Welcome to Puppy Pre-school!
Give your new puppy the best start in life with our comprehensive Puppy Pre-school program at Mackay Veterinary Clinic. Our classes are taught by Nurse Rachael Norman, a qualified veterinary nurse trained on canine good behaviour, particularly focused on puppies. You'll learn positive reinforcement techniques and gain valuable insights into behaviour, healthcare, and setting up your home for success.
There are four weekly one-hour classes — held at Mackay Veterinary Clinic — with take-home materials and goodies, plus a completion certificate. The course costs $185.
What Puppy Pre-school includes
Understanding your puppy
Healthcare and diet
Overview of socialisation
Walking on a lead
Positive training methods
Toilet training
Puppy behaviour problems
Setting puppies up for success
Our Puppy Pre-school includes four weekly one-hour classes held at Mackay Veterinary Clinic, taught by Nurse Rachael Norman (qualified veterinary nurse, focused on puppies and good canine behaviour). You'll receive take-home materials, goodies, and a completion certificate.
The first class is for owners only — no puppies — so we can cover puppy body language, socialisation, and positive training techniques without distractions. Total cost: $185.
Why enrol in our Puppy Pre-school classes?
Puppy Pre-school isn't just a fun activity for you and your new furry friend-it's an essential investment in their future wellbeing and your happiness together. During these crucial early weeks of life, puppies are like sponges, absorbing everything around them and forming habits that will last a lifetime. Our program uses positive reinforcement training and appropriate socialisation, the gold standard in training endorsed by veterinary behaviour experts worldwide.
By enroling in Puppy Pre-school, you're not just teaching your puppy basic commands; you're laying the foundation for a confident, well-behaved adult dog. Our classes provide a structured environment for your puppy to learn and grow, all while strengthening the bond between you and your puppy.
With small class sizes and knowledgeable guidance, you'll have the support you need to navigate puppyhood with confidence.
Unleash your puppy's potential!
FAQs
What is included in Puppy Pre-school?
Puppy Pre-school is a 4 week course (one 1-hour class per week) held at Mackay Veterinary Clinic — total cost $185. Classes are taught by Nurse Rachael Norman, a qualified veterinary nurse focused on canine good behaviour. You'll cover basic training principles, training cues, puppy body language and behaviours, how to troubleshoot common puppy problems, and how to navigate veterinary care. The first class is for owners only — no puppies — so we can cover the fundamentals without distractions.
How old should my puppy be?
Puppies should be between 8 and 12 weeks of age at the time of the first puppy class. This is the optimal time for training and ensures all puppies in the class are socialised in a safe environment that is appropriate for their age and size.
Does my puppy need to be vaccinated?
Puppies must have had their first vaccination to be able to attend Puppy Pre-school. This ensures all puppies in the class are socialised in a safe environment. If your puppy requires vaccination, book an appointment with our healthcare team today!
Is Puppy Pre-school safe for puppies who haven't finished their vaccinations?
We have a strict clinic policy requiring every puppy who attends our classes is up to date with their vaccinations. We clean the area prior to classes to create a safe space for our puppy guests.
What do I need to bring to class?
Our instructor will notify you prior to classes commencing of what you will need to bring to your classes. This will include things like a suitable collar and lead for your puppy, training treats, and other items as recommended by your instructor.
Should I feed my puppy before class?
It is recommended that your puppy doesn’t come to class with a full belly! This makes them less susceptible to pay attention to you and your tasty rewards.
How do I book my puppy into class?
Use the enrolment form below, or contact our team — email nurses@mackayvet.com.au, phone (07) 4957 6992, or pop into Mackay Veterinary Clinic.
