Give your puppy the best start to their best life
Bringing home a new puppy is exciting! And sometimes overwhelming.
At Petfirst Veterinary, our Puppy Preschool is more than just a training class. It’s your puppy’s first structured step into a lifetime of confident behaviour, positive veterinary experiences, and proactive healthcare.
This series of weekly classes is designed for puppies aged 8-16 weeks. Petfirst Puppy Preschool classes blend fear-free, reward-based training and early socialisation in a controlled environment. You and your pup will take away practical life skills for everyday situations with veterinary-backed health education and ongoing support.
This is where confident puppies (and confident pet parents) begin.
Why choose Petfirst Puppy Preschool?
Not all puppy classes are the same.
Petfirst Puppy Preschool is delivered inside a veterinary environment and guided by a preventative healthcare philosophy. That means your puppy learns:
- That veterinary visits are safe and positive.
- To feel comfortable with handling and examinations.
- How to develop calm, confident behaviours early.
- How to engage with you in distracting environments.
- How to have some fun and enjoy quality time together.
With small class sizes, you’ll receive personalised guidance and support throughout the programme.
PLUS: You'll receive exclusive access to The Crate, your home of puppy resources!
Click below to find a Petfirst Puppy Preschool near you
What age can my puppy start Preschool?
Puppies can enrol from 8 weeks of age and attend up to 16 weeks old.
To participate, your puppy must have received their first vaccination.
Yes! Puppies can attend before their final vaccination. Classes are structured to be controlled, safe, and hygienic while still allowing essential early learning during this critical development window.
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll have plenty of time to ask questions in our Petfirst Puppy Preschool classes, but here are answers to the questions you have right now! Something else? Get in touch using the links below or scroll down to select your closest Puppy Preschool clinic and ask your questions directly with your local team!
- Email us at hello@mypetfirst.co.nz
- Click here to WhatsApp us
- Or pop into your local clinic for a chat.
When can my puppy start training?
When can my puppy start training?
Puppies can start Petfirst Puppy Preschool from 8 weeks of age, provided they’ve had their first vaccination.
Is my puppy safe attending if they haven't completed their full course of vaccinations?
Is my puppy safe attending if they haven't completed their full course of vaccinations?
Yes. Classes are structured, hygienic, and controlled to support early learning while maintaining safety standards.
How many puppies are in each class?
How many puppies are in each class?
We keep classes small and group puppies of similar ages together. This ensures personalised support and leaves plenty of time for questions.
Can our whole family come along?
Can our whole family come along?
It depends on the clinic and class. Talk to your Petfirst team as space may be limited to support the best learning environment.
Do you offer Puppy Preschool classes at every clinic?
Do you offer Puppy Preschool classes at every clinic?
Not all clinics currently run classes but we have more coming on board soon. Please contact your local Petfirst clinic to find out availability and upcoming start dates.
How do I book?
How do I book?
Puppy Preschool bookings begin with a conversation. Contact your local Petfirst clinic to register your interest — our team will guide you through the next steps and confirm upcoming course dates.
It's more than a class, it's the beginning of a lifelong partnership
Every tail wag, every new skill, every confident step into the clinic... It all begins here!
Petfirst Puppy Preschool sets the foundation for:
- Confident behaviour
- Strong bonds
- Positive veterinary experiences
- Lifelong wellness
Click below to find a Petfirst Puppy Preschool near you
Congratulations to these recent Puppy Preschool graduates!
"A wonderful experience! I as well as Lady learnt a lot. Lots of little bits of useful info and a lovely experience to boost my confidence and know that I am teaching Lady positive behaviours for now and the future."~Colleen and Lady
Lady
Nikau
Carlos
