Leading animal welfare organisation, Animal Aid, is launching an all-new puppy pre-school in its state-of-art education building, guaranteed to set puppy tails wagging.

The first four week, $90 course, scheduled at the Coldstream facility on 21st July at 6:00pm, will cover a wide range of topics for pet owners including the basics of obedience such as sitting, dropping, staying and heel, using positive rewards based methods.

Other topics such as toilet training, healthcare including vaccinations, parasite control, dental care, bathing and nail trimming will also be covered.

The importance of desexing, micro chipping and appropriate diet and feeding will also be discussed, as well as puppy behavioural issues such as manner's training which includes biting, chewing, barking and digging.

Owners are encouraged to bring their puppy each evening to be involved with the practical element of the training, making sure their little pooch hasn't had dinner so it is easier to train with food rewards.

All the participants receive a comprehensive set of notes each week which are put together in a book for them to keep. They also receive a showbag upon graduation, as well as a delightful puppy diary book where an owner can record significant dates and achievements.

According to Animal Aid General Manager, Nell Thompson, one of the biggest things puppy preschool provides is for the puppy to get the opportunity to socialise with other puppies, people and children in a new environment.

"The Animal Aid puppy preschool is aimed at puppies aged from 8 to 16 weeks because this is their most important developmental period when these experiences have the most impact," she said.

"The socialisation the puppies get at this age can affect whether a puppy grows up comfortable with new situations, people and places, and how well they relate to other dogs and animals."

"We encourage all family members to attend."

"All the money raised from puppy preschool will be directly going to the Animal Aid Shelter, to provide comprehensive resources and services to stray and surrendered dogs and cats."

To know more about puppy preschool and to book, please contact Belinda Gale, 9739 0400. There are limited spots (only 6-7 puppies) per class so hurry to lock in your spot.