Norwich: Rackheath Vets host Wonderwoofdogs puppy parties

Rackheath Vets has been getting pups on its roll - younger than 11 weeks and fully vaccinated - on five-week programmes at its new Wendover Road facility.

The first recruits have passed their stint with Wonderwoofdogs, with aims including building their confidence and learning new skills, as well as getting them acclimatised to a variety of environments including the vets - known to be a sore spot for canines.

Chris Tomlinson, owner and veterinarian at Rackheath Vets which opens on January 30 (Image: Rackheath Vets)

Chris Tomlinson, owner of Rackheath Vets which opened in January, stressed the importance of training classes for young dogs.

"Most vets stopped these classes because of the pandemic," he explained.

"We feel this is really important. It's all about building community and getting people together with their puppies and socialising together.

"They develop confidence - it's as much for the owners as the animals.

Buddy with his certificate after passing the five-week course with Wonderwoofdogs at Rackheath Vets (Image: Tegan Brown)

"You take them into an unknown environment so when they do need to come to a vet they won't feel stressed."

He also highlighted the importance of getting dogs "happy and well-trained" following a spate of attacks in the area.

READ MORE: Horror dog attack in Thorpe St Andrew

13-week-old Maverick with his Wonderwoofdogs puppy party certificate from Rackheath Vets (Image: Tegan Brown)

"Many of these are avoidable accidents," he added.

"It's about owners learning what's best for their dog and teaching new skills.

"The classes have a wonderful, positive atmosphere."

The classes are provided by Alison Burns, owner of Wonderwoofdogs, based in Blickling.

Alison Burns, owner of Wonderwoofsdogs with three of her dogs (Image: Alison Burns)

She started training pups in 2012 and has gone on to run an agility training school as well as training sniffer dogs and canines for man trailing - a way of finding missing people.

The experienced trainer said: "Being at the puppy parties at Rackheath on a Thursday evening is a dream.

Chester with a puppy parties certificate from Rackheath Vets (Image: Tegan Brown)

"Staff at Rackheath are often clamouring to help out with the parties.

"You see them grow so much over a five-week period."

Five hour-long classes with introductory videos costs £55, with a 10-puppy limit per class.

Chester learning new skills at Wonderwoofdogs puppy parties at Rackheath Vets (Image: Tegan Brown)