The cost of puppy vaccinations varies from clinic to clinic, so it’s best to get in touch with your local clinic to find out how much they charge. Remember, annual core vaccinations are covered under our Wellness Plans so you can keep your pets protected for one low monthly fee.

Puppy vaccinations are given during the first few months of their life. The typical schedule is as follows; however, this can vary based on your location and your vet’s chosen vaccine.

• First vaccination: 6-8 weeks
• Second vaccination: 10-12 weeks
• Third and final ‘booster’ vaccination: 14-16 weeks

To maintain immunity against these diseases, your puppy will need booster vaccinations every one to three years. Your vet will recommend a vaccination schedule suitable for your pup.

Puppies need a complete, balanced diet that supports their nutritional needs during their rapid growth phase. Their meals should include high-quality protein (meat, chicken, fish) to support muscles, healthy fats (like omega-3s and omega-6s) for brain, skin and coat, and the right mix of vitamins and minerals (including calcium) for strong bones and immune support.

Look for puppy foods that are labelled ‘growth of puppies’ and are easily digestible so you can feed them smaller amounts more often. Our vets recommend ‘super premium’ food like Hill’s Science Diet or Royal Canin, which is typically found in pet stores and vet clinics. If you have a Best for Pet Wellness Plan membership, you can get 10% off pet food sold at your clinic.

Portion sizes and nutritional requirements can vary based on breed, size and health needs, so chat to your vet about tailoring a diet for your pup.

Consistency is key when it comes to toilet training your puppy. Choose a designated spot and take your puppy there after playing, sleeping, eating and drinking. Use a command like “toilet” or “wee wee” and reward them with a treat.

You’ll soon recognise the signs that they need to go to the toilet, such as heading for the door, circling or squatting. Accidents are part of the learning process; just make sure you clean them up thoroughly to remove any lingering odours that might attract your pup back to the same spot and start again. Remember, puppies learn all new skills at different speeds, so be patient.

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, but their sharp teeth can cause some damage. Biting and mouthing is normal as they learn to play with each other and interact with humans, and they’ll grow out of it once they realise it won’t be rewarded. To discourage a puppy biting, try the following:

• Stand still and don’t give them attention until they settle down.
• Say “ouch” in a high-pitch voice and ignore them for 15 seconds.
• Redirect them to play with a chew toy instead of nipping you.

At Puppy School, you’ll learn positive reinforcement techniques that can help nip puppy biting – and other common behavioural issues – in the bud.

Dogs can be desexed from four months of age, however choosing the ideal time will depend on their breed, size and sex. Smaller dog breeds are often desexed around six months before they reach sexual maturity. For large breeds (over 20 kg), vets often recommend delaying the procedure until they’re over 12 months to reduce risks. In giant breeds, they may recommend waiting until 18–24 months (once skeletal maturity is reached). Talk to your vet to determine the optimal time to desex your pup. Every pet is unique, so it’s important to discuss your and your pet’s circumstances when making this decision.