Socialization and training are very important aspects of learning in young dogs, puppies learn most of their social skills before 16 weeks of age, but continue to learn after that age. It is possible to teach an old dog new tricks, you just have to work harder. We recommend that puppies start Puppy Preschool socialization as soon as possible. The Puppy Preschool program is for patients of our clinics. They must be up to date on vaccines (according to their age), have a negative stool sample, and be on a parasite prevention medication called Revolution.
The goal of offering a "Puppy Preschool" is to provide an outlet for socialization for clients of both the Harris Animal Hospital and Woodstock Veterinary Hospital. Our staff of vets and vet technicians have many years of experience working with dogs and are educated in dog behaviour and training.
The Harris Animal Hospital and Woodstock Veterinary Hospital recognize
that not all pets like going to the "Vet Office", just like many of us
don't like to go to the doctor. Young dogs that have been to the
vet hospital for social visits don't mind coming in for examinations and
medical appointments because they have a lot of positive associations from their happy Puppy Preschool visits. By teaching puppies to be happy in many areas of our facility, and with many different other animals, the program also teaches dogs to be comfortable and happy in many different situations and environments.
While your puppy is in preschool, they will get to meet many people, pets, and, of course, have lots of play time - we even have a shallow pool for them to splash in! We will work with your puppy to socialize him/her to many different situations, helping him/her to learn good "manners". Specific things that we work on are: getting on the scale and holding still, and many more situations. We will work with the individual needs of your puppy and make recommendations of things you may need to work on at home. We may even be able to help if a behaviour concern is developing.
Puppy Preschool will give you the tools to help you and your dog understand each other better. This will set you and your dog up for success throughout your life together.
Call us today to book your puppy in, or if you have any questions!
New Puppy Preschool Agreement and Waiver form.
