puppy School comprises a series of fun classes which are specifically designed to help socialise your puppy with other pups and people in a positive environment. It also gives you the skills to help teach your puppy basic commands.
Puppy School is designed for puppies from the age of 7 weeks, once they have had their first vaccination and while they are at their most influential stage. Between the ages of 7 and 16 weeks puppies begin to form opinions and habits that will last a lifetime. A positive approach and positive reinforcement is essential for developing a happy and well mannered dog.
Each year around 600 dogs are euthanised for behavioural problems in Hobart alone, with a large number of these dogs being between 6 and 12 months of age. By enrolling your puppy in Puppy School you are giving your puppy the best possible chance to become a responsible canine citizen, and a well loved, well adjusted member of your family.
Puppy School consists of a 4 week course that is held here at NHVH of an evening. This gives your puppy an opportunity to become comfortable while at the hospital and will make future visits more enjoyable.
Various aspects of puppy care and training will be covered, including:
WEEK ONE: Settle, come, sit, toilet training, mouthing, chewing, biting and food.
WEEK TWO: Reprimanding, drop, good manners, children & dogs, body language, wait & stay, physical examinations
WEEK THREE: Dog facts, boredom, heel, health issues, grooming, microchipping
WEEK FOUR: Sight, hearing, smell, non-verbal commands, taste, digging, barking, chewing/biting, jumping, eye contact, where next, GRADUATION!
We advise that you only give your puppy half their evening meal before attending so they are not too hungry during class, but at the same time they aren’t full of food and too sleepy to learn! Please bring a flat collar and light weight lead to each class as well as some yummy treats to reward your puppy with for doing well.
If you would like to book your new puppy into Puppy School please let the reception staff know and they will take your details so one of the Puppy School co-ordinators will contact you to discuss the class further.