MY SERVICES
Puppy’s Perfect Start
Starting you and your puppy off on the right path, with guidance on preparing for your puppy and handling the early days, so that you and your pup are set up for success.
Investment: FROM £145
Starting timeframe:
From as soon as you have chosen your puppy to the day you pick up your puppy (book ahead to avoid a delay!)
I remember it well… as a child, counting down the number of sleeps until we could pick up our puppy (and, to be honest, I’m pretty much the same now despite being in my 40s!).
There’s no doubt about it - getting a puppy will be one of the most exciting times in your life. However, you’ll also be acutely aware of all the things that you need to do, to make sure that things start off on the right track.
By providing you with expert, experienced and pragmatic guidance, I will help you prepare for your new arrival in a way that sets you both up for success from day one of your lives together so that you don’t need to worry about a thing.
‘The session I had with Gretta before our puppy joined us was brilliant. It meant I was prepared and I knew what to expect in the first few weeks.
This really meant we started off on the right foot. Ayla is such a lovely, well trained, sociable, happy dog and I strongly believe this is down to all the help and advice I received from Gretta.’
Ruth (with Ayla), ST Albans
YOUR ‘Puppy’s Perfect Start’ includes:
PUPPY'S PERFECT START (£145)
A 1:1 session where we can chat everything through and you can get the bespoke advice that you need, in order to be fully prepared for your puppy.
Your personalised ‘Puppy Preparation Pack’, containing clear guidance, hints and tips covering everything: puppy-proofing your house, how to manage the journey home, choosing a vet, a puppy shopping list, suggested daily routine, how to introduce your puppy to other pets, advice on pet insurance, how to manage night-times with your puppy… and much more!
The peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what you need to do in preparation for the big day and how to make the most of your puppy’s first days with you.
Access to my 26 page e-book '5 Most Common Mistakes that People Make with Their Puppy and How You Can Avoid Them'
A free printed copy of my guide 'Top Tips for Puppies' and a rather nice presentation folder in which to keep all of your paperwork!
NB. Puppy’s Perfect Start is designed as a remote service (via video call) but can be offered in person in York/ Harrogate areas.
OPTIONAL UPGRADE (AVAILABLE AFTER 1ST SESSION) = £125
The opportunity to have support via email between your initial preparation session and the big day, for those last minute questions and panics!
A 'Settling In' session (1 hour video call or in-person in York area) for added guidance within the first week or two of bringing your puppy home, to help with sleeping, toilet training, any specific issues or concerns and general reassurance!
‘Puppy’s Perfect Start’ is perfect for you if…
You haven’t yet picked up your puppy/ brought them home
You want to be proactive about starting things off on the right track
You’ve had enough of all the conflicting advice you’ve seen online and been given by other people
You need advice on setting up your home, collecting your puppy and settling them in
You want to work with a puppy specialist who is empathetic, qualified and experienced
How it works…
1. One to One Support
I’ll give you personalised guidance on how to prepare for your pup - everything from what to buy and how to set up your home, to starting toilet training and handling night times.
2. Your Puppy Preparation Plan
You don’t need to worry about remembering everything! I’ll send you your personalised Puppy Preparation Pack to include everything you need to know.
3. Over to You
Now you know what to do, you can enjoy the excitement of all the preparations (and puppy shopping!) to get ready to welcome your little bundle of joy!
4. Fall in Love!
When the big day comes you’ll know exactly what to do for a stress-free start to helping your puppy settle in so that you can get on with enjoying it, rather than stressing out!
5. I’m Here for You
If you need a bit more help, you can upgrade your package to include email support and a 'Settling In Session'. Or you can opt for my ‘Well Brought Up Pup’ programme.
So, are you ready to get started?
‘I’ve had regular sessions with Gretta since before our puppy first arrived and am so glad I have done so.
She’s guided us through every step of the way to ensure we have a happy puppy, which makes life much easier for the whole family. Gretta knows exactly what she is doing and explains everything so clearly. I have found that if we do what she says, it works - it’s that simple!’
jane (with zak), NEAR YORK
FAQs
+ Will I have to remember everything or will you send me some notes after the session?
Don’t worry - you’re welcome to take notes if you like (especially with regard to anything specifically relating to your unique circumstances) but all the key points will be sent out to you in your 'Puppy Preparation Pack' after the session.
+ Can’t I just find all of this information online/ from other people who have had puppies?
There is certainly some good stuff online (and in books) and I’m very happy to recommend such resources to you. In the same way, other puppy owners will be able to share their experiences with you and you may find this useful. However, the problem with all of these sources of information is that it's hard to work out what is good advice and what is not! Sadly, a lot of what you come across may be out-of-date, unsuitable for your specific puppy or lead to problems in the future because it's based on incorrect theories of canine behaviour. In fact, in the majority of my veterinary-referred behaviour cases, well-meaning owners had followed advice they had found online, in books or from friends and then sadly realised that this was one of the key factors in the development of the issues with which their dog suffered. I've seen it happen far too many times and genuinely don't want it to happen to you and your puppy.
+ I need help with special circumstances (eg. living in a flat/ having other pets), will you be able to help me?
Absolutely! This is one of the reasons why a personalised service like this is so great – all the advice in the call can be tailored to your individual situation and own needs.
+ What methods do you use?
All of the strategies that I will recommend for your puppy will be kind, ethical and effective, based on positive reinforcement. Your puppy’s emotional wellbeing will be at the forefront of all advice because nurturing a confident, happy pup is key to helping then develop into a dog that is a joy to be with. The importance of building trust and a bond with your puppy cannot be underestimated and there is absolutely no place for fear and intimidation.
+ Is this just for puppies? What about adult dogs?
This service can be tweaked to support you with a dog of any age. For example, some clients like to have help with preparing for a rescue dog so that they can settle them in to their new home. Just get in touch to discuss your needs and I'll let you know if I can help.
+ Can I see you in person?
Yes! Whilst Puppy's Perfect Start is designed to be done remotely via video call, if you would like to have your session in person and you live around York/ Harrogate area, get in touch and we can arrange it (travel charges may apply).