Bringing home, a new puppy is an exciting time! Those big eyes, fuzzy paws, and puppy breath melt your heart. As cute as puppies are, raising one takes a lot of work. An important part of puppyhood is preschool – a place for your pup to learn how to be a well-mannered dog.
Choosing the right preschool sets your puppy up for success. This guide will help new Perth pet owners pick the perfect puppy preschool.
Why Puppy Preschool Matters
Preschool is like school for human toddlers – it teaches essential life skills. Rather than shapes and ABCs, puppies learn:
- Bite inhibition – Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Preschool teaches them how hard they can bite before it hurts. This prevents biting issues later on.
- Social skills – Preschool gets puppies used to playing nicely around other dogs and people. This prevents fearfulness and aggression issues.
- Basic commands – Sit, stay, come, down, and loose leash walking are all taught. This makes your puppy more obedient.
- Handling skills – Puppies get used to being touched, brushed, and having their nails clipped. This makes grooming and vet visits less stressful.
The early socialization and training of preschool makes raising a puppy much easier. Preschool also tires puppies out mentally and physically. When puppies get sufficient activity and stimulation, they are less likely to develop destructive behaviours from boredom and excess energy. Puppy preschool is the first step in raising a happy, well-adjusted dog.
What to Look for in a Puppy Preschool
Not all puppy preschools are created equal. Here are the most important factors to look for when researching preschools:
Accreditation – The best preschools are accredited by reputable organizations like the Pet Professional Guild. Accredited schools must adhere to force-free training standards.
Vaccination requirements – Puppies need a series of vaccinations to stay healthy. Good preschools require age-appropriate shots before attendance.
Small class sizes – The smallest class sizes allow for the most individual attention. Aim for less than 10 puppies per class.
Separation by size – small breeds should be separate from large breeds for safety during playtime. Good preschools divide classes accordingly.
Clean facilities – Preschools should be clean, odor-free, and sanitized between classes. This prevents the spread of illnesses.
Qualified trainers – Trainers should use reward-based methods and have education in dog behavior and training. This ensures effective, humane training.
Socialization opportunities – Playtime, games, and structured socialization help puppies learn how to interact properly.
Positive reinforcement – Training should involve lots of treats, praise, and rewards for desired behaviors. Punishment or force should never be used.
Parent education – Good preschools teach owners how to continue training at home. Follow up advice should be provided.
Convenience – Consider location, class schedule, and availability when choosing a preschool that fits your lifestyle.
With the right preschool, your puppy will start life off on the right paw. The socialization, training, and overall experience will help your puppy grow into a happy, confident dog.
Choosing the Perfect Preschool for Your Pup
The preschool you pick should align with your goals for your puppy. Consider their age, breed size, energy level, and your location. Contact schools to ask questions and check if they are accepting new students. Tour facilities before signing up.
Many preschools accept puppies from 8 weeks old, but some prefer waiting until 12 weeks when vaccination schedules allow. Large breed puppies generally do best starting preschool a little later around 5-6 months old, due to their slower maturity.
High energy puppies like Labradors and Border Collies benefit from more training sessions per week than lower energy breeds. Terriers and herding breeds need socialization early on to prevent reactive and nippy behavior.
What to Expect in Puppy Preschool
Puppy preschool provides important socialization, but you may be wondering – what actually happens during class? While each school has its own format, most follow a similar routine.
A typical puppy preschool class is about an hour long and starts with 15-30 minutes of supervised free play. Puppies run, wrestle, chase, and play-fight with each other. This teaches bite inhibition, social skills, and expends pent-up energy. Trainers watch closely to intervene if any puppy is being a bully.
Next, puppies have a short training session to work on basic skills like sit, stay, focus, loose leash walking, leave it, and come when called. Pet Practice noted that high value treats and toys are used to reward desired behaviors. Each pup gets individual attention.
The class ends with another play session so puppies finish on a positive note. At pickup, trainers give owners feedback and instructions on what to practice before next class. Owners should bring treats and their puppy’s favorite toy to class.
What Owners Should Do Before and After Class
Attending once a week isn’t enough for it to sink in – owners need to reinforce what is taught in preschool at home. Here are tips for before and after each class:
Before:
- Feed your puppy at least an hour before class to avoid nausea and vomiting
- Bring high-value treats like chicken, cheese, or hot dogs for training
- Choose a fun toy for playtime like a rope or ball
- Arrive 10 minutes early to potty your puppy before class
- Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes) when practicing at home before class
After:
- Give your puppy water then let them nap to process the mental stimulation
- Avoid overly exciting play or activities right after class
- Practice the skills taught using the trainer’s instructions
- Set up play dates with familiar preschool puppies outside of class
- Watch for signs of stress like panting or hiding – don’t push too much too fast
Following this routine will help your puppy get the most out of their preschool experience.
Signs Your Puppy is Ready to Graduate
Puppies attend preschool starting around 8 weeks old until about 5-6 months old. But when do you know it’s time for your puppy to graduate? Here are signs your pup is ready:
- Listens reliably to basic commands like sit, down, stay, and come
- Walks well on a loose leash, without pulling constantly
- Settles down quickly when asked and controls high energy
- Plays well with other dogs – takes turns, minimal bullying
- Ignores distractions and focuses attention on you
- Interacts appropriately with strangers and children
- Tolerates grooming and handling from professionals
- Passed the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen test
A good trainer will help you determine when your puppy is ready to transition from preschool to adolescent and adult dog training classes. Each puppy is different, but graduation typically occurs between 5-12 months old.
Final words
Set your puppy up for success by choosing a preschool that fits their unique needs. Attending a quality puppy preschool gets your dog off to the right start and makes your life as a new pet owner much easier.
