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Terms of Course Attendance

• Your puppy must have had their FIRST vaccination and worming and be aged between 8-14 weeks at the start of this course to attend. You will need to bring your vaccination book with you at the first session.
• Only one handler to attend.
• Punctuality is vital for the success of the lessons, the class will start on time. If you know that you will be late please text and let us know as the venue door will be locked at the start of the class for security.
• Cancellation Policy : For booking cancelled less than 5 days prior to the start of the course or afterthe course has started, no refund will be given. If you are asked to leave the course due to any of the reasons above no refund will be given.

Success through Communication and Connection

Your dog does not speak English – obviously – and you do not speak dog. So the number one issue in dog training is communication. Our training programs teach you how to ‘speak’ your dog’s language – (which, interestingly, is 90% body language and a few other things) and we help you to ‘attach’ english words to certain desired actions or tasks your dog needs to be able to live comfortably with you and your family – e.g. sit, stay, heel, etc.

Even if you could perfectly communicate with your dog, their willingness would still be down to the relationship that you have with them – and the context of the situation (i.e. why and when the request is given and what else is happening at the time). So we help you to develop your relationship with your furry friend – i.e. for you to better understand them and for them to better understand you.

NOTE: on the idea of relationship: violence begets violence. The idea that we need to make our dog submit through violence is just wrong! Beating a dog into submission builds fear – not trust – and can permanently damage your relationship with your dog. Using violence and pain to train a dog builds an unstable anxious animal. It suppresses behaviour that will come out somewhere else – i.e. you might suppress the behaviour, but it may come out when the dog is playing with your kids – and that’s when dogs become dangerous.

1) Does my puppy need to have finished their vaccinations to attend a preschool class?

Your puppy will need to have had their first vaccination to attend a class. All our venues for our preschool classes are inside. The venues will not have had un-vaccinated dogs present at anytime so the risk of infection is low. Our trainers also clean the venues with vet grade cleaner before the class to ensure your puppies safety. If you are very concerned then make sure that your puppy is carried from your car to the inside of the venue.

2) Will my puppy be playing with dog that are a different size to him?

We generally allow all puppies to play together during our set puppy play times. As we understand the behaviour behind the play session we ensure that the experience is positive for all puppies. All play session are heavily managed by the trainers to ensure that both big and small puppies enjoy their play sessions.

3) Can the whole family be involved the puppies training?

Yes and no. During the class we ask that you choose one person to work with your puppy. This is really important as your puppy will be able to concentrate much better when only one person is communicating with them. Other family members can watch from the viewing areas and learn. Family members that cannot attend can always catch up with the online support course material.

4) I bought the puppy for my child, can they be the handler for the class?

Our policy is that the handler of the puppy must be over 16 years of age. There is a really good reason for this. The 8-16 weeks period is super important for your puppies development, in the same way that the first 3 years of your own children development is really important. This is the time when their personality and motivations are being formed. We trust adults to teach our children at this age because its so important, so we apply the same logic to our puppies.

5) Do I need to bring treats to the class?

During our puppy preschool classes we will be advising that you use treats. Motivation is very important when teaching puppies, and at this age most puppies are highly motivated by food. But don’t worry we also teach you how to train with treats the correct way, so your dog doesn’t become dependent of treats.

6) I heard that puppy preschool is only important for puppies to meet other dogs?

Your puppy’s body is growing quickly and so is their brain. Our preschool classes are heavily focused on what is important for your puppy’s development during this period of their development, the socialisation period. Although are class have an element of puppy play, there is also a strong emphasis on desensitisation of new people, object, sounds as well as other dogs, a process called habituation. If done correctly this process can act as a SOCIAL VACCINATION and can help your dog to not develop behavioural issues as they grow older.  And of course there is a lot of learning to done by yourself.

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