Running for 4 weeks, our puppy classes in Kyneton are a perfect start for new pups (8-16 weeks old) and their owners (please note only ONE handler per pup is preferred due to space limitations, if you have two handlers you are welcome to take turns bringing your pup to class).

Running at McIntyre’s Veterinary Clinic, our Kyneton Puppy School focuses on training for both you and your pup around some essential concepts. These include:

• Calmness - teaching your puppy to be calm is an important foundational skill, as dogs make better choices and are more easily able to learn.

• Focus - A puppy who can pay attention to their handler is able to respond to their handler rather than the environment

• Self-control - Learning self-control is essential as it means they can control their impulses. Think no chasing after cats, cars or kids on bikes. Staying on their bed happily until asked to move. No counter surfing or stealing food.

• Confidence - Being happy and relaxed exploring new or novel environments requires that your puppy has the confidence to try new things. We give you the skills to help your puppy become a confident and happy member of the family.

• Optimism - We teach you and your puppy to see new things and situations as no big deal (as opposed to a threat).

• Socialisation - By exposing your puppy to a range of novel situations, we help them understand that they’re safe and don’t need to be scared (or reactive) as they grow up.

Our puppy school classes also incorporate basic obedience and cooperative care to make grooming and visits to the vets easier for everyone. Taking part in a puppy school run at your local vet is a great way to encourage optimism (and remove anxiety and fear) about trips to the vets.

Take home materials

You will receive notes from your class so that you can review and practice your skills between classes.

What to expect

Puppy School is about teaching your puppy to interact with you and giving you the skills to build a lasting relationship with your pup. Puppy School is not playgroup for your pup, your pup will have a chance to play with the other pups in week four, if there is a suitable playmate in the class.

If your pup is not coping with class (excessive barking etc) we will do what we can to help your pup succeed, this may include putting a visual barrier up between your pup and the others in the class. You may also attend class without your pup so that you can learn and implement that learning with your pup at home.

My pup is showing serious behavioural issues

If your puppy is displaying excessive levels of barking, dog-dog aggression, biting etc they are highly likely to find puppy school overwhelming. If you are unsure if puppy school is the right option for your pup please get in touch to discuss your options.

What happens if I miss my class?

If you miss one of your scheduled classes, you will still receive the notes and you are welcome to ask questions to clarify any information in the notes. Unfortunately due to the age restrictions on puppies and the space requirements in the clinic for the humans, make up classes are not possible.

Book now online.

Please note: at Kyneton we only allow one handler per pup due to limited space in the venue. Classes only run if we are able to book a minimum number of places.

Location

McIntyre’s Veterinary Clinic

9 Salesyard Road, Kyneton

Session dates & times

• 7pm, Tuesday 1st October 2024

• 7pm, Tuesday 8th October 2024

• 7pm, Tuesday 15th October 2024

• 7pm, Tuesday 22nd October 2024

Refunds and cancellation policy

After you book your Group Training or Puppy School, you have 7 days to change your mind and get a full refund. One thing to keep in mind though is that if the training you have booked falls within the 7 day period – we’re sorry we can’t offer a refund so close to the event.

Within 7 days of booking (and if your training is more than 7 days in the future) please email us and we will refund you right away. For Group Classes and Puppy Schools, the first session of the series is considered your training start date.