By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator

WITH the school year back in full swing, routines are settling in and households are finding their rhythm again. It’s also a great reminder that learning doesn’t just apply to kids — puppies benefit enormously from early education too.

Those first few months of a puppy’s life play a huge role in shaping the dog they’ll become. Puppy School is about much more than teaching a sit or a stay; it’s about building confidence, resilience and good social skills during a critical stage of development.

Puppy School offers a calm, controlled environment where young pups can safely interact with others their own age whilst learning essential life skills. Just as importantly, it gives owners the guidance and reassurance they need to navigate the ups and downs of puppyhood — from toilet training and chewing to understanding normal puppy behaviour.

Our Puppy Pre-School program is designed specifically for puppies aged eight to fourteen weeks. This window is widely recognised as one of the most important learning periods in a dog’s life. Puppies are naturally curious, more adaptable and generally more open to new experiences, making it the ideal time to introduce them to the world in a positive way.

Across five weekly sessions, our trained instructors cover practical and relevant topics including puppy socialisation, dog-to-dog communication, basic training, veterinary and general pet care, child and dog safety, and managing common problem behaviours before they become long-term habits. Sessions are hands-on, supportive and focused on real-life situations you’re likely to encounter at home and out in the community.

Using positive reinforcement techniques, puppies quickly learn that training is enjoyable and rewarding. This approach helps build trust, strengthens the bond between puppy and owner, and sets the tone for future learning. It also helps puppies develop healthy coping skills when faced with new or unfamiliar situations.

Puppy School also exposes pups to the sights, sounds and smells of the “big wide human world” — things like cars, bicycles, hats, vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers and everyday household noises. Puppies learn that these experiences are normal and nothing to fear. They also learn that dogs come in all shapes and sizes, which is an important part of developing good social skills.

Missing out on this early learning phase can, for some dogs, lead to fear or anxiety later in life. While learning continues well beyond puppyhood, this early exposure is one of the most powerful tools we have to help dogs grow into calm, confident adult companions.

Puppy School is about setting realistic expectations and giving owners the tools to raise a happy, well-adjusted family pet. A little education early on can make a lifetime of difference.

For more information about Puppy School, contact the friendly team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.