For The Best Start In Life

Puppy Preschool is a must for all owners looking to give their puppy the very best start in life and the opportunity to grow into a well behaved, sociable dog. Classes are designed for puppies between 8 to 12 weeks of age, as this is the critical learning stage when puppies gain important socialisation skills and learn the basics of being a well-behaved pet.

Why Puppy Preschool?

Young puppies are at a very impressionable age where learning and training is happening at every interaction your pup has with you and the world. These experiences that take place now will have a significant impact on how your puppy will behave as an adult dog, so we’re here to help make sure you start off on the right paw.

Your puppy needs you to teach them the rules of living in our human world and AdelaideVet Puppy Preschool gives you the tools to teach your puppy in a positive and effective way to help them grow into a confident and well-behaved dog.
Puppy Preschool provides a safe, controlled environment for puppies to socialise and classes are kept small so that time can be spent with each puppy and their owners.

Each year thousands of dogs end up in pounds and shelters, due to behavioural problems developing in later life. This is often the result of a lack of proper socialisation and training in the important early developmental stage of a puppy’s life.

Training at AdelaideVet is focused on positive reinforcement, where we reward the behaviours we want and ignore the ones we don’t want. This training approach helps to build a stronger bond with your dog and gives you the best start to a happy life with your new puppy.

The Best Start For Your Puppy

What we cover in the 5 week course:

  • Appropriate dog to dog socialisation

  • Effective toilet training
  • Leadership
  • Nutrition and feeding
  • Reward based training
  • Preventing and solving common problem behaviours
  • Healthcare and wellness
  • Caring for your puppy

Overview of Puppy Preschool

Each course consists of 5 one-hour per week classes, conducted over a 5 week period. Owners will learn positive reinforcement methods for training their puppy as well as an overview of socialisation, general healthcare, nutrition and more. Each course will also dedicate time to covering any individual problems and questions from owners.
Classes are held on different days of the week across our different locations. In most cases, your class will be held on the same day each week with classes starting after 7pm on weekdays and in the afternoon on weekends. To check class times and locations, enquire online below.

What Will You Learn With Your Puppy?

  • Respond to their name
  • Greet family and visitors politely

  • Lie down on cue

  • Learn to walk on a lead without pulling

  • Safe travel in a vehicle

  • Sit on cue
  • Come when called

  • Understand “leave it” and “take it”

  • Go to the toilet outdoors

  • Appropriate socialisation with dogs, children and adults

The Critical Socialisation Period

At the age of 6 – 12 weeks of age your puppy is at the optimal age to be exposed to as many things they are likely to encounter as an adult as possible. This means interactions with lots of people, other pets, places, noises, activities and experiences. This needs to be done safely, particularly when it comes to being socialised with other puppies and given the threat of virus and disease.

Puppy Preschool provides a safe environment for your puppy to learn important socialisation skills. Classes are kept small so time can be spent with each puppy and their family. All puppies are vaccinated prior to class commencement.

AdelaideVet Puppy Preschool Booking Form

Book Online Today

Fill in the form below to register your interest in Puppy Preschool at AdelaideVet and a team member will contact you to advise the availability of upcoming classes.

Your Name(Required)
Your Puppy's Date of Birth (see conditions below)(Required)

If your puppy is older than 12 weeks of age, we are unable to accept your enrolment. Enrolling puppies of the same age range ensures all attendees are at the same learning and development stage.

Has your puppy had their first vaccination?(Required)

If no, your puppy will need to be vaccinated prior to their first class. We can assist at any of our 4 practices across Adelaide.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where are the Puppy Preschool classes held?
    Puppy Preschool classes are run at all AdelaideVet practices.

    • Goodwood Road – 421 Goodwood Road, Westbourne Park 5041
    • Prospect – 318 Prospect Road, Prospect 5082
    • Stirling – 77 Mt Barker Road, Stirling 5152 (currently unavailable)
    • Trinity Gardens – 301 Magill Road, Trinity Gardens 5068
  • When are classes held?
    Classes are held on different days of the week across our different locations across Adelaide. The course consists of 5 classes which are held over 5 weeks. In most cases, your class will be held on the same day each week.

  • How old should my puppy be?
    Puppies should be between 8 and 12 weeks of age and have had their first vaccination. This is the optimal time for training and ensures all puppies in the class are socialised in a safe environment that is appropriate for their age and size.

  • What do I need to bring to class?
    Please bring a lead to class and your puppy should also be suitably fitted with a collar. We don’t recommend the use of a harness for puppy school. If your puppy was not vaccinated at AdelaideVet please bring your puppy’s current vaccination record. You’ll also need to bring suitable treats and a kong for your puppy.

  • Should I feed my puppy before class?
    Preferably not. Puppies like to sleep after a meal and they are less responsive to treats which are used as a form of positive reinforcement during class.

  • How do I book my puppy into a class?
    Please call your local AdelaideVet and they will book you into the next available class or complete our online enquiry form below above.