📈 How much is the price of dog training?

Dog training may cost anything from $30 to $80 each lesson, with most people spending around $50 per hour. Dog obedience training schools range in price from $200 to $600 per week. Training a service dog for assistance, rehabilitation, or protection costs an average of $120 per hour.

📈 In Singapore, how much does dog training cost?

Dog training classes typically cost S$128 each lesson, for a total cost of S$822 for a 5- to 6-lesson course. Obedience and Behavior courses cost S$108 each class, or S$863 for a normal 5-to-10-lesson session. Private classes will cost you about 40% more than group sessions, as is the case with most lessons.

📈 How many training sessions is required for a dog?

You must train your dog how to behave if you want it to be well-behaved. It's common advice to teach the dog on a regular basis, such as three short training sessions every day. If you go to training courses, on the other hand, they are generally once a week, though you can practice at home as well.

📈 How long does it take to train a dog?

You'll need to work with your puppy for four to five weeks to help him develop strong attention and focus abilities. Bonding, organized activities, and acquiring the abilities you'll need to teach your dog the skills they'll need if you've never trained a dog before.

How to Prepare For Your New Furbaby?

Finally, the wait is over! You’re welcoming a new furbaby into your home. The excitement on the arrival of a new fur member is beyond words, but it can also be challenging without the necessary preparation.

Remember, your new companion will also be as eager as you about spending time with you and adjusting to a new life. Though bringing home a puppy and the responsibilities of a first-time pet owner may sound daunting, proper guidance will help you and your furbaby get off to a beautiful start.

Listed below are some of how you can get yourself and your home ready to freely welcome the little furball.

Things To Do Before the Arrival of Your Furbaby

We have shortlisted the essential things you need to do before getting a new puppy to help you prepare better:

Apply for Your New Dog Licence

According to the Animals and Birds (Dog Licensing and Control) Rules, all dogs in Singapore are required to be licensed.

A dog license proves your ownership; hence when your dog goes missing, there is a high chance of you getting back your dog safely. But the primary reason for dog licensing is to ensure they are traceable in case of an outbreak of disease, such as rabies.

Before you apply for the license, you need to ensure your dog is microchipped, and in case the dog is imported, you have the import permit.

Insurance coverage and a Banker’s Guarantee is essential for certain breeds considered aggressive or dangerous and listed as Specified dogs. The amount for the insurance policy will cover any damage caused by the dog to people, animals, or property.

Inform and Get Approval from Your Condominium Management or HDB

If you stay in an HDB, it is essential to get a dog approved under the Housing and Development Board rules for Animal of 1989. You can keep only one dog in your HDB unit as per the rules. Also, you cannot keep a dog from the list of Specified Dogs. You will have to pay a fine if you don’t comply with these rules.

On the other hand, if you stay in a private property, you need to inform and take the proper permissions from the building management before you bring your dog home. Also, if you stay in a rented place, ensure you let the owner know and get their approval too. Remember, as per government rules, you can keep a maximum of three dogs in private premises but only one from the Specified Dog list.

Buy Dog-friendly Toys

Dogs love playing with toys. It not only helps them fight boredom and provide comfort but is also necessary for your dog’s well-being. However, it is essential to buy toys that are safe for dogs. Toys should be non-toxic, without parts that can be easily bitten off or swallowed. Always keep an eye out when your dog plays with the toys.

Dog-proof Your House

You may need to dog-proof your house before the arrival of your puppy. These necessary precautions will protect your dog from injuries and also help maintain your home without turning it into a big mess (It’s the last thing you want).

Remove things such as small items that are within your dog’s reach. Stash away medicines, breakable items, and electrical cords out of their reach and sight. Keep the doors closed, unplug cables, and block access to the trash cans.

Dog-proofing the kitchen is highly advisable, and you can install pet gates to keep them from entering the kitchen. If you have a garden, ensure the fence in your yard has no small gaps and holes for your puppy to sneak out.

Make a Schedule

Your dog’s basic behaviour will be in check when you have a proper schedule for feeding, sleeping, walking, and playing.

Fixing a feeding pattern every day will prevent your dog from begging at other times. Set an outdoor routine for potty training your dog. Fix a time and be consistent so your dog knows when it’s time to go. Take your dog for a walk at least once daily.

Also, ensure you take out some time to play with your dog every day. Playing helps them be less stressed, and it creates a bond. You can also consider planning an outing with your puppy to increase the fun quotient.

Stock Up On the Supplies

Before you bring home your new furbaby, you may need to stock up on dog supplies such as food, treats, bowls, leash and collars, soaps, shampoos, dental care, and pee pads. Also, set up a cosy corner for your little friend with their bed and toys.

Get a Pet ID

Getting a Pet ID tag is essential as it can quickly help someone bring your dog back to you safely if it gets lost. You can get as creative as you want with the tag but ensure it has all the necessary information to help in case of an emergency.

Identify a Vet

It would help if you found a reputed veterinarian to keep your dog healthy as a pet owner. There are many veterinarians, but you need to find the right one. Look for someone knowledgeable as well as compassionate.

Ask around and do your research before your dog arrives. This way, you don’t have to rush at the last minute. But don’t hesitate to change who you are consulting if you or your pup doesn’t feel comfortable going to the particular vet.

Contact a Dog Trainer

After you and your dog have settled in, it’s a good idea to start the little ones’ training immediately. It is essential to start the training at a young age to get the best results, but you can always begin it later as well.

Talk to a professional dog trainer to start the basic obedience training. This also helps the dogs to build their social skills. Also, note that some newly licensed specified dogs must undergo obedience training.

So if your dog falls under this category, make sure to contact an accredited dog trainer and submit a copy of the course completion certificate via PALS within ten weeks of the dog license application.

Summary

Now you would have understood why it is important and how to prepare for the arrival of your new furbaby. Preparing way ahead helps you take things easy and slow, and this allows you and your dog to spend quality time together as puppies need a lot of time and attention.

The best times you get to spend with your dog are the days of puppyhood. Make the best of it to create a bond with your furbaby and see how strong it gets through the years. A dog is an excellent choice for a pet as they are cute and fun to play with and turn out to be cuddly companions for life!