Starting puppy school can feel a bit overwhelming for new pet parents, but it’s an exciting journey for both you and your furry friend. Attending puppy school in Australia is not just about teaching your puppy basic commands, it’s about setting the foundation for good behaviour and building a strong bond between you and your dog. This guide will take you step by step through a typical puppy training school session, so you’ll know what to expect and feel more confident walking in.
Arriving at puppy training school
When you first arrive, you’ll likely be greeted by the trainer, who will guide you through the session. It’s a good idea to arrive early so your puppy has a chance to settle. Most puppy schools recommend bringing a lead, some tasty treats, and your puppy’s vaccination records.
Once you’re settled, the trainer will often start with introductions. This is a chance to share your puppy’s name, breed, and any specific challenges you’re facing. It’s also an opportunity for your pup to meet their classmates in a controlled way.
Step 1: Socialisation
The session often begins with supervised socialisation. Puppies are encouraged to interact with each other while the trainer monitors their behaviour. This helps your pup learn how to communicate with other dogs and build confidence.
At first, your puppy might seem shy or overly excited, and that’s perfectly normal. The trainer will step in if any rough play occurs, ensuring all interactions remain safe and positive.
Step 2: Basic obedience training
Next comes the fun part: learning basic commands. Most puppy schools in Australia focus on foundational skills such as:
- Sit: Teaching your puppy to sit on command.
- Stay: Training your pup to stay in one spot until called.
- Come: Building a strong recall so your dog comes back to you when called.
These commands are taught using positive reinforcement, which means rewarding your pup with treats, praise, or play whenever they get it right.
The trainer will demonstrate each command and then help you practice with your puppy. Don’t worry if your pup doesn’t get it straight away—patience and consistency are key.
Step 3: Handling and grooming
Another important part of puppy training school is getting your dog used to being handled. This might involve touching their paws, ears, or mouth to prepare them for vet visits or grooming sessions.
The trainer will show you the best ways to do this gently, ensuring your puppy feels comfortable and relaxed.
Step 4: Problem-solving
Puppies can have their quirks, whether it’s biting, barking, or chewing everything in sight. During this part of the session, the trainer will address common behavioural challenges.
They’ll give you tips and techniques to manage these behaviours at home. For example, if your pup is biting, they might suggest redirecting them to a chew toy and praising them when they use it but at k9 Trainer we teach bite inhibition and don’t redirect to a toy like often recommended. After all your puppy needs to stop biting down on you, not getting rewarded with a toy.
Step 5: Cool-down and questions
At the end of the class, there’s usually a cool-down period where puppies can relax. This is also a great time to ask the trainer any questions you have about your puppy’s behaviour or progress.
You’ll likely be given homework to practise during the week, such as repeating commands or working on socialisation.
FAQ about puppy school
1. At what age should I enrol my puppy in training?
Most puppy schools in Australia accept pups as young as 8 weeks old, as long as they’ve had their first vaccinations.
2. How long does a typical class last?
Sessions usually run for about 45 minutes to an hour. At K9 Trainer we give pups more time to play. Building up a puppies self esteem if it is shy and reigning a boisterous one in so it doesn’t scare the shy ones. This leaves enough time for training without overwhelming your puppy.
3. Do I need to bring anything to class?
Yes, bring a lead, a supply of small, soft treats, and your puppy’s vaccination records. A water bowl is also a good idea.
4. What if my puppy struggles to keep up?
Every puppy learns at their own pace. Trainers are there to help and will adjust the activities to suit your pup’s needs.
5. Is puppy school worth it?
Absolutely! Puppy training schools not only teach essential skills but also help your pup grow into a well-behaved, confident dog.
By the end of your first puppy school session, you’ll feel more connected to your furry friend and have a better understanding of how to guide their behaviour. Puppy school in Australia is a wonderful way to start your pet parenting journey. Stick with it, and you’ll see positive results in no time!
