Bringing home, a new puppy is an exciting time! Those floppy ears, puppy breath, and clumsy steps melt your heart. However, those adorable antics can quickly turn to naughty behaviours if you don’t provide proper training from the start. Enrolling your pup in preschool sets them up for success by teaching good manners, socialization, and basic commands.

Perth offers several excellent options when it comes to puppy preschools. This guide will help you find the perfect fit for your furry friend.

The Benefits of Puppy Preschool

Puppy preschool provides huge benefits for both you and your dog. By starting training early, around 8-12 weeks old, pups learn how to be well-behaved family members. Preschool focuses on critical socialization, so your dog grows into a friendly, confident companion.

For owners, puppy preschool establishes good habits right away. Rather than spending months untraining bad behaviors, you get to enjoy a polite pooch from the start. Preschool also gives you a headstart on basic obedience. Having a dog who comes when called and walks nicely on a leash makes life much easier.

What to Look for in a Puppy Preschool

Not all preschools are created equal when it comes to providing a positive environment for pups. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right one:

• Small class sizes. You want your pup to get plenty of individual attention and supervision. Classes should be limited to 6-8 puppies.
• Vaccine requirements. Pups need a certain set of shots before socialization to stay healthy. Reputable preschools require proof of vaccines.
• Qualified trainers. Look for trainers accredited by organizations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Their certification ensures proper techniques.
• Emphasis on socialization. Playtime and interactions should make up much of the class. Pups need exposure to people, places and other dogs.
• Indoor and outdoor areas. Access to both allows pups room to play and learn leash skills. Outdoor turf surfaces are gentle on puppy joints.
• Focus on positive reinforcement. The best preschools use praise, treats and rewards to motivate pups, never punishment or corrections.
• Convenient class schedule. Look for weekday evening and weekend times to accommodate your schedule. Classes generally run 30-60 minutes each.

The Top Puppy Preschools in Perth

The Pet practice told our reporter that Perth offers several exceptional puppy preschool options that meet the criteria above. Here are some of the top-rated picks:

Fetch Dog Training Fetch uses force-free, positive techniques tailored to each pup. The indoor training studio features rubberized flooring, turf for potty training, and small class sizes. Their certified trainers even do home visits before preschool starts to give training tips. They offer daytime and evening classes in several locations around Perth.

Safeway Doggie Services

With their welcoming trainers and spacious indoor and outdoor areas, Safeway emphasizes socialization and relationship-building. Pups get to use tunnels, wobble boards, and balancing equipment. They keep classes small and use rewards-based clicker training. Their Claremont location is easy for Perth residents to access.

Southside Dog Training If you live south of the river, Southside Dog Training has two ideal locations in Atwell and Willetton. Their certified trainers focus on setting a foundation for manners and obedience. Play in their fully fenced outdoor yards helps pups burn off energy. They offer small classes several days a week.

Animal Behavior College This popular nationwide training program recently opened a location in Perth. Their certified trainers customize preschool using humane techniques to fit each pup. Classes take place in their indoor training room as well as outside play areas. Flexible class times allow you to choose day or evening sessions.

Your Dogs Club

With their dedicated indoor training studio in Malaga, Your Dogs Club keeps classes small for individualized attention. Their certified trainers encourage positive behaviors through motivation and patience. And they don’t just train pups – they offer Manners and Socialization classes for adult dogs too.

What to Expect From Puppy Preschool

Once you pick the perfect preschool for your pup, what can you expect during those first classes? Most programs follow a similar structure while tailoring activities to each puppy. Here are some of the key components of a typical puppy preschool class:

• Playtime. Puppies start with off-leash play to burn energy. Trainers observe their interaction style.
• Obedience drills. Pups practice basic skills like sit, down, stay, come, walking on a leash, and polite greetings. Treats and praise motivate them.
• Manners. Trainers work on bite inhibition, nipping, and other unwanted behaviors using redirection.
• Rest time. Pups are given a chance to settle down and observe their surroundings. This teaches impulse control.
• Socialization. Exposure to new people, handling, and stimuli preps pups for anything. Strange noises, umbrellas, and toys teach confidence.
• Discussion. Trainers demo techniques and give owners advice on continuing training at home between classes.

The skills preschool focuses on sets the foundation for a well-adjusted dog. The social time is critical too. Pups who play and learn together build relationships that last into adolescence and beyond.

Preparing for Success

The work doesn’t stop when class ends each week. Plan ahead to reinforce what your pup learns during preschool:

• Practice short sessions at home every day. Keep it fun with praise and treats.
• Set reminders to continue socialization. Introduce your pup to new people, pets, places, sounds and experiences.
• Pick times for play that don’t encourage unwanted behavior like nipping or roughhousing.
• Ask your trainer for recommendations on equipment like chew toys and interactive feeders.
• Follow the trainer’s instructions about vaccinations and health records. Pups need to finish their full course of shots.
• Talk to your vet about spay/neuter timelines. Most preschools require this by 6 months old.

With your dedication and the right puppy preschool, your furry friend will graduate prepared to become a polite companion. Starting training early prevents issues down the road. Soon you’ll have the well-adjusted dog you’ve always dreamed of!