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Dog Behaviour Training

Puppy Preschool 

We run regular, on-site, puppy preschool classes for our younger fluffy friends to help get them started in establishing good behaviour patterns.

Like children, puppies learn very fast at an early age. It is important to take advantage of this fast learning period so what we teach them results in a well behaved and socially integrated adult pet. By starting early we can help prevent normal, undesirable, puppy behaviour such as: biting, digging, barking and chewing. We also teach our puppies acceptable social etiquette in a fun and friendly environment. Another benefit of your puppy attending pre-school classes is socialising - they get to meet other puppies of the same age and learn how to behave appropriately around animals in a respectful and friendly manner.

Basic manners like "come", "sit", "stay" "walking nicely on lead" and "drop" are taught during the course, as well as some basic handling and calming techniques. It is important for owners and puppies to learn that there are occasions when the puppy should have quiet time.

During the classes we discuss many common puppy problems, while puppies socialise with each other and learn appropriate doggy behaviour.

Our Puppy Preschool Courses run for 4 weeks, classes are held once a week. The 4 week course costs $140.00.

Vaccination and puppy preschool:

The routine course of puppy vaccinations consists of 2 injections: one at 6-8 weeks of age and one at 10-12 weeks.

To attend Puppy Pre-school at Gladesville Veterinary Hospital, a pup must have at least had its 6-8 week vaccination.

It takes a week for the pup's immune system to mount a response to a vaccination. Therefore, there is a very slight risk to the pup, until a few days after the 10 week vaccination. But it has been our experience that pups who have all of their recommended shots do not experience problems.

As well as a forum for the puppies to socialise and "let off some steam", we also educate the owners. This is very important when trying to raise a well mannered puppy.

The "imprinting" or "socialisation" phase of a pup's life is between 3 and 16 weeks of age, the time when your pup has the most to gain from attendance at Puppy Pre-School.     

Bookings essential.

Canine College

Let us introduce you to the Gladesville Veterinary Hospital Canine College for Post-Graduates. This programme has been designed by Gayl O'Grady, our Puppy Pre-School coordinator. Gayl has completed the Delta Society's Canine Good Citizen Behavioural Dog Training Course (Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services).

Although for most of the pupils the post-grad programme is a follow-up from puppy pre-school classes, graduation from pre-school is not a pre-requisite for attendance. Gayl has given the programme a rather long and impressive sounding name in order to emphasise the importance of early training for your pet. The most common cause of death for dogs under the age of two years is euthanasia because of behavioural issues. Behaviour such as digging, barking and snapping can become an enormous problem in a family's life.

The course is designed for juvenile dogs, and the minimum age of attendance is 16 weeks. It is run over eight weeks, with weekly lessons of one hour each. There is a maximum of six pups in each class, and two instructors are present at all times. The underlying principles of sound dog training are used - kindness and positive reinforcement.

Although there is significant structure in the course, there is also plenty of opportunity for fun and games. Pups even get experience at our "mini agility" course. The most important reason to continue on with training at this age is to instill good manners in your pet, so that it becomes an integrated member of the family. Many owners, though, enjoy the experience so much that they continue on with further formal obedience training.

Canine College Level 1 Course includes:

Attention - Looking to owner when he hears his/her name.

Socialisation - Being comfortable with different breeds and aged dogs.

Being relaxed and comfortable with different people.

Good manners - Sit, drop and stay.

Meet and greet people on lead.

Wait at a doorway to let owners through.

Walking nicely on lead.

Come when called (an extremely important command for every dog.)

Calm behaviour - settling on his mat.

Effective and appropriate leadership.

Communicating and understanding your dog - Recognising stress and calming signals in your dog and other dogs.

Managing common problem behaviour - for example chewing, digging, barking and jumping.

Responsible dog ownership - including understanding local council dog laws.

Basic Agility - to help reinforce the commands learnt in a fun and relaxed environment.

What to Bring

A hungry dog, with a flat collar and lead (no check chains please).

A variety of training treats that your dog loves (eg liver, chicken, cheese etc).

Something with which to settle your dog such as a ‘Kong' or a favourite toy.

A mat for your dog to lie on.

A supply of poo bags.

Where : Boronia Park Boy Scout Hall, Farnell St, Boronia Park.

Cost : $270 for an eight week course Classes are of a one hour duration on Saturday mornings.

Bookings essential

 Advanced Canine College Level  2 Course

To participate in these classes dogs need to have graduated from Canine College Level 1 and maintained that level of obedience.

A large part of the class is  run "off lead" and the dogs must focus on their owners, ignoring what the other dogs are doing.

This challenging course may not be suitable for all dogs, classes should be a happy experience for our dogs, not a trial.

Dogs that have completed the Level 2 course may continue training towards the Delta Canine Good Citizens Award.

For more information on this advanced course, or to discuss your dog's suitability to participate,  please call us and ask to speak to Gayl O'Grady.

Bookings essential.