Puppies

We love and welcome puppies aged 8-16 weeks at any time of the year. For class times please check our calendar.

Puppies must have at least a C3 vaccination (C5 if over 16 weeks).

We have fenced puppy pens for controlled puppy play sessions.

Puppies older than 16 weeks will join our normal obedience classes.

All dogs need to be enrolled online before attending class. Once you have enrolled for general membership, you can attend the puppy classes. New members need to arrive early to collect your membership card from the trailer. If you did not upload your puppy’s vaccination certificate on registration, this will need to be presented at the trailer on your first day. As we do not run semesters or training blocks, this can be done on any Sunday and you can start training on the same day.

NB. Once you have general membership you do not need to enroll for puppy classes, these are included.

Is it safe?

At Northern Suburbs, we allow pups to attend socialisation classes from 8 weeks of age. The 8 – 11 week puppy class is held on mats, off the ground. The 12 – 16 week old pups are trained in closed off and little-used puppy pens. We ask that any prospective member research the two views detailed below, to make an informed decision as to when your pup should be brought to the club for socialisation. There is an ongoing difference of opinion between vets and dog behaviourists, instructors and breeders as to the value of keeping the pup isolated for the 6 - 8 week course of puppy vaccinations versus dog ‘life skills’ and socialisation.

Vets get to see the results of parvo and similar illnesses and they want to prevent that by recommending that pups are not placed on the ground outside until the course of vaccinations have finished plus one week, which could take the pup up to 15 or 16 weeks of age.

The other view is that it is known that pups go through various fear periods, where scary things can affect their future confidence and behaviours - and the older the pup is, the worse these fear periods are. Socialisation and exposure to life’s sudden noises and sights is less damaging when introduced at an early age, good breeders will introduce some of those things as early as 3 days old. Behaviourists constantly see the resulting problems of many dogs that have not been properly socialised in this 8 – 16 week age period.

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What does my puppy learn?

Puppy classes teach socialisation skills, temperament training, cute tricks and simple obedience training. A senior instructor may decide some dogs should remain in the class longer if they need special help. Puppies will progress to class 1A once they are 16 weeks old. Some puppies aged 17-18 weeks may attend puppy class for one week for assessment of temperament.

What should I bring to training?

  • Wet smelly food such as polony, cheese, sausage, chicken cut into small pieces, food your dog absolutely loves but doesn’t get on a regular basis at home. Please don't use plastic bags for the treats as these can be swallowed by your puppy. Puppies should be fed breakfast as normal.

  • Collar or harness and lead - ensure the collar/harness is suited to the size of your puppy (no check/choker chains or retractable/extender leads).

  • Water - for both dog and owner.

  • Tug toy - for a break in training.

  • Sunscreen and hat.

Children under 16 may attend puppy classes under the supervision of an adult but may not handle the puppy in class.

The Puppy’s Rule of 12

Please read this article for some advice on what a puppy should experience in the first 12 weeks of its life.