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Thankfully, with the right training, dogs can grow out of this lifestage relatively quickly, but if you want some help teaching your pup good behaviours, as well as how to socialise, then puppy school may be an option to consider.
What is puppy school?
Puppy school, also known as puppy preschool, is typically a group class for puppies aged 8-16 weeks. It’s generally geared towards teaching pups to socialise and instilling some basic obedience techniques, such as sit, stay, drop and down.
From an owner’s point of view, puppy school is fun because you can watch a group of tiny pups playing rough and tumble together, but you can also expect to learn some tips and tricks about new pet ownership. It may also be a good way to socialise with fellow puppy owners and set up your pup for future play dates.
Generally speaking, most puppy school programs run for 4-5 weeks, over a series of one-hour sessions. Many vet clinics will offer puppy school classes, while the RSPCA and some major pet retailers will also hold them.
How much does puppy school cost?
The price of puppy school will ultimately depend on the provider and how long the sessions and course run for, but the cost of puppy school in Australia can range from $100 to over $350.
You might expect a group class run by a pet shop chain or vet to cost between $100 and $170 for a block of 4-5 sessions, while sessions with a private trainer may be more expensive.
Learn More: How much does a puppy cost?
What will your dog learn at puppy school?
Puppy school is an opportunity for your new puppy to begin socialising with other dogs and humans in a safe environment, and learn appropriate behaviours for living around humans. While attending classes, you might expect to learn:
- Basic commands such as ‘sit’, ‘drop’, ‘shake’ and ‘stay’
- Techniques for walking your dog with a lead
- Toilet training techniques
- ‘Recall’ techniques, or teaching your dog to come when called
- Techniques to settle your pup for sleep, as well as prepare them for handling by vets and groomers
- Information about diet and feeding
- Tips for managing problem behaviours in pups.
Generally speaking, most training that your dog will do at puppy school is based on the principle of positive reinforcement, which is to say that he or she will be rewarded with treats for learning to respond to commands and displaying desirable behaviours.
Learn More: Doggy daycare costs
Does pet insurance cover puppy school costs?
Generally speaking, pet insurance does not provide coverage for the costs of puppy school. Pet insurance, instead, can help cover the costs of veterinary treatment if your pet becomes sick or injured.
Depending on the type of pet insurance you have, it will usually provide cover for accidents only or for both accidents and illness. Comprehensive policies, however, provide cover for both accidents and illnesses, but generally with higher annual limits. They can also provide coverage for certain routine care procedures as an optional extra, often at an increased premium.
If you’re considering pet insurance for your new puppy, you can compare pet insurance with Canstar. It’s important to read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) of any policy you are considering.
Cover image source: Viktorya Telminova/Shutterstock.com
