Behaviour & Puppy School

Behaviour Support & Puppy Preschool That Sets Pets Up For Success
APPOINTMENT
Whether you’re raising a new puppy or navigating tricky behaviour, we’re here to help. From mild anxiety to more complex behavioural conditions, our veterinary team offers calm, compassionate, evidence-based care that actually works.

Puppy Preschool

Start strong. Stay confident. Learn all the good stuff early.

Our Puppy Preschool is run by Casey from Adore The Paw — a vet nurse with years of experience and a Certificate IV in Dog Training (Delta Society). She’s also a qualified Puppy Preschool Instructor who’s passionate about positive reinforcement and early learning.

Her goal? Confident, well-adjusted puppies. We focus on routines, socialisation, environmental conditioning, and puppy-parent connection.

Why start early?
Puppies learn fast — but only for a short time. Their socialisation window (8–16 weeks) shapes how they respond to the world for life. Our classes make that time count.

What the course covers:

  • Socialisation with people, puppies, sounds, and environments
  • Basic training and confidence-building
  • Puppy behaviour topics like biting, jumping, and toilet training
  • Developing independence
  • Reading your puppy’s body language

Course Details:

  • Runs for 4 weeks
  • 90-minute classes
  • Age: 8–16 weeks (ideally start before 12 weeks)
  • Cost: $231
  • Behaviour Consultations

    Expert help for anxious, fearful, or reactive pets. Dr Tina, who recently completed her Veterinary Behaviour Membership Exams, provides our behaviour consults which combine clinical knowledge with a gentle Fear Free approach.

    We can help with:

    • Separation Anxiety
    • Noise phobias (fireworks, thunderstorms)
    • Aggression towards pets or people
    • General or situational anxiety
    • Vet visit fear or handling sensitivity
    • Age-related behaviour changes
    • Reactivity, barking, toileting issues, destructive behaviour, and more

    What to expect in a behaviour consult:

    • A pre-consult behavioural questionnaire (so we come prepared)
    • An extended consult with space to chat through everything
    • A full physical exam to rule out underlying medical issues
    • A tailored, realistic treatment plan

    Treatment options may include:

    • Lifestyle changes and environmental management
    • Supplements, pheromones, and medication (daily or situational)
    • Behaviour modification training with local force-free trainers
    • Cooperative care strategies to build trust and reduce fear
    Sometimes, medications help switch the dial from “overwhelmed” to “manageable.” We only suggest them when they’re genuinely needed — and always as part of a broader plan.

    Follow-up appointments are essential. Behaviour change takes time, and we’re here for every step of the way.

    Fee: $400 initial consult

    Behaviour Consultation Follow-Up

    Every pet is different—and so is their response to treatment. Some pets may require in-person follow-ups to reassess physically, while others may benefit from teleconsults to adjust treatment plans. We’re here to support your pet’s progress.

    Fee: $180 follow-up

    Puppy School & Behaviour FAQs

    Puppy Preschool FAQs

    What age can puppies join preschool?
    8–16 weeks. We recommend starting before 12 weeks to make the most of their socialisation window.

    What does the course cover?
    Socialisation, training basics, biting and jumping, toilet training, independence, and body language.

    How long does the course run and what’s the cost?
    The course runs for 4 weeks with 90-minute sessions. Cost is $231.

    Who runs the class?
    Casey, our highly trained and experienced vet nurse and dog trainer from Adore The Paw, runs the sessions using positive reinforcement and fear-free principles.

    Behaviour Consult FAQs

    How is a behaviour vet different from a dog trainer?
    Behaviour vets look at the full picture — emotional and physical health — and create personalised plans that trainers alone can’t offer. They can work alongside qualified force free trainers.

    Why anxious pets need a vet behaviourist, not just a trainer:

    • Anxiety may stem from pain or medical issues trainers can’t diagnose
    • Training alone may mask symptoms, not resolve them
    • Without proper intervention, untreated anxiety often worsens
    • Vet behaviourists use a Fear Free, holistic approach to emotional wellness

    Will medication be required?
    Medication is an option we frequently consider and discuss with you. It can play a valuable role in reducing distress and improving learning—either daily or situationally—depending on your pet’s needs.

    Why do I need to complete a questionnaire first?
    It helps us prepare so we can spend more time helping your pet in the consult.

    Can I just enroll my anxious dog in a training class?
    Not just yet — let’s do a consult first and make sure it’s the right fit for your pet’s emotional needs.

    How long does it take to see results?
    Every pet is different, but with a consistent plan and support, progress happens. We’re here to guide the whole way.

    What are signs of severe anxiety in dogs?
    Excessive panting, pacing, destruction, aggression, trembling, hiding, and appetite changes can all indicate serious anxiety. Read our blog on recognising severe anxiety

    📅 Ready to Book?

    From playful puppies to pets in need of behavioural support, we’re here to help.

    📞 Call 02 9086 9130 or Book Online to schedule your visit.

    Making a difference when it matters the most

    Address

    10/591 Withers Road,
    Rouse Hill NSW 2155

    Click here for directions.

    Opening Hours

    Monday - Thursday: 9am - 6pm
    Friday: 9am - 5pm
    Saturday: 9am - 1pm
    Sunday & Public Holidays Closed

    In-home euthanasia services run outside of opening hours by appointment only

    Have a question?

    Please fill out the form below and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly. Alternatively please contact us directly at 02 9086 9130.

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