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Pre Puppy Consultation

Feel confident and prepared before your puppy arrives

A personal 1 hour consultation to set you up for success from day one - no overwhelm or guesswork, just clear 1:1 guidance tailored to your situation.

Planning for a puppy but feeling overwhelmed?

  • Drowning in conflicting online advice and not sure what you really need
  • Worried your lifestyle won't suit a puppy but not sure how to know for certain
  • Anxious about those first few days - what if you get it wrong from the start?
  • Confused about preparation - conflicting information online is either too basic or completely overwhelming
  • Questioning if you're ready but wanting honest guidance, not just reassurance
You want to do this right, but everywhere you look there's different advice and you're not sure who to trust.
Tell me more

Book now

The Dog Nonna Pre Puppy Consultation - The Dog Nonna
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What if you could start with confidence instead?

There's more to consider than just choosing a cute puppy. Before bringing your new family member home, let's think through the practicalities:
  • Will your routine work with puppy life? Early morning toilet trips, lunchtime breaks, evening walks, and sleepless nights - how does this fit with work, school runs, and family commitments?
  • Is your home puppy-ready? From hazard-proofing to creating safe spaces, there's preparation needed (and it doesn't have to cost the earth).
  • What about the financial reality? Insurance, food, vet bills, equipment, and potential training costs all need budgeting for.
  • How will this change your family? Preparing children for a new addition with razor-sharp teeth, considering existing pets, elderly visitors, or neighbours who might complain about barking.
  • Are you emotionally prepared? Sleepless nights, accidents, chewed furniture, and the 'puppy blues' many owners experience but rarely discuss. Let's normalise this conversation.
  • What's your training plan? Understanding when, where, and how to help your puppy navigate the world safely - and choosing training methods that align with your values.
This consultation helps you think through these real-life questions before you're in the thick of it, so you can enjoy your puppy's arrival rather than feel overwhelmed. Prevention over reaction - always.
Would you raise a child this way? That's the question that guides everything we do.

How this consultation will help you

Unlike generic puppy prep lists or overwhelming training courses, this is a personal conversation about YOUR situation.
Drawing from my background in parenting, mental health, coaching and many years of canine experience, I help you prepare both practically and emotionally.
We'll focus on the questions you have, not the good meaning answers that others might tell you.

What happens in your consultation

Before we meet: Pre-consultation questionnaire so I understand your specific situation, concerns and goals.
During our 60-minute session:
  • Lifestyle assessment - making sure your chosen puppy suits your life
  • Emotional preparation - honest discussion about challenges alongside the joy
  • Practical planning - what you really need vs what's just nice to have
  • Question time - bring everything you're wondering about, however small
After our call: Follow-up summary with your personalised preparation plan and key recommendations.
Book Your Consultation
Min Southcott
Professional family dog trainer and behaviour support.

Why families trust me with this conversation

I combine professional expertise with real experience of being exactly where you are now. As a mental health, parenting specialist and certified coach with canine behaviour training, I understand both the practical and emotional sides of welcoming a puppy.

I've supported many families through this transition - I know the questions that pop up at 2am and the reassurance you need to hear. 

Whether you're worried about puppy biting, toilet accidents, or just feeling overwhelmed, you won't be left to figure it out alone.

For many of my clients I’m still here after their dogs have passed over the rainbow bridge - my clients say “it’s not just a dog for life, it is a Min for life too!”

The earlier you prepare, the smoother it goes

Families who book this consultation report:
  • Less anxiety in those first few nights
  • Better preparation for the coming weeks
  • More realistic expectations
  • Confidence in their choices 
  • Happier with the people and services they chose to share the care of their beloved dog 
Don't wait until you're feeling overwhelmed - let's get you some clarity while you can still enjoy the excitement.

Customer Testimonials

So pleased to have found Min! She tailors Maggie's day to suit her needs depending on the other dogs she has and who Maggie would get on with. Min always tells us about how Maggie has been and if there are any problems that we can work on at home. Really impressed and happy with the services.

Izzy Coe

I love how passionate and caring Min is about the dogs in her care. Dotty absolutely loves her and always has a great time out and about with Min and the crew.

Natalie Frances

Min is amazing with dogs and has lots of patience. Sky my Dalmatian loved her first stay with Min & her family - it was her first time away from home but proved to be a great success and she can't wait for her next stay.

Gail Randell

Ready to feel prepared and excited (instead of panicked)?

Click below to book your consultation. You'll receive the pre-consultation questionnaire immediately, then we'll schedule your call at a time that works for you.

Book My Pre-Puppy Consultation
Available online or in-person (Devon area)

Common questions answered

What if I change my mind about getting a puppy?

Then this consultation will have saved you from a costly mistake and emotional distress that will impact on both yours and the puppy’s wellbeing. You can ask the question”Am I even ready for a dog” and know you’ll be safe here to explore this further before making any decisions or commitment to getting a puppy. It’s better to invest £65 in clarity than thousands in a puppy that doesn't suit your life.

Can't I just read about this online?

Generic advice can't address your specific situation, lifestyle, or concerns. This is personalised guidance for your circumstances. Ai can’t make you a cuppa tea or hand you a tissue…

What if my puppy is nothing like we discuss?

Every puppy is different, but the preparation principles remain the same. You'll have a framework to adapt, not rigid rules to follow.

This consultation is perfect if you're:

  • Planning to get your first puppy in the next 3 months
  • Want honest guidance about readiness and preparation
  • Prefer personal conversation over generic or AI advice
  • Value feeling prepared over being surprised
  • Feel consciously responsible for raising a puppy the best way possible

This is NOT for you if:

  • You already have your puppy at home (see my other services)
  • You prefer to figure things out as you go
  • You're looking for detailed training instruction
  • You're not genuinely considering getting a puppy
  • You can’t commit to the time needed

Ready to start your puppy journey with confidence?

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Order summary

Have a coupon? Click here to enter your code
Order Total £65.00

Payment method

  • Pay with your credit card via Stripe

Your personal data will be used to process your order, support your experience throughout this website, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy.

* 100% Secure & Safe Payments *
Available online or in-person (Devon area)

Supporting dog families across the UK through every stage of life together. Every dog deserves a future and every human deserves a plan.

Support at any stage:
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For Puppies
FREE - 3am Checklist Puppy Support Puppy Bundle Puppy Start Right Course Pre-Puppy Consultation
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Elderly Dog Support
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