Hello Everyone,

If you are new here, WELCOME to The Journal, a little slice of my world, some feel good reads and a glimpse into all things puppies, people and dogs that I meet along the way!

This month, I have been settling in for a new year, and January went into full swing with Puppy Classes across Canberra getting off to a strong start; Alyssa, Christine and I unleashed 45 puppies into the wild and it was a blast meeting you all and setting you up for success with your new pups! This really is our dream job, so thank you for making it possible for us!

I've been thinking about ways to further support you and your families with your new puppy; to not just coexist but cooperate, collaborate and create a loving connected relationship for your new puppy. Puppy Care for Kids are home sessions designed for kids over 8 to begin to learn more about how to care for puppies and understand dogs such that they are helping, not hindering, you as you settle your new family member into your home!

PUPPY CARE FOR KIDS IS HERE

Helping your kids work with you for the benefit of your new puppy is vital to their health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, kids really work against you when you are welcoming a new puppy into a family home. Fear not, I'm here to help! I've been visiting many of you at home and coaching your kids on how to appropriately care for your new puppy; how to be gentler; calmer and more understanding of what puppies need.

PUPPY SCHOOL AT MELBA VET CLINIC, MELBA, ACT, 2025.

I sometimes ask that we keep kids to a minimum at Puppy Preschool, and that's not because I don't LOVE having kids in our classes, it's simply because kids can distract puppies from engaging with other puppies. The most important benefit of puppy preschool, is to socialise with other puppies during this critical age (10-16 weeks).

When pups are at home with your children, this is the time for them to play, bond and engage with your puppy. Teaching your kids to how to have a calm, respectful and loving relationship is vital to the wellbeing of your new pup.

My goal is to teach your children how to engage calmly and help them understand what your puppy needs from them; teach them how to participate in their care and bond the right way.

Some of the topics I can offer help with are:

How to correctly hold and handle your puppy
Understanding puppy and dog behaviour
Useful games for puppies and children
How puppies and dogs explore new environments
Different types of toys
Routine and sleep

Jess holds a Working With Vulnerable People registration valid in the ACT.

PUPPY SCHOOL AT THE VILLAGE VET, DOWNER, ACT, 2025.

I have some really amazing people to introduce you to this year, so stay tuned.

It's never a dull moment here on The Journal!

To each and every one of you,

thank you for being here, even if just for a moment!

Until next month!