Create positive first impressions

Early experiences shape how puppies feel about vet visits for life. This course shows you how to make every clinic moment positive, from stepping on the scales to exploring the consult room, so puppies grow into relaxed, confident adult dogs. By learning how to structure sessions with engaging, welfare-friendly activities, you’ll not only set puppies up for success but also make future visits easier and less stressful for your whole team.
Cockapoo puppy being gently handled by a vet on the consultation table

About This Course

    1. Puppy activity guide - overview

    2. Words matter

    1. ELEMENTS Framework

    2. Understanding canine body language Pt.1

    3. Understanding canine body language Pt.2

    1. Introducing a puppy to reception/waiting area

    2. Introducing a puppy to the consulting room

    3. Introducing a puppy to the weigh scales

    4. Introducing a puppy to restraint and lifting

    5. Introducing a puppy to formal handling

    6. Introducing a puppy to the consult table

    7. Introducing a puppy to equipment

    8. Introducing a puppy to people and other dogs

    1. Teaching a settle

    2. Teaching 'hands come to give, not take'

    3. Teaching appropriate toy play

    1. Ideas for session plans

    2. How frequently should sessions run?

    3. Event ideas

    1. What did you learn?

    2. Want to learn more?

Course details

  • £35.00
  • 21 lessons
  • Plus additional downloadable content
  • Online study

    Flexible, at-home study to fit your schedule so you can learn at your own pace

  • Lifetime access

    Once enrolled you will have lifetime access to all course content and additional downloads

  • Science-led

    Developed using scientific and experience-based knowledge from highly accredited professionals within the animal behaviour sector

Authors

Gwen Bailey

Puppy School Founder and Director

Internationally renowned behaviourist, Gwen Bailey BSc(Hons), is Founder and Director of Puppy School. She is a Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Animal Training Instructor with the Animal Behaviour Training Council (ABTC), member and past Chair of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), author of 14 books on dog training and behaviour, including The Perfect Puppy, and is considered one of the leading practitioners in her field.

Nicole Harris

Puppy School Behaviour Team

Nicole has been running Puppy School classes since 2009. She is an Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) registered Clinical Animal behaviourist and Animal Training Instructor and sits on the committee for the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC). She is also a certified member of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC), a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and the Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT). Nicole creates and presents Puppy School’s twice-yearly puppy behaviour courses for tutors and associates.

Claire Luscombe

Puppy School Behaviour Team

Claire has played an important and innovative role in Puppy School since its inception, running classes for over 20 years and now helping to teach and educate our existing tutors and trainees. She is a Regional Manager for Devon, and Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) registered Animal Training Instructor and member no. 01336 of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).

Run puppy clinics with confidence and ease

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel to deliver great sessions. Alongside practical training ideas, you’ll get ready-made lesson plan templates and activity guides to save you hours of planning. These resources make it simple to get started, so you can focus on what really matters: building bonds with puppy parents, creating a supportive learning space, and enjoying the fun of running your clinics.
Cockapoo puppy being introduced to a stethoscope

Ready to bring your puppy clinics to life?

This course gives you the confidence, structure, and inspiration to turn puppy socialisation clinics into a highlight of your practice. With practical tips and supportive resources, you’ll be ready to run sessions that benefit puppies, their families, and your team.

Upsells

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