Puppy Pre-School in Norman, Oklahoma

What happens in the class

Puppy Pre-School covers a different topic each week, including the ABC's of puppy parenting, house training, nipping, jumping, and appropriate games to play with your dog — with plenty of time for socialising.

Puppies meet other puppies of a similar age in a safe, clean, indoor hall, and owners meet other owners who are living through the same week of chewed shoes and 3 am wake-ups.

Why start with a puppy class

• Socialising has a deadline. A puppy that meets friendly people, dogs and situations while it is young is far less likely to grow into a dog that barks at visitors or freezes on the lead.
• Nipping and jumping are normal. They are not defiance, and they are much easier to redirect at twelve weeks than at twelve months.
• House training is a routine, not a punishment — the class sets out the timing and supervision that make it work.
• The family learns together. We encourage the entire family to attend training sessions, because a puppy needs the same instructions from everyone.

What to bring

Bring your puppy on a collar and lead, a mat or towel for it to settle on, and small soft treats. Bring a family member or two as well — everyone who lives with the puppy should hear the same advice at the same time.

When it runs

Puppy Class is held on Sundays at 2:00 pm at 622 Alameda in Norman, in blocks of six weeks, and at the Yukon Animal Shelter with Pets & People on the first two Tuesdays of the month at 6:00 pm. See the class schedule or the week at a glance.

After puppy class

Most puppies move on to manners training, then to Canine Good Citizen and, if the temperament suits, therapy dog work or agility. Puppies that keep training are the ones that keep their manners.