The experiences your puppy has during it’s first 16 weeks of life will greatly influence the sort of adult dog it grows into. It is important that your puppy interacts with other people, dogs and puppies during this time to help prevent it developing antisocial behaviour.

Puppy preschool is an ideal way to socialise puppies of this age because all the pups attending classes have started their vaccination program and the sessions are moderated by dog trainer who ensures the puppies learn to play nicely. It is preferable to complete the four-week course by the time the puppy is 16 weeks old.

Encourage your puppy to meet new people and dogs under supervision in a ‘clean’ environment such as a backyard (where all dogs that have been in the yard have been vaccinated). Dog parks and beaches should be avoided until 2 weeks after your pup’s final vaccination due to the risk of contagious diseases.

Toilet training involves frequent positive reinforcement rather than punishment. When the pup starts to sniff and circle, and always after eating, playing or sleeping, take the puppy outside to the area you want it to eliminate and stay with it until it does. After the puppy toilets reward him/her with praise and a food treat.

Ignore mistakes because the puppy will not associate any punishment with the mess on the floor.

Expert-Led Puppy School Now Running In Clinic!

Crows Nest Animal Hospital is proud to offer in-house puppy training classes run by accredited dog trainer and behaviourist Mali Luty, CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA.

With over 20 years of experience working with puppies and family dogs across Sydney’s Lower North Shore, Mali specialises in reward-based training methods that help puppies learn in a safe, supportive and positive environment.

Our 4-week puppy school course is designed for puppies aged 8–16 weeks and focuses on helping owners build strong foundations early, before unwanted behaviours become habits.

What Your Puppy Will Learn

Our classes cover practical, real-life skills including:

• Toilet training and settling routines
• Lead walking and attention around distractions
• Preventing jumping, biting and excessive barking
• Recall foundations and basic obedience skills
• Calm handling and confidence building
• Appropriate puppy socialisation and play skills
• Building resilience around new people, dogs and environments

Classes are carefully structured to help puppies develop positive associations while avoiding overwhelming experiences during this important developmental stage.

About Mali Luty, CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA

Mali Luty is a certified professional dog trainer and behaviourist with more than 20 years of experience working with puppies, adolescent dogs and complex behavioural cases.

She holds internationally recognised professional certifications and is trusted by veterinarians and dog owners across Sydney for her practical, compassionate and results-focused approach to dog training.

Bookings

Puppy classes are held at Crows Nest Animal Hospital and places are limited to ensure individual attention for every puppy and owner.

Bookings are essential. Click this link to reserve your spot.