Puppy Pre-school & Socialisation

[Arlizng]

Hi Dol community,

I will be having a new fur kid in the upcoming weeks and i'm (and my partner) are very excited. The pup will be around 10 weeks old when she gets to us.

So my questions are :-

(1) Are there any recommendations for puppy pre-school based in Sydney? What did you like about them, etc?

- I have looked contacted the puppy pre-school at the local vet clinic and looked into Leichartt dog training club as well. On Leichartt's dog training website, it seems like puppy pre-

school will only commence in feb 2014.

(2) Socialisation.

- I understand that i will need to take my puppy to stations, cafes, markets, schools,etc. But i would like for her to socialized with other dogs and learn doggy manners. How do i do this?

i'm apprehensive on taking her to dog parks until she gets older and has her full vaccinations. Any advice on approaching this issue?

I would like to express my appreciation in advance for your replies. Thanks everyone! :D

[CellarDoor]

I'm afraid I have no suggestions for an actual place, but if i were to ever take my next pup to a puppy pre-school, it would look something like: a small class where dogs are not free to interact as they please (monitored and controlled interaction only), positive reinforcement, heavy emphasis on socialisation and basic training.

I definitely wouldn't take your pup to a park before all vaccinations and the vet gives the go-ahead. Even then be cautious, introduce her when theres no dogs around, and slowly build up to peak hour if thats what you want. The beginnings of a recall is useful too.

But definitely take her in your arms before that and get her to experience everything, cars, trains traffic, people walking by, controlled interactions with people etc. You have puppy interaction covered by puppy preschool pretty much, and for adult dogs see about having her interact with calm, stable adult dogs you know from friends, family etc.

Just note that in her interactions with puppies, people and dogs, you should be the most rewarding thing in her life. So at the park, get her to check in regularly and give her treats and praise. She doesn't always have to interact with people and other dogs, let them walk by sometimes, and other times stop for a hello. Also watch out for critical periods in dogs lives, particularly the fear period.

I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will come along and add something :laugh:

Oh, and congratulations and welcome :D

[Poodle wrangler]

Sorry, can't recommend any Sydney classes.

Make sure the vet's place is very clean.

After all, that's where all the sick dogs go!

You're right to be concerned about dog parks!

Some people are in denial about their aggressive dogs and let them offleash to monster other dogs.

Also attracts owners whose dogs are badly behaved on leash, they have to go to park for exercise.

[Salukifan]

i'm apprehensive on taking her to dog parks until she gets older and has her full vaccinations. Any advice on approaching this issue?

I would like to express my appreciation in advance for your replies. Thanks everyone! :D

What breed is she?

[YvonneM]

Where in Sydney are you looking for??

[Pepper21]

Not sure where you are but Vicki Austin is a great puppy school teacher. She runs courses for other trainers to improve their puppy program too :)

http://www.vickiaustin.com.au/services.php

[Arlizng]

I'm afraid I have no suggestions for an actual place, but if i were to ever take my next pup to a puppy pre-school, it would look something like: a small class where dogs are not free to interact as they please (monitored and controlled interaction only), positive reinforcement, heavy emphasis on socialisation and basic training.

I definitely wouldn't take your pup to a park before all vaccinations and the vet gives the go-ahead. Even then be cautious, introduce her when theres no dogs around, and slowly build up to peak hour if thats what you want. The beginnings of a recall is useful too.

But definitely take her in your arms before that and get her to experience everything, cars, trains traffic, people walking by, controlled interactions with people etc. You have puppy interaction covered by puppy preschool pretty much, and for adult dogs see about having her interact with calm, stable adult dogs you know from friends, family etc.

Just note that in her interactions with puppies, people and dogs, you should be the most rewarding thing in her life. So at the park, get her to check in regularly and give her treats and praise. She doesn't always have to interact with people and other dogs, let them walk by sometimes, and other times stop for a hello. Also watch out for critical periods in dogs lives, particularly the fear period.

I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will come along and add something :laugh:

Oh, and congratulations and welcome :D

Thanks, i'll put that question to the pre-school i'm enquiring with. :thumbsup:

Sorry, can't recommend any Sydney classes.

Make sure the vet's place is very clean.

After all, that's where all the sick dogs go!

You're right to be concerned about dog parks!

Some people are in denial about their aggressive dogs and let them offleash to monster other dogs.

Also attracts owners whose dogs are badly behaved on leash, they have to go to park for exercise.

Eek, yes. i dont want her to develop any fears. All part and parcel of dog ownership, the worry isnt it. :)

i'm apprehensive on taking her to dog parks until she gets older and has her full vaccinations. Any advice on approaching this issue?

I would like to express my appreciation in advance for your replies. Thanks everyone! :D

What breed is she?

She is a finnish lapphund.

Where in Sydney are you looking for??

Around the Inner west area. I've found one at the local vet and am in the midst of getting more information. They are accredited with CGC and im reading up on accreditation of dog trainers as we speak. :)

Not sure where you are but Vicki Austin is a great puppy school teacher. She runs courses for other trainers to improve their puppy program too :)

http://www.vickiaustin.com.au/services.php

Thanks for recommendation, it's abit of trek for me. But i won't rule it out just yet, the website information looks promising.

[raineth]

I have heard Luci Ellem is good :)

[fbaudry]

I've had plenty of good reports on Louise Ginman who runs the puppy school at Haberfield vet. She is the president do the APDT and a Delta trainer.

http://www.haberfieldvet.com

Otherwise I'd recommend you have a quick browse through the Delta website (feel free to PM me). I would avoid any puppy school that allows free for all interactions.

Raineth I'm going to go against the flow here but I went to the trainer you suggested 5 years ago and was far from impressed. The first item on the puppy program was to roll over your puppy and growl at it until "it submitted". She advocated 30 mn of roll over a day to assert leadership. I still have her printed hand out

arlizng, congrats on your new puppy! Lappies are just so adorable

[Jumabaar]

oooh a Lappie pup!! I dont take my Lapphund to dog parks even now as an adult because she doesnt enjoy all the ruff and tumble with strange dogs- she much prefers her small group of friends.

I would suggest finding out what shows the Lappie people in NSW are going to out at Erskine Park once you get your pup (we are having a big Lappie christmas get together) because it is a great way to desensitise your puppy to other dogs being around, and have interactions with well behaved dogs. And it means we get extra puppy cuddles :p The Finnish Lapphund Club of NSW has a website and FB page which we try to keep updated with what we are up to :) http://www.flcnsw.com.au/#!upcoming-events/cmbs we try and have a few picnics a year and will be doing a few training events in the new year too.

I think most lappies are pretty good with the doggie social manners from a very young age so long as they don't learn any bad habits of other dogs.

[raineth]

I've had plenty of good reports on Louise Ginman who runs the puppy school at Haberfield vet. She is the president do the APDT and a Delta trainer.

http://www.haberfieldvet.com

Otherwise I'd recommend you have a quick browse through the Delta website (feel free to PM me). I would avoid any puppy school that allows free for all interactions.

Raineth I'm going to go against the flow here but I went to the trainer you suggested 5 years ago and was far from impressed. The first item on the puppy program was to roll over your puppy and growl at it until "it submitted". She advocated 30 mn of roll over a day to assert leadership. I still have her printed hand out

arlizng, congrats on your new puppy! Lappies are just so adorable

Oh gosh

Well definitely makes me want to point out to the OP to ask questions before enrolling her pup anywhere!

[minimax]

Dog logic are have inner west pre-school, as well as obedience and other levels of training.

I'm an inner westie and frequent visitor to the leichhardt dog park. Rarely have any issues but my dogs stick close to me and play mostly with known friends. They love it there, and they actually have great coffee :laugh:

[luvsdogs]

I have taken my last 2 pups to Sine Cheyne-Macpherson, one to Homebush & one to Concord which I found parking easier. It is positive only & only 2 puppies are allowed off lead together from about week 3.

http://www.dpdta.com.au/trainers/view/58/1/wag-school

[Arlizng]

I've had plenty of good reports on Louise Ginman who runs the puppy school at Haberfield vet. She is the president do the APDT and a Delta trainer.

http://www.haberfieldvet.com

Otherwise I'd recommend you have a quick browse through the Delta website (feel free to PM me). I would avoid any puppy school that allows free for all interactions.

Raineth I'm going to go against the flow here but I went to the trainer you suggested 5 years ago and was far from impressed. The first item on the puppy program was to roll over your puppy and growl at it until "it submitted". She advocated 30 mn of roll over a day to assert leadership. I still have her printed hand out

arlizng, congrats on your new puppy! Lappies are just so adorable

Thanks for that. Much appreciated. :)

oooh a Lappie pup!! I dont take my Lapphund to dog parks even now as an adult because she doesnt enjoy all the ruff and tumble with strange dogs- she much prefers her small group of friends.

I would suggest finding out what shows the Lappie people in NSW are going to out at Erskine Park once you get your pup (we are having a big Lappie christmas get together) because it is a great way to desensitise your puppy to other dogs being around, and have interactions with well behaved dogs. And it means we get extra puppy cuddles :p The Finnish Lapphund Club of NSW has a website and FB page which we try to keep updated with what we are up to :) http://www.flcnsw.com.au/#!upcoming-events/cmbs we try and have a few picnics a year and will be doing a few training events in the new year too.

I think most lappies are pretty good with the doggie social manners from a very young age so long as they don't learn any bad habits of other dogs.

I'm on the Lappie NSW group on fb and i have recently attended a lappie picnic. Looking forward to more in the future! She would love puppy cuddles im sure.

I am concerned about bad habits. Hopefully with the tentative planning i'm doing, she'll be one very laid back chilled happy puppy.

I've had plenty of good reports on Louise Ginman who runs the puppy school at Haberfield vet. She is the president do the APDT and a Delta trainer.

http://www.haberfieldvet.com

Otherwise I'd recommend you have a quick browse through the Delta website (feel free to PM me). I would avoid any puppy school that allows free for all interactions.

Raineth I'm going to go against the flow here but I went to the trainer you suggested 5 years ago and was far from impressed. The first item on the puppy program was to roll over your puppy and growl at it until "it submitted". She advocated 30 mn of roll over a day to assert leadership. I still have her printed hand out

arlizng, congrats on your new puppy! Lappies are just so adorable

Oh gosh

Well definitely makes me want to point out to the OP to ask questions before enrolling her pup anywhere!

Thanks. They are, aren't they? I'll post up pics when i get her. I know how Dolers love photos.

Dog logic are have inner west pre-school, as well as obedience and other levels of training.

I'm an inner westie and frequent visitor to the leichhardt dog park. Rarely have any issues but my dogs stick close to me and play mostly with known friends. They love it there, and they actually have great coffee :laugh:

Actually, Dog logic is the school i'm contacting and will now probably go that route. I love cafe bones! I won't be taking her there just yet, as there are quite a few dogs out and about. I will once, she has all her vacs.

I have taken my last 2 pups to Sine Cheyne-Macpherson, one to Homebush & one to Concord which I found parking easier. It is positive only & only 2 puppies are allowed off lead together from about week 3.

http://www.dpdta.com.au/trainers/view/58/1/wag-school

Thanks for the recommendation. Both are close to me, so i'll look into that if my previous choice does not work out. :thumbsup: