One of the joys in owning puppies is watching them as they take in their new world. During their first 16 weeks, puppies develop up to 90 percent of their attitudes towards us, other animals and their surroundings.

Obviously, it's important that they receive the right input during this learning stage to keep them from developing behavioural problems that could seriously strain your relationship later on. We're talking about such generally frowned-upon behaviour as biting small children, barking incessantly, chewing up cherished heirlooms, uprooting long-established gardens and using every room in the house as a toilet.

That's why we were among the first on the Peninsula to establish a Puppy Preschool. Because the early results were so positive (and obvious), we built a separate room dedicated to puppy preschool training. (You won't find such a facility in any other Northern Beaches veterinary practice.)

In this safe, clean environment puppies ranging in age from six to 16 weeks take the first steps towards responsible socialisation. By learning to interact with other dogs and people in a friendly atmosphere, your pup is far less likely to develop bad habits. At the same time he or she will be forming positive feelings about our clinic, which can come in handy in the future. Many past graduates have been known to run to the door to greet friends made during their puppy days here.

The primary subject of this affection is your instructor, Soula Hatzis, a fully qualified veterinary nurse since 1998.

Soula also knows lots about training young dogs. Last year more than 130 confident and well-adjusted pups graduated from her classes. Just as important - some would say more so - Soula has had dogs her whole life, and never less than two at a time. At the moment, three happily wagging tails greet her when she arrives home.

During the four, hour-long sessions, Soula addresses all the challenges of new puppy ownership, offering advice and demonstrating time-proven techniques relating to a variety of subjects. For instance, effective toilet training, preventing mouthing, jumping up and aggression, and proper lead walking. After thoroughly explaining handling techniques, Soula begins basic obedience training. Most PAH puppies graduate with the ability to come, sit, stay and drop.

To motivate your pupply to learn, she uses positive reinforcement - not just food, either. The idea is to encourage your pup to actually want to perform assigned tasks instead of feeling forced to.

As you might expect from an experienced veterinary professional, Soula will also discuss health issues such as immunisation, tick prevention and treatment, flea and parasite control, correct feeding and the importance of dental hygiene.

We should point out that the success of this course depends upon your involvement as well. With a little effort you should walk away after four weeks with a well-behaved young dog that you will be pleased to take out and about and proud to introduce your friends and neighbours. As well, your new graduate will feel like he or she better understands its role within the family and what you expect from him or her.

On graduation day your puppy receives a certificate and a 10% discount on de-sexing when he or she is around six months old.

If you'd like to have a look at some recent graduates from the Pittwater Animal Hospital Puppy Preschool, just click Proud Graduates.
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