Wellbeing

Puppy School

A friendly, small-group start to life for your new puppy — run by our own veterinary nurses right here in Cannonvale.

Puppy Preschool

The best start for your new best mate

The weeks between 8 and 16 weeks of age are the most important in a puppy's life. What they meet, hear and experience now shapes the calm, confident, well-mannered dog they grow into. Our puppy school makes the most of that window in a safe, controlled environment supervised by our nursing team.

Classes are kept deliberately small so every puppy — and every owner — gets attention. You will leave each session with practical skills to use at home and the reassurance of having your questions answered by people who see puppies every day.

See upcoming intakes
Puppies at Airlie Beach Veterinary Surgery puppy school
In Each Course

What we cover

Socialisation

Safe, positive introductions to other puppies, new people and everyday sights and sounds during the critical window.

Core Focus

Basic Manners

The foundations — sit, drop, come when called, and settling calmly — taught with reward-based methods.

Training

Bite Inhibition

Teaching gentle mouths and redirecting nipping — one of the most common concerns for new puppy owners.

Behaviour

Toilet Training

Practical, proven routines to get house-training on track quickly and reduce accidents at home.

At Home

Handling & Vet Visits

Gentle desensitisation to being touched, examined, groomed and having nails trimmed — for stress-free vet trips.

Wellbeing

Problem Prevention

Heading off common issues like jumping up, chewing and separation-related behaviour before they take hold.

Behaviour

Ask the Nurse

Time each week for your questions on feeding, worming, parasite control, vaccinations and general puppy care.

Advice

Confidence & Fun

Games and gentle challenges that build a resilient, happy puppy who enjoys learning and coming to the vet.

Enrichment

Why puppy school matters

A puppy's brain is primed for learning about the world during their first few months. Puppies who are well socialised during this time are far less likely to develop fear, anxiety and aggression as adults — the behavioural problems that sadly lead many dogs to be surrendered. A few weeks of the right experiences now pays off for the whole life of your dog, and gives you a calmer, more confident companion.

The Details

Course at a glance

Duration
4 weekly sessions
Around one hour each week
Class Size
Small groups
Limited places for individual attention
Puppy Ages
8 – 16 weeks
The prime socialisation window
Requirement
First vaccination
Puppies need their first C3 before starting
Investment
$180 per course
All four weekly sessions included
Led By
Our vet nurses
Experienced, qualified nursing team
Enrol Now

Upcoming intakes

Places fill quickly and are limited. Call us on 07 4946 1631 to reserve your puppy's spot.

Aug
19
Wednesday 19 August 2026
6:00 – 7:00pm · 4 weekly sessions
Enrolling now
Sep
16
Wednesday 16 September 2026
6:00 – 7:00pm · 4 weekly sessions
Enrolling now
Oct
14
Wednesday 14 October 2026
6:00 – 7:00pm · 4 weekly sessions
Opening soon
Nov
11
Wednesday 11 November 2026
6:00 – 7:00pm · 4 weekly sessions
Opening soon

New puppy but can't see a date that suits? Get in touch and we'll let you know as soon as the next intake opens.

Register your interest
Get Started

Register your interest

Tell us a little about your puppy and we'll be in touch about the next available intake. No obligation.

We'll be in touch about upcoming intakes. For anything urgent, call 07 4946 1631.

Ready to enrol your puppy?

Call the clinic or send us a message and we'll get your pup booked into the next available intake.

07 4946 1631 Send a Message