t  Manuka Veterinary Hospital,  we know the joy and excitement that comes with getting a new puppy. We know how much pleasure they can bring to you and the boundless and unconditional love that they offer.

They are full of energy (well, in bursts anyway), full of enthusiasm and full to the brim with potential. And that's why we know that it's so important to get your puppy started off on the right paw from an early age. This will ensure that you can get the very most enjoyment out of your pup as it grows and matures and becomes a beloved member of your family.

The Manuka Veterinary Hospital Puppy Pre-School has been established to help you and your pup get that start. The 4 week course has been designed to teach you about your puppy. You'll learn how to handle your puppy and how to help it to do the things that you ask of him. The object of the course for your puppy is to have fun, while learning to respect you and learning to play with other puppies. An outline of the course is given below in the Puppy Pre-School Class Info.

The puppy classes are conducted by Sean Ehlers from DOGTECH, who has been training dogs for over a decade. He is a Level 2 (Senior) Instructor and is registered to the Australian Standard for Obedience Training. He is also a Qualified Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Instructor, recognised world wide by the Delta Society. Sean has successfully trained his own 62kg Rottweiler to a Companion Dog Excellence (CDX) standard. As if that's not enough, Sean is also a Qualified Steward, able to assist in dog judging.

To participate, puppies must be between 10-14 weeks old. Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings at Manuka Veterinary Hospital, beginning at 7:00pm and will run for 4 consecutive weeks at a cost of $100. Each class will last between 45-60 minutes and will be limited to 5 puppies, to ensure that every one gets the attention they need. It's also important that no more than 2 people accompany each puppy to the classes. Bookings can be made by calling the Manuka Veterinary Hospital on (02) 6295 6089, faxing us on 6232 7725, e-mailing us or by filling out the registration form below. We will let you know when the next class starts...it's as simple as that.

But, before you go, why not have a quick look at the certificate that your puppy will receive on finishing it's classes and the archive of previous class photos. We hope to see you and your little friend soon.

Discuss class rules. Start with a controlled puppy play session (only one dog off lead at a time). Discuss the importance of being able to touch your puppy in specific areas, such as the teeth, paws, tail, ears and how to groom and give your puppy tablets etc. Teach commands, SIT and COME.

Start with a play session to introduce the puppies. Have the owners and puppies demonstrate the exercises taught the previous week. Teach command, DOWN and meal time manners. Answer questions. Play game of rover spies. Finish with a play session.

Start with play session. Have the owners and puppies demonstrate the exercises taught the previous week. Teach free HEEL and STAY commands. Play pass the puppy. Talk about fear and dominant aggression. Finish with play session.

Start with play session. Owners are encouraged to wear and bring strange things, such as skateboards, flippers, hairdryers etc. Introduce an adult dog and talk about the importance of socilaisation. Finish with some games to test the puppies, hand out certificates. Let the puppies have a final play together.