Puppy Preschool at Yass Valley Veterinary
Give your puppy the best possible start in life with our Puppy Preschool program — a fun, supportive 4-week course designed to build confidence, improve social skills, and set the foundation for a lifetime of positive behaviour.
The early weeks of a puppy’s life are a critical learning period. Positive experiences during this time can help prevent behavioural issues later on and support your puppy to grow into a calm, well-adjusted adult dog.
Our Puppy Preschool classes are run by experienced veterinary professionals who understand both behaviour and health, ensuring your puppy is learning in a safe, structured environment.
What Your Puppy Will Learn:
Across 4 weeks, your puppy will experience:
- Safe socialisation with other puppies
- Early obedience foundations (sit, recall basics, focus)
- Confidence building through new experiences and environments
- Positive reinforcement training techniques
- Gentle handling and vet-friendly experiences
- Prevention strategies for common behavioural issues
We also provide guidance for owners so you feel confident continuing training at home.
Program Details:
- 4-week structured program with Sunday classes
- $140 total
- Suitable for puppies in their early socialisation period (ask our team for the ideal age range)
- Small class sizes to ensure safety and individual attention
- Led by qualified veterinary staff
Spots are limited to ensure every puppy gets the attention they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
Our puppy preschool program is $140 per puppy for the 4 weeks.
Full payment is required prior to or at the commencement of the first class to secure your puppy’s place in the program.
Places are limited and cannot be guaranteed until payment has been received.
What are the benefits of Puppy Preschool?
Puppies go through a key socialisation window in the first few months of life. Experiences during this time can shape behaviour long-term.
Puppy preschool helps:
- Reduce fear and anxiety later in life
- Improve social skills with other dogs and people
- Build confidence in new environments
- Strengthen the bond between you and your puppy
- Make vet visits and handling easier and less stressful
A well-socialised puppy is more likely to grow into a happy, relaxed companion.
What age should my puppy be to attend?
Puppies are best suited to preschool during their early socialisation period. Our team can help confirm if your puppy is ready based on age, vaccination status, and health.
Does my puppy need vaccinations?
Yes. Puppies must have at least their first vaccination to attend, and be up to date as per veterinary recommendations. Our team will advise if you’re unsure.
How many puppies are in each class?
We keep class sizes small to ensure a safe, controlled, and positive learning environment.
What should I bring to class?
Please bring your puppy on a secure lead and harness or collar, plenty of small training treats, and any comfort items they may need.
What if my puppy is shy or nervous?
That’s completely okay. Our classes are designed to gently build confidence at each puppy’s pace.
What happens if I miss a class?
Please let the team know if your puppy needs to miss a class due to medical reasons and we’ll try to accommodate as much as possible. However, there are times when enrolments are very full and make-up classes are not always possible.
Register Your Interest
Puppy Preschool Terms & Conditions
By enrolling in our Puppy Preschool Program, you agree to the following terms and conditions:
1. Payment
Full payment is required prior to or at the commencement of the first class to secure your puppy’s place in the program.
Puppy Preschool fees are non-refundable once the course has commenced.
Places are limited and cannot be guaranteed until payment has been received.
2. Attendance & Missed Classes
Puppy Preschool is designed as a progressive course, with each class building upon the skills learned in previous sessions.
If you are unable to attend a class, please notify the clinic as soon as possible.
Missed classes are non-refundable and cannot be credited towards future courses.
Where possible, we may provide handouts or resources to help you keep up with the content covered during the missed session.
3. Health Requirements
Puppies must be up to date with vaccinations appropriate for their age and veterinary recommendations.
Puppies must be receiving regular parasite prevention, including flea, tick, and intestinal worm control.
Owners must inform the clinic of any medical conditions, injuries, or health concerns before attending classes.
4. Unwell Puppies
Puppies showing signs of illness, including but not limited to vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, sneezing, lethargy, eye or nasal discharge, or any contagious condition, must not attend class.
If your puppy becomes unwell before a scheduled class, please contact the clinic for advice.
The clinic reserves the right to refuse attendance to any puppy deemed unwell or potentially infectious to protect the health and safety of all participants.
5. Behaviour & Safety
Puppy Preschool is intended to be a positive and safe learning environment for all puppies and their owners.
Owners are responsible for maintaining control of their puppy at all times during classes.
Any puppy displaying behaviour that poses a risk to other puppies, people, or staff may be asked to leave the class.
If a puppy demonstrates significant fear, anxiety, aggression, or behavioural concerns that are not suitable for a group environment, the clinic may recommend individual behavioural consultations instead.
No refunds will be provided where a puppy is withdrawn from the program due to behavioural or safety concerns.
6. Liability
While every reasonable precaution is taken to provide a safe environment, attendance is at the owner’s own risk.
The clinic accepts no liability for injury, illness, loss, or damage sustained by participants or their pets during Puppy Preschool, except where required by law.
7. Changes or Cancellation
The clinic reserves the right to reschedule, modify, or cancel classes if required due to unforeseen circumstances, staff availability, or insufficient enrolments.
Participants will be notified as soon as possible if any changes are necessary.
