At Eastside Veterinary Clinic, we believe in nurturing the special bond between pets and their people. Our Puppy Preschool program is designed to support every owner in raising a happy, social, well-mannered family member.
Puppy Preschool
Program Overview
Our Puppy Preschool introduces owners to gentle, fear-free training methods using reward-based training techniques.
This ensures a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your puppy, setting them up for success in later years.
We provide a safe and controlled environment where you and your puppy can enjoy a positive and fun learning experience.
The program provides socialisation, interactions, and experiences with other puppies, people, and our vet clinic.
A variety of socialisation skills are taught to broaden each puppy’s worldly experiences.
Program Information
Duration: 5 weeks, with sessions at 7:00pm on Tuesday evenings at Eastside Veterinary Clinic.
Week 1: A 90-minute introductory and information session for owners (without puppies).
Weeks 2 - 5: 60-minute classes with both puppies and their owners, filled with practical advice, hands-on learning and personalised guidance.
Materials: Owners receive a 60-page manual and weekly at home activities to enhance learning and solidify understanding to ensure everyone reaches their goals by graduation.
Week 1: A 90-minute introductory and information session for owners (without puppies).
Weeks 2 - 5: 60-minute classes with both puppies and their owners, filled with practical advice, hands-on learning and personalised guidance.
Materials: Owners receive a 60-page manual and weekly at home activities to enhance learning and solidify understanding to ensure everyone reaches their goals by graduation.
Our knowledgeable trainer, Bodil Schou-Hansen, coordinates the program. She is an expert in the field, undertaking extensive training and education to ensure owners and puppies learn the best practices in animal behaviour using positive reinforcement training.
Throughout the course, trainers will provide invaluable information, practical tips and guidance for a variety of topics including reinforcing wanted behaviours, managing undesirable behaviours, social etiquette, toilet training, nutrition, dental hygiene, parasite control and other routine pet health advice. You and your puppy will discover the joys of learning basic training cues like sitting, dropping, loose lead walking, and polite greetings. Puppies will be introduced to new experiences—different surfaces, sounds, smells, puppies, and people—to broaden their world in a safe and supportive environment. Additionally, our expert trainer can provide custom and personalised advice that is tailored towards the specific needs or goals of the individual puppies and their families.
Throughout the course, trainers provide invaluable information, practical tips, and guidance on various topics, including:
- Reinforcing wanted behaviours
- Managing undesirable behaviours
- Social etiquette
- Toilet training
- Nutrition
- Dental hygiene
- Parasite control
- Routine pet health advice
You and your puppy will learn basic training cues like sitting, dropping, loose lead walking, and polite greetings. Puppies will be introduced to new experiences—different surfaces, sounds, smells, puppies, and people—in a safe and supportive environment. Additionally, our expert trainer offers custom and personalised advice tailored to the specific needs or goals of each puppy and their family.
Our classes adapt to the unique needs and goals of each puppy and their family, whether it's building confidence, refining manners, or strengthening the basics. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Class Details:
- Duration: 5 weeks (Week 1: No-Puppy session)
- Cost: $150 (Non-refundable)
- When: Tuesday evenings from 7pm-8pm (Please arrive 5 minutes before class starts)
What to Bring:
- Flat collar or harness with a lead (No retractable leads or slip collars)
- Washable, non-slip mat or bed for your puppy to relax on
- Treat container filled with a variety of delicious, small soft treats
- A chew treat and stuffed Kong toy
- Poo bags
- Water container or bowl
Class Etiquette:
- Please arrive five minutes before class starts to help your puppy settle in
- Ensure your puppy has the opportunity to relieve themselves before entering
- Keep your puppy on their lead and mat unless guided otherwise
- Be mindful and respectful of other puppies' space and boundaries
- Follow trainer instructions during playtime and ask questions if needed
- Two guardians per puppy are welcome, including children
- Kindly silence your mobile phones and step outside if you need to take a call
