New to Dog Ownership?

What Should I Know as a First-time Dog Owner?

Thinking about adding a dog to your life or family is very exciting. Having a loyal canine companion who shows unconditional love can bring tremendous joy to your life.

Owning a dog, however, is a huge and lifelong commitment. And it is a decision that you need to think through thoroughly. If you wish to bring a dog into your life, especially if you are new to dog ownership, there are several things you will need to know and consider before deciding to bring a dog into your home. The below questions form a part of things that you, as a prospective dog owner, need to consider. For puppy ownership, things become more complex and are described in more detail on the ‘Puppy Dog Training’ page.

What Does a First-time Dog Owner Need?

Please reflect on the following before you decide to bring a dog home.

• your lifestyle. What are your work commitments? Have you got an active or a sedentary lifestyle?
• your home environment. Do you live in an apartment? Townhouse with a small backyard? A stand-alone house with a large backyard?
  • preparing your home for your dog’s arrival;
• size of your family/household. Do you live on your own, or do you have children?
  • If you have children, what age are your children?;
• the time commitment required. How much time do you have to exercise and train your dog?
• the training required and the cost involved;
• the financial commitment. There are ongoing health care costs, e.g. Regular check-ups, pet insurance, pet supplies for your home, fees for training
• what breed suits your lifestyle or family situation?;
• breed selection;

It happens all too often that, for example, a dog breed is unsuited for a family with small children or when a dog with high exercise needs comes into a household where the owners have a relatively sedentary lifestyle. In such situations, both the dog owner and the dog can experience frustrations which can lead to unwanted behaviours in the dog. In extreme cases, it can be required for the dog to be rehomed. Being rehomed is a very stressful situation for the dog and its owners and can be avoided by planning and considering all aspects involving dog ownership. 

How Do you Transition a Dog to a New Owner?

Paws4Success aims are twofold: To coach dog owners to establish and maintain leadership to transform their dog, resolving any unwanted and/or unacceptable behaviours. Secondly, prevention of the like by: 

1. coaching owners new to dog ownership everything they need to know before they bring their dog home.
2. Coaching owners on the 4 pillars of dog leadership by establishing and maintaining a trusted, peaceful and harmonious relationship with their dog while laying a sound foundation for obedience and, later on, more advanced training, if desired, leading to a well-mannered and confident dog.

After consulting with you about your situation, a comprehensive report is given to you that recommends specific breeds suited to your lifestyle, the breed-specific characteristics, exercise requirements and common health conditions associated with this breed.

A breed-specific exercise plan can be developed to ensure your dog gets the mental and physical stimulation needed to be a content dog.

Initial consultation: $140 for a 2-hour session

Comprehensive report: $245

Breed-specific exercise plan: An additional $70.00 per hour

Dog training: $105 for a 90-minute session

Contact Paws4Success to have us coach you in everything you need to know about dog ownership before you bring your dog home. Get it right the first time. Place your future life with your dog on a sound foundation of knowledge and understanding.