That’s generally the first question people ask.
Think about that. Really think about it.
Every inquiry we get is a completely different scenario. Families, some single, some married, with kids, no kids, working at home, out of the home, au pairs, babysitters, house, back yard, apartment, city life, country life, pure breeds, rescues, puppies, adult dogs, some with behavior problems (which can vary from mild to dangerous), some easy, some difficult, experienced dog owners, first time dog owners.
There are so many factors that go into really teaching your dog. The same dog or puppy in different homes will turn into 2 very different adult dogs.
Now let me change the question.
How much is a well behaved dog worth to you?
When you consider having a baby, do you ask the doctor how much is it going to cost? If you did, would you get an exact answer?
How much is your baby’s/child well being and education worth to you?
Before you consider having a baby, you know your lifestyle will change, you know it is going to cost you more money taking care of little ones for the next 18 and even more years.
You automatically expect to have many expenses;
Vacations, clothing, food, dance classes, computers, cell phones, food, sports lessons, travel teams, sleep away/day camp, etc…
These items and activities cost thousands EVERY year. Then there’s college, cars, apartments. Weddings! Then Grandchildren! It never stops. You never stop parenting, you never stop spending money!
Why is your dog any different? Some people baby their dogs more than their kids. That also can be part of the problem. They forget they are animals and need to provide structure and routine for them to be happy.
Why is it difficult to hear the price of dog training, and dog care? People purchase a dog for thousands of dollars but then feel the training and care aspect should be cheap.
How much is your dog’s well-being and good behavior worth to you?
Many new puppy owners do not have any problems at first and do not want to spend money on training until they need to.
What’s the problem with that?
We get calls all the time, “my puppy is so smart, and he doesn’t really need much training, just the basics”. At that point they start asking how to work on things, and expect free advice. They usually have many questions and do not realize, this is why you need training.
Our time and knowledge is valuable and this is our job. We do have to charge for this “advice” because all of those questions and proper handling of your dog is what will determine who they become.
THAT IS WHAT TRAINING IS!
If you do not get the proper training early on and then continue training throughout your dog’s first few years, your dog may develop very severe behavior problems. No one can predict this. Your dog may be great and easy and never have a problem. Do you want to take the risk?
Just know that every moment you spend with your dog, you are creating habits. Good AND Bad. Do you know how to make them all good?
We have worked with thousands of dogs, and I can tell just by speaking to you once on the phone how many habits are beginning. All these habits that are difficult to reverse. Now it is going to require more work and more money to teach you and your dog. Do you really want to take that risk?
Would you risk it, if it was your child?
I’m here if you want to chat, or refer a friend in need of help.
Just shoot me an email and I will be in touch to set something up, even if we have spoken before. I am here to help.
Stacy Hirsch
Owner
Westchester K-9
doginfo@westchesterk-9.com
(914) 393-2346 – Mobile
www.westchesterk-9.com