The Early Weeks Shape A Lifetime
Our puppy preschool builds strong foundations for a confident, happy dog.
Safe, full-day socialisation that helps your puppy grow up calm, confident, and ready for the world
Your pet is not just learning to sit or stay—they’re learning how to be in the world. Loud noises. Strange places. New faces. It’s a lot. And if they seem clingy, wild, or unsure—it’s not bad behaviour. It’s their way of saying, “I don’t know how to handle this yet.”
That’s where we come in.
At Lilydale Vet Centre, Puppy Play Group is more than playtime. It’s where your pup learns to trust, to try, and to feel safe away from you. We guide them through healthy social play, teach early manners, and gently help with separation worries—so they grow into calm, confident companions by your side.
Puppy Play Group
Is a 4-week program is designed for young pups in their most important learning window. It’s more than just play—it’s where confidence begins, life skills take root, and families learn how to raise calm, resilient companions.
Each puppy also experiences a gentle hydrobath helping them build positive, fear-free relationships with water and touch
What your pup will learn:
• Early socialisation with people and other pups
• Coping with short separations
• Confidence in a vet clinic setting
• Basic manners and polite behaviours
• Loose-leash walking
• Gentle nail trimming
• Getting comfortable with feet and ear handling
• Bathing and water confidence
| Age | 8 – 16 Weeks |
| Duration | 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Capacity | 8 Puppies Per Cohort |
| Pricing | $350 (4 sesisons over 4 weeks) |
FREE to existing patients vaccinated at Lilydale Vet Centre
Why Early Learning Matters
Anxiety in dogs is on the rise—especially in today’s world where pets are cherished members of the family. While our love and closeness are essential, they can sometimes lead to stress and separation issues if puppies aren’t given the right foundations.
Our Puppy Play Group is designed to gently guide your puppy through this critical stage, helping them build calm, confident behaviours that support a lifetime of wellbeing—for both your dog and your family.
What Pet Parents Tell Us
About Lilydale Vet Centre’s Puppy Development Program
Inside a Day at Puppy Play Group Sessions
From playful group activities and individual enrichment to gentle grooming, and quiet cuddles—every moment is thoughtfully paced to build trust, confidence, and calm.
We’ll also keep you updated with daily feedback, so you’ll always know how your pup is progressing and what they’re loving most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Puppy Play Group suits young pups aged 10 to 16 weeks who are just beginning to explore the world. It’s perfect for families wanting to give their pup the best possible start—building calm, confidence, and social smarts in a full-day, supportive setting.
This isn’t your average puppy class. Puppy Play Group runs from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. once a week for four weeks. That means more time for play, learning, swimming, gentle handling, and vet clinic desensitisation—all carefully guided by our experienced and compassionate team.
Your pup’s day includes small group play, quiet enrichment, hydrobaths, nurse-led play exams, and gentle exposure to new sights and sounds. They’ll rest in between activities to avoid overwhelm. You’ll also get daily feedback so you can stay in tune with their progress and personality.
Please pack a copy of their current vaccination certificate, a secure harness and standard lead, soft treats for training, and a labelled bag with their lunch and any comfort items they love. These little touches help your pup feel calm, comfortable, and at home during their visit.
Absolutely. Group numbers are small, and pups are carefully matched by size and temperament. Every session is fully supervised, and our vet-grade hygiene protocols keep the space clean and safe for everyone.
That’s exactly what Puppy Play Group is for. We create a gentle, encouraging environment where shy pups can build confidence at their own pace. With a little time and the right support, even the most nervous dogs can thrive.
Set The Stage for a Lifetime of Confidence and Connection
Join Puppy Play Group and support your pup’s growth during their most important learning stage.