Taking a new puppy home can feel like having a small storm come crashing into your life. Thrilling? Yes. Intimidating? Also yes. To help such young animals get started in life, one of the most important things to do is to send them to puppy preschool. Yup! It’s like kindergarten for dogs and we’ll just go ahead and jump straight into why that’s great.
What's the Deal with Puppy Preschool?
Puppy training boot camp would be an alternative name for puppy school where they learn simple ways of being good dogs like sitting and staying on command or coming when called upon. But it isn’t all work and no play! They are exposed to other puppies as well, which will help them build their social skills as this can be considered as the first step towards a confident, well-behaved adult dog.
Why Should You Send Your Puppy to Preschool?
Enrolling your pup in school is the equivalent of giving them a head start in life. Here’s why:
- Social Butterfly: Classes help your puppy make new friends; therefore, they need to learn how to play nicely with others.
- Good Manners 101: Basic commands and good behaviour are taught here. Trust us, a contented puppy means it behaves properly (making its owner happy too!).
- Confidence Boost: Going places and meeting new people could be overwhelming to a small pup. But confidence-building increases quickly at this age.
- Behaviour Check: Early training helps prevent habits such as chewing, jumping up on people, barking unnecessarily, etc.
What to Expect in Puppy Training School
Think of a room full of wriggly pups! That is almost exactly what puppy preschool looks like. Here’s a quick peek:
Orientation for Owners
In most cases, owners start every course by undergoing orientation during which they meet the trainers, familiarise themselves with the syllabus and even receive tips on how to reinforce the training at home.
Basic Commands
Puppy training classes teach basic commands such as;
- Sit: Teaching your puppy to sit on command.
- Come: Ensuring your puppy returns to you when called.
- Stay: Helping your puppy learn impulse control.
- Down: Teaching your puppy to lie down on command.
Think of a room full of wriggly pups! That is almost exactly what puppy preschool looks like. Here’s a quick peek:
Socialisation
The controlled environment allows puppies to interact with other puppies and learn proper play as well as other behaviours that prevent fear or aggression from arising toward other dogs.
Handling / Grooming Exercises
Your puppy must be able to cope with humans touching them; otherwise grooming or visits to the vet would be unbearable. These entail your pup getting used to having their paws, ears or even mouth touched and groomed so that it becomes natural for them.
House Training Tips
Whilst house-training largely occurs at home, many puppy pre-schools offer useful tips on crate training, setting up routines and dealing with common toilet training issues like accidents.
Playtime and Social Play
During playtime, puppies burn off energy, work on their social skills, learn bite inhibition, etc. The trainers monitor all these activities so that all puppies are involved in safe positive playtime experiences only.
Problem-solving and Behavioural Advice
Trainers suggest solutions for handling various behavioural problems. Amongst these are:
- Biting & Chewing: Redirecting your puppy’s natural chewing behaviour towards appropriate chew toys.
- Barking: Understanding the reason for excessive barking and reducing them.
- Jumping Up: Teaching your puppy on how to greet people politely.
Positive Reinforcement Tips
Throughout the course, positive reinforcement is emphasised. This involves rewarding desirable behaviour with treats, praise or play so as to encourage your puppy to repeat them.
Gradual Introduction to Leash Training
Puppies are taught how to walk on leash without pulling, making walks enjoyable and safe. Trainers may start by performing indoor leash exercises before going out for outdoor walks.
Gradual Introduction to New Experiences
In puppy preschool, puppies are introduced to new experiences slowly such as:
- Different Surfaces: Walking on various surfaces like grass, concrete, and gravel.
- Noises: Exposure to everyday sounds such as vacuum cleaners, doorbells, and traffic.
- Objects: Introducing items like umbrellas, bicycles, and strollers to prevent fear or anxiety later on.
When you complete your puppy training course, you’ll have a good foundation for future training and a strong relationship built with trust. Skills acquired and the socialisation that takes place during this time shape your pup’s behaviour in the long-term hence giving them confidence throughout their lifetime.
Choosing the Right Puppy Preschool
Selecting the right puppy training class for your puppy’s development is crucial. Here’s how you do it:
Check the Credentials
Make sure that instructors of these schools have qualifications relating to puppy training. You can also check if they are registered members of organizations like the Australian Association of Professional Dog Trainers (AAPDT), which has provided certification in this field.
Class Size and Structure
Small classes provide individual attention thus it is highly recommended. These classes should also be well-structured with a clear curriculum.
Positive Reinforcement
Ensure the school uses positive reinforcement techniques. This method is effective and ensures a bond between you both that remains healthy throughout your dog’s life span.
Getting Ready for Puppy Preschool
There are a few things you need to do before commencing any lessons for puppy’ training;
Health Check
Vaccinations must be up to date before your puppy is enrolled. This is necessary to protect all participants in the school.
Basic Supplies
Carry with you basic items like a leash, collar and treats or water bowl while attending the training programs. There might be a checklist of items provided by some institutions.
Set Realistic Expectations
Remember that the preschool is just the beginning of your dog’s training journey. Be patient and consistent with reinforcement at home.
Tips for Success in Puppy Preschool
To get the most out of your pup’s preschool, keep these tips in mind:
Practice at Home
Reinforce commands and behaviours learned from class through practising them at home, which will make it easier for pets to understand their relevance. Consistency is key to successful training.
Stay Positive
Training should be a fun and rewarding experience for your puppy. Use positive reinforcement instead of punishments.
Be Patient
Keep training sessions short and frequent because puppies have short attention spans. Patience pays off until results are achieved over time.
Final Thoughts
Both puppies and their owners get so much from puppy preschool. It’s a foundation for having a disciplined, well-behaved, socialised and self-assured dog. Choosing the appropriate program, preparing adequately, and actively participating in it ensures that you have made the most of this opportunity for early training.
Daisy’s Pet Grooming is your best choice if you require any of these services like puppy training or even pet grooming. Our friendly as well as professional staff will make sure that your puppy looks good, feels great and gets educated enough to face the big world ahead of them. You can contact us today and we will give more information about our services.