Preparing A Timetable

Preparation is extremely important. Having read this far, you will already have a good idea of the work involved. Once the invitations have been sent and you know how many puppies are going to attend, you can sort out a timetable for the event, catering arrangements and party bags.

The following is an example of what your timetable might look like. Of course, timings and content can be changed as appropriate for your need.

Duration	Subject	Content
5 mins	Introduction	Introduce the owners and puppies to each other, explain the purpose of the party and hand out notepads and pens.
15 mins	"Pass the puppy" game	A great way to get the pups used to different people. Use this opportunity to explain the importance of socialisation and discuss behavioural problems that may arise in inadequately socialised animals.
10 mins	Toilet training & basic commands	Explain the principles of positive reinforcement.
5 mins	Vaccinations	Why we vaccinate and the importance of yearly boosters – since the puppies are already inoculated, the owners should already be aware of this, so a quick word is all that is needed (this is a good time to mention the Pet Travel Scheme).
10 mins	Nutrition	Talk about the benefits of a complete dry food and how to change over to a new diet. Dispel the myths of “breeder diets” and educate those that are feeding raw mince, liver, porridge, eggs etc. Display the recommended diets with clear signs showing feeding cost per day (often a lot less than people expect). Make sure free samples and measuring cups are available.
15 mins	BREAK	Break for refreshments and for puppies to go outside to the toilet. Refreshments will depend on the time of day and the people attending. Wine is more appropriate for an evening session than a daytime one. A group of elderly people may appreciate a glass of sherry. Make sure soft drinks are available for children and drivers. Discourage the feeding of puppies (excitement + food = vomit!).
20 mins	Tour of the surgery
5 mins	Neutering	Explain the costs and benefits of neutering
5 mins	Microchipping	Explain the costs and benefits of microchipping
10 mins	Parasite control	Explain the benefits of 'flea proofing' your home with Program. Show how to administer popular flea and worming preparations such as Milbemax and Program. A well-behaved dog belonging to a member of staff can be used as a demonstration model. Explain why it is beneficial to get puppies used to taking pills from an early age (ie not just for flea/worm control, but it'll make life a lot easier if the pet gets ill in the future).
10 mins	Dental Care	Use the demonstration dog to show how teeth are cleaned. Make sure relevant products such as toothpaste, brushes and Hills T/D diet are displayed.
20 mins	One to One	2 minutes with each owner for individual questions. Weigh each puppy and offer a small treat. Use this moment to mention healthy treats (such as the Pedigree Light & Tasty range). Explain how rewards should always be worked for and warn of the risks associated with obesity. If the practice has a Polaroid or digital camera, take a photo of each puppy to attach to the attendance certificate. Digital photos can be displayed on the practice website.
10 mins	Presentation and Close	Presentation of the party bags, certificate of attendance and prize for best behaved puppy. If your practice gives a puppy pack at the vaccination consultation, it is important not to give out the same literature and samples, but make sure that the pack includes new or different information about the services and products mentioned and be sure to include costs. One idea is to devise a health checklist for the dog's first year of life.

Preparing A Timetable

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