Puppy Pre-school - Perth

[chi4me]

Hi All,

Im very excited about my new chihuahua male puppy I should be receiving in approximately 8 - 12 weeks - that is if all goes to plan Mummy Chi is due tomorrow - so am keeping my fingers crossed that there will be a little male pup available for me, and that his mummy has an easy birth to boot

I have had my name down with this breeder for months now and she has been absolutely wonderful in supplying me with articles to read, from everything to puppy proofing my home, socializing, medical conditions, and a whole lot more! Actually she has been so fantastic I havent even wanted to speak to other breeders since I first started researching and doing the ring a round, because I have 100% confidence in this great lady and am prepared to wait even if it means that I might not be able to have a new little member till next year - of course I hope that isnt the case, but if it is then so be it.

As mummys due date is this week, I have been hesitant about shooting off an email, or phone call as I dont want to interrupt her, with something that I can ask at a later date - however, with my puppy enthusiasm and excitedness (its not puppy stalking I promise lol) at its peak, I couldnt help but ask question here;

Can anybody please recommend a good puppy pre-school for me south of the river? I would really like to hear of your experiences with these places, if you would recommend them, the why's and why not's, and if there were things that you found lacking etc...

I would also like to ask you if you have raised chihuahuas and trained them what has been your experience here as well... Getting conflicting information from the internet, some rating chis in their top five hardest list to potty train etc, whilst others dont even mention them at all (dont know if thats a good thing or bad one actually)

I thank you in advance for helping me out here.

[RallyValley]

Carolyn's classes in Southern River are the best. I don't have the link at work but I have recoomended her a few times on these forums before, maybe do a search?

[chi4me]

Thanks for your reply ValleyCBR - much appreciated!

Found the website, and it seems that they dont do a puppy pre-school? only obedience and agility - anyhow that is what is advertised on their site.

I will give them a ring to confirm though

[RallyValley]

Thanks for your reply ValleyCBR - much appreciated!

Found the website, and it seems that they dont do a puppy pre-school? only obedience and agility - anyhow that is what is advertised on their site.

I will give them a ring to confirm though

It might not be the same one then. As the one I took Lincoln to was only a puppy preschool.

[chi4me]

It might not be the same one then. As the one I took Lincoln to was only a puppy preschool.

I hate to be a pest ValleyCBR but if you have their details would you mind sending me a PM? Ive tried google but nothing is coming up

The more I look into puppy-preschool the more horror stories I am starting to read - have to admit to feeling a bit frightened of my little one getting trampled or worse!

On a completely different subject - your Lincoln is absolutely gorgeous!

[RallyValley]

It might not be the same one then. As the one I took Lincoln to was only a puppy preschool.

I hate to be a pest ValleyCBR but if you have their details would you mind sending me a PM? Ive tried google but nothing is coming up

The more I look into puppy-preschool the more horror stories I am starting to read - have to admit to feeling a bit frightened of my little one getting trampled or worse!

On a completely different subject - your Lincoln is absolutely gorgeous!

I am still at work so I don't have the link byt when I get home I will PM you carolyn's email. ;)

Carolyn groups pups in small classes by size and is very quick to intervene if the play is a bit rough.

Lincoln is handsome! And very mature he was only 7 months in that head shot.

[chi4me]

I am still at work so I don't have the link byt when I get home I will PM you carolyn's email.

Carolyn groups pups in small classes by size and is very quick to intervene if the play is a bit rough.

Lincoln is handsome! And very mature he was only 7 months in that head shot.

Thanks so much!

I really appreciate you taking the time to do this for me

[quickbrownfox]

I'm about to start puppy class at South St. Vet Clinic this Saturday. I will let you know how it goes.

[chi4me]

I'm about to start puppy class at South St. Vet Clinic this Saturday. I will let you know how it goes.

Thankyou so much quickbrownfox ;) and thankyou for the link aswell!

Their program looks well thought out, and I would be interested in hearing what you think of it.

Again thankyou :D

[quickbrownfox]

Thankyou so much quickbrownfox and thankyou for the link aswell!

Their program looks well thought out, and I would be interested in hearing what you think of it.

Again thankyou

OK I just came back from my first puppy class and I think it's great.

When I walked in the instructor welcomed us and said to put Stanley on a lead. The class is very small (9 pups) and was very well controlled. Firstly we all sat in a circle and let the pups sniff each other while we introduced ourselves one by one. We then were allowed to let the pups play off leash while the instructor talked to us about nutrition, intestinal worming, heartworm, fleas and how to treat them. After that we were shown how to teach the puppies to sit and drop (which Stanley already knows) and provided us treats to try it out ourselves. Before the class ended we were given goodie bags and a folder full of additional information of the topics that were discussed in the class (and for future classes.)

Also we had the option of weighing our puppies to receive free worming tablets (Canex brand I think.)

The class definitely exceeded my expectations (I'm considering switching vets.) Stanley was a giant compared to the other pups (If I remember correctly, there was a Corgi, Doberman, Staffy, Toy Poodle, Apricot-coloured Poodle, Moodle, Papillion & 2 Maltese Terriers) but he was very friendly and was happy to play a bit rough with a couple other puppies. ;)

Looking forward to next week's class!

[mirawee]

Has your puppy been born yet?

When choosing a puppy preschool the first question to ask is how they socialise puppies during a session. If they let all dogs off lead at the same time then avoid them like the plague (PUPI classes do that ) A lot of dogs have ended up fear agressive due to puppy preschools doing that - and not allowing owners to intervene when the pups get stroppy with each other ("they need to sort it out for themselve" )

Good puppy preschools will let dogs of like sizes off together in the first week, then as the weeks go will let other the dogs interact in controlled situations with all the puppies, allowing for individual issues ie if there is a very timid dog it wouldn't be let off lead with a full on puppy who would frighten it.

Puppy preschool is not just for the puppies to play together. Dogs also need to learn that even if there is another dog around that doesn't mean they have to play with it.

[pie]

When choosing a puppy preschool the first question to ask is how they socialise puppies during a session. If they let all dogs off lead at the same time then avoid them like the plague (PUPI classes do that ) A lot of dogs have ended up fear agressive due to puppy preschools doing that - and not allowing owners to intervene when the pups

get stroppy with each other ("they need to sort it out for themselve" )

Completely agree, this is my biggest regret from raising my first dog, I wish I knew better, I would have walked out of that class within 5 minutes!

I opted not to do puppy pre school with my second dog, I called about 6 of them but they all had off leash play with the whole class so I didn't join.

[chi4me]

OK I just came back from my first puppy class and I think it's great.

When I walked in the instructor welcomed us and said to put Stanley on a lead. The class is very small (9 pups) and was very well controlled. Firstly we all sat in a circle and let the pups sniff each other while we introduced ourselves one by one. We then were allowed to let the pups play off leash while the instructor talked to us about nutrition, intestinal worming, heartworm, fleas and how to treat them. After that we were shown how to teach the puppies to sit and drop (which Stanley already knows) and provided us treats to try it out ourselves. Before the class ended we were given goodie bags and a folder full of additional information of the topics that were discussed in the class (and for future classes.)

Also we had the option of weighing our puppies to receive free worming tablets (Canex brand I think.)

The class definitely exceeded my expectations (I'm considering switching vets.) Stanley was a giant compared to the other pups (If I remember correctly, there was a Corgi, Doberman, Staffy, Toy Poodle, Apricot-coloured Poodle, Moodle, Papillion & 2 Maltese Terriers) but he was very friendly and was happy to play a bit rough with a couple other puppies.

Looking forward to next week's class!

First of Stanley is gorgeous!!! He looks so huggable!

And now, what the heck is a Moodle?

Thanks so much for your input I really appreciate it, QBF :p

[chi4me]

Has your puppy been born yet?

When choosing a puppy preschool the first question to ask is how they socialise puppies during a session. If they let all dogs off lead at the same time then avoid them like the plague (PUPI classes do that ) A lot of dogs have ended up fear agressive due to puppy preschools doing that - and not allowing owners to intervene when the pups get stroppy with each other ("they need to sort it out for themselve" )

Good puppy preschools will let dogs of like sizes off together in the first week, then as the weeks go will let other the dogs interact in controlled situations with all the puppies, allowing for individual issues ie if there is a very timid dog it wouldn't be let off lead with a full on puppy who would frighten it.

Puppy preschool is not just for the puppies to play together. Dogs also need to learn that even if there is another dog around that doesn't mean they have to play with it.

Hi Mirawee, unfortunately there was difficulties with the birth, puppies didnt make it, and mummy had to be sterilized :p so its been a bit of a rough week for me, let alone my poor breeder

I was put into contact with a Chihuahua club here and am going to meet some people next week, so hopefully a new little family member will be coming my way shortly.

Thanks so much for pointing these things out to me, as I admit to being very worried about off lead sessions, especially if there are larger puppies in the group who might like to play a bit rough. I was given another link; Train A Pup Time and a great recommendation for them, as they put together small classes - not to mention their packages look great.

I appreciate you taking the time to advise me. I havent been a dog owner for a very long time and just want to do what is write for my new little man when the time comes.

Thanks again

[mirawee]

Oh no! I am so very sorry to hear that the puppies didn't make it

Puppy preschool is one of those hard things. You want to socialise your pup well but at the same time negative experiences at that age have such a big effect on the rest of their lives.

[emery]

i went to northern suburbs dog training and they do puppy preschool. they do let dogs off lead for a play in a fenced off area but do sizes, so small outside large in etc.

i kept a close eye on my girl and intevened if neccessary i didn't really listen to trainer on that spect.

mind you she did think my rottweiler puppy growling at a belly rub is aggressive she is a talker not aggressive. i also took my girl away from others if she played too rough as her staffy friend was in the class and they play hell rough rofl

[quickbrownfox]

First of Stanley is gorgeous!!! He looks so huggable!

And now, what the heck is a Moodle?

Thanks so much for your input I really appreciate it, QBF ;)

No problem chi4me. I'm really sorry to hear about your breeder's litter :D I hope you find your special little puppy soon.

I'm not familiar with designer dog terminology, but I think a Moodle is a Maltese x Toy Poodle.

Also thanks! Stanley has won many hearts over with his cuteness, but he can be a naughty puppy sometimes I had to buy a bigger carrier today for him because he's growing so quickly!