Puppy School: Laying the Foundation for a Well-Behaved Adult Dog with Puppy Training

Introducing a puppy into your household is an exhilarating event packed with joy, affection, and playful bonding with your new furry family member. This delightful period also introduces the significant responsibility of guiding your puppy to become a well-behaved and confident adult dog. Canine Evolution’s puppy school is designed to assist with this. Puppy training transcends the teaching of basic commands like sit and stay; it’s fundamentally about building a robust, trusting, and positive foundation that will ensure your puppy’s lifelong success.

Understanding the Importance of Puppy School 

The first few months of a puppy’s life are brimming with cute antics and seemingly endless energy, but they are also a critical period for developmental learning. During this phase, puppies are incredibly open to new experiences, which greatly shape their future behaviour and personality. This is why puppy school is a vital stepping stone in any young dog’s educational journey. Puppy training at a reputable puppy preschool establishes the essential framework for raising a sociable, well-adjusted, and obedient adult dog.

The Crucial Developmental Window for Puppy Training 

Starting from as early as six weeks old, puppies go through a critical fast-track learning phase that lasts until about six months. This time frame is a perfect opportunity for owners to make a crucial investment in their pet’s future. Puppy school leverages this developmental window to teach basic commands, instil proper social behaviour, and promote positive interactions with both people and other dogs. Engaging in puppy training near you during this receptive period is crucial for embedding good habits and preventing potential behavioural problems later on.

Benefits of Puppy Preschool

Puppy preschool offers numerous advantages beyond teaching basic commands like sit, stay, and heel. These classes provide a structured setting where puppies gain essential socialisation skills. By interacting with other puppies and people in a controlled environment, they learn to navigate social situations, which is crucial for preventing the development of fear, aggression, and anxiety. Additionally, puppy school helps owners learn about canine communication, empowering them to effectively understand and meet their puppy’s needs. These benefits underscore key deliverables to look for when searching for “puppy training near me”, to ensure a well-rounded development for your puppy.

Socialisation: In puppy preschool, puppies learn to interact positively with other dogs and humans, which is key to averting behavioural issues later on.

Obedience: Basic commands and proper manners are instilled from an early age at puppy school, simplifying future training efforts and making them more effective.

Problem-Solving Skills: Puppy training encourages puppies to engage in thinking and learning activities, enhancing their adaptability and cognitive growth.

Bonding: Attending puppy training sessions together strengthens the bond between puppies and their owners, fostering a relationship built on mutual respect and understanding. 

Choosing the Right Puppy School

Selecting the ideal puppy school is crucial for laying the foundation for a lifelong journey of companionship and understanding with your dog. The right program goes beyond teaching basic commands like sit, stay, and come; it creates a positive learning environment that promotes growth and development. Here’s how to ensure you pick the right puppy training program.

Key Factors to Consider Curriculum and Training Methods: Look for a curriculum that covers a broad range of essential skills, from basic commands to advanced behavioural training. The methodology should emphasise positive reinforcement, this approach not only strengthens the bond between you and your puppy but also encourages a love for learning. 

Trainers’ Qualifications: Experienced, professional trainers are imperative for any effective puppy school. Check the trainers’ qualifications, ensuring they have a solid background in canine behaviour and can provide positive outcomes. Canine Evolution prides itself on its team of certified trainers who bring passion and expertise to every class. 

Class Size: Smaller class sizes ensure personalised attention for each puppy and their owner, fostering a more productive learning environment. It allows trainers to address individual challenges and monitor each puppy’s progress closely. 

Facilities: The training facility should be clean, safe, and equipped with the necessary resources to facilitate a comprehensive training experience. Canine Evolution offers state-of-the-art facilities designed with your puppy’s comfort and safety in mind. 

The Impact of a Positive Social Environment

Selecting a puppy school that incorporates a variety of training methods, including positive reinforcement, can be beneficial. This approach rewards behaviours that are desired, thereby increasing the likelihood of their recurrence, while also considering the use of other techniques as needed to address undesirable behaviours. Training that integrates different strategies can help foster a well-rounded learning environment, allowing puppies to adapt to various situations while still enjoying their training sessions and forming positive associations with learning.

Preparing for Puppy School

Before your puppy’s first day at puppy school, taking several preparatory steps can ensure that both you and your puppy are ready for this exciting educational journey. Proper preparation can significantly enhance the learning experience, facilitating a smoother and more enjoyable transition for everyone involved. Here’s how to get ready for puppy preschool:

Vaccination and Health Check

• Ensure your puppy is up-to-date on vaccinations. Most puppy schools, including Canine Evolution requires proof of vaccination to protect all participants. Check with your vet to ensure your puppy has received all necessary shots.
• Conduct a health check. Confirm that your puppy is in good health before attending class to avoid spreading any illnesses to other puppies.

Gathering Essential Supplies

• Bring the right gear: A collar, leash, and harness (if necessary) are essential. Choose comfortable, well-fitting equipment to help your puppy focus on learning rather than discomfort.
• Pack treats for training: High-value treats can significantly enhance the training experience. Choose small, tasty treats that your puppy loves, as they will be used as rewards during training sessions.
• Don’t forget water and a bowl: Keeping your puppy hydrated during class is important, especially after play and training activities.

Setting Realistic Expectations:

• Understand that each puppy learns at their own pace: Avoid comparing your puppy’s progress to that of others. Patience and consistent reinforcement at home are crucial for learning.
• Be prepared for homework: Training doesn’t stop at puppy school; practising at home is essential to reinforce new skills and behaviours.
• Expect challenges: Facing difficulties is a normal part of the training process and provides valuable learning opportunities for both you and your puppy.

By following these steps to prepare for puppy preschool, you’re not only setting your puppy up for success but also enhancing your experience. Puppy training is a collaborative effort, and being well-prepared can make a significant positive impact.

Beyond Puppy Preschool: Continuing Education and Socialisation

Completing puppy preschool is just the initial step in your puppy’s educational journey. The development of a well-behaved, sociable adult dog hinges on continued education and socialisation. Here’s how to support your puppy’s growth beyond the basics:

Continuing Education

• Advanced Training Classes: Once your puppy has mastered the basics, consider enrolling in advanced training classes to explore more complex commands and behaviours. Canine Evolution offers a variety of sessions and courses tailored to different interests and challenges, such as agility training and advanced obedience.
• Daily Practice: Consistency is crucial in dog training. Implement short, daily training sessions to reinforce previously learned behaviours and introduce new skills gradually.
• Interactive Toys and Games: Keep your puppy’s mind active with puzzle toys and interactive games. These tools not only encourage problem-solving skills but also provide mental stimulation.

Ongoing Socialisation

• Regular Playdates: Schedule playdates with other dogs to continue developing and enhancing your puppy’s social skills. Exposure to diverse dogs and environments helps your puppy adapt and remain comfortable in various social settings.
• Visit Dog-Friendly Spaces: Make regular trips to dog parks, cafes, and stores to give your puppy valuable social experiences. It’s important to ensure that your puppy is well-behaved in public spaces and shows respect for others.
• Participate in Community Events: Engage in dog-related community events and activities. These occasions are excellent opportunities for socialisation and also offer fun experiences for both you and your puppy.

Why Choose Canine Evolution?
Canine Evolution distinguishes itself with a holistic approach to puppy training, recognizing the uniqueness of each puppy. Our programs are designed to accommodate different personalities, learning styles, and developmental paces, including:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Our courses extend from basic obedience to advanced socialisation techniques, covering all facets of puppy training.
• Expert Trainers: Our team of certified trainers is not only passionate about dogs but also committed to delivering the best possible training experience for you and your puppy.
• Optimal Class Sizes: We maintain small class sizes to ensure personalised attention and maximise each puppy’s learning potential.
• Superior Facilities: Our state-of-the-art facilities are crafted to provide a safe, engaging, and comfortable learning environment for your puppy.

Specific Information for May 2024 Intakes with Pet Resorts Australia 

Puppy School and Obedience Class For Adult Dogs Locations, Schedules and Pricing

Townsville: Puppy School sessions are held at 6 pm on Tuesdays,  the program consists of 6 x 1-hour weekly sessions, with a pricing structure of $195 for the complete course.

• 15^th Oct 2024 – 19^th Nov 2024
• 11^th Feb 2025 – 18^th Mar 2025
• 29^th April 2025 – 3^rd June 2025
• 22^nd July 2025 – 26^th Aug 2025

Dural: Puppy School sessions are scheduled for 10 am on Sundays, the course includes 6 x 1-hour weekly sessions, priced at $195 for the entire course.

• 20^th Oct 2024 – 24^th Nov 2024
• 16^th Feb 2025 – 23^rd March 2025
• 4^th May 2025 – 8^th June 2025
• 27^th July 2025 – 31^st August 2025

Puppy School Course Content

Week 1 – Initial Session and Familiarisation

• Course Briefing: An overview of the course objectives, benefits, and structure.
• The Significance of Early Socialisation: Understanding the critical window for puppy socialisation and its long-term impact on adult behaviour.
• Reinforcement Training Overview: Introduction to the reinforcement training methods to be used throughout the course.

Week 2 – Social Skills and Elementary Etiquette

• Socialisation Practice: Facilitating puppy introductions to aid their social development.
• Foundation Commands: Teaching basic commands like “Sit”, “Stay”, and “Come”.
• Bite Moderation Training: Helping puppies learn to moderate their biting strength.

Week 3 – Compliance and Confidence Enhancement

• Progressed Commands: Advancing to more complex commands such as “Leave it” and “Down”.
• Confidence Augmentation Activities: Exposing puppies to various surfaces, heights, and noises to build confidence.
• Lead Behaviour: Training puppies for polite behaviour while on a lead.

Week 4 – Domestic Training and Behaviour Management

• Domestic Training Guidance: Strategies for effective house training.
• Behavioural Issue Resolution: Addressing common issues like excessive chewing, barking, and digging.
• Crate Familiarisation: Introducing crate training for secure and comfortable confinement when needed.

Week 5 – Advanced Compliance and Shaping Behaviours

• Command Consolidation: Continuing to practise and reinforce previously taught commands.
• Recall Reinforcement: Emphasising the “Come” command in various situations for improved recall.
• Shaping Behaviours: Teaching puppies how to learn through offering behaviours.

Week 6 – Completion and Progression

• Recap and Practice: A comprehensive review and practice of all taught commands and behaviours.
• Completion Ceremony: Celebrating the puppies’ achievements with the issuance of completion certificates.
• Future Development: Discussing opportunities for advanced training, ongoing socialisation, and sustained obedience practice at home.

Samford: At Samford, the focus shifts to an Obedience Class For Adult Dogs, which takes place at 6:30 pm on Wednesdays, this course also comprises 6 x 1-hour weekly sessions, with a cost of $250 for the full program.

• 16^th Oct 2024 – 20^th Nov 2024
• 12^th Feb 2025 – 19^th Mar 2025
• 30^th April 2025 – 4^th June 2025
• 23^rd July 2025 – 3^rd Sept 2025 (skipping Wednesday Aug 13^th as this is a public holiday for Brisbane only)

Course Content for Obedience Class at Samford

Week 1: Introduction & Basic Manners

• Overview of training importance, class rules, and necessary equipment.
• Introduction to balanced training concepts, including various reinforcement and punishment types. 
• Basic manners training, focusing on ‘sit’, ‘stay’, and ‘down’ commands, employing treats and a reward-based system.

Week 2: Walking, Heeling, & Recall

• Techniques for loose lead walking to prevent pulling.
• Training your dog to ‘heel’ and walk beside you on command.
• Recall training strategies to ensure your dog comes when called, despite distractions.

Week 3: Socialisation & ‘Leave it’

• The significance of socialising your dog and the benefits therein.
• Supervised playtime to encourage positive dog interactions.
• Teaching your dog the ‘leave it’ command to avoid unwanted items or food.

Week 4: Advanced Manners & Behaviour Correction

• Reinforcement of basic commands with added complexity like distance and distractions.
• Introducing ‘place’ and ‘wait’ commands for better control.
• Addressing and correcting common undesirable behaviours.

Week 5: Agility & Confidence Building

• An introduction to agility training with basic equipment.
• Confidence-building exercises and exposure to new stimuli to boost your dog’s adaptability and focus.

Week 6: Review, Troubleshooting, & Graduation

• A comprehensive review of all commands and behaviours learned throughout the course.
• Personalised troubleshooting for any lingering issues.
• A graduation ceremony to celebrate the achievements of both dogs and owners, complete with certificates and rewards.

The path to a well-behaved adult dog is filled with challenges, but with patience, consistency, and the right support, it’s a journey that is deeply rewarding and filled with unparalleled companionship. Let Canine Evolution be your partners in laying the groundwork for a well-behaved, happy, and healthy dog. Together, we can ensure that the adorable puppy you bring home grows into the well-mannered adult dog you’ve always envisioned!