What do you do before your new pup comes home?

Getting a dog is exciting. It’s also a lot. This consultation is designed for people who want to get it right from day one, whether you’re bringing home a new puppy or planning to adopt a rescue.

We’ll talk through what to expect, how to set your home and routine up for success, and what actually matters in those first weeks (and what doesn’t). If you haven’t picked your dog yet, we can cover that too: what to look for in a breeder or rescue, questions worth asking, and the signs of a good match vs a difficult one.

This is an information and planning session, not behaviour training; it’s for before the challenges start.

This isn’t for you if your dog is already home or you need training support: instead, Foundations is likely a better fit.

Pre-Arrival Consultation

For people who want to get the first few weeks right.

Whether you’re adopting a rescue or bringing home a puppy, the first weeks set the tone for everything that follows. We’ll talk through what to expect, what actually matters, and what you can safely ignore, so you feel prepared rather than overwhelmed.

Includes:

30 minute call (online or phone)
Tailored to your situation
The Mindful Move-in: a practical checklist to work through before your dog arrives
Space to ask anything, no question too small

£30

Book Pre-Arrival Consultation

What people say about working with me

    
 
 
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   Chloe M 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Anna really helped me with quite an unusual, complex situation. I was dogsitting a new dog, and it turns out that this dog had much greater needs than I'd expected. I was really stuck as I am not experienced or confident with puppies, so I reached out to Anna for help. I was in the middle of the countryside, so she offered support remotely. I described the various problems, and Anna asked lots of questions about the environment, food, routines, behaviour etc. She was quickly able to give me an understanding of why the dog was likely to be behaving in that way, which made so much sense. She was able to come up with a set of short term solutions to support the dog, and also improve my experience while there so that I would be less stressed. The suggestions had to be limited to what I could find around the house, and what I could achieve over this short stay, but they really did make a difference. She checked in a few days later, and proposed some further adaptations and activities as needed. She really helped me to work through quite a challenging situation, and to bond with a very cute but very chaotic puppy! I had a really positive experience with Mindful Pups, and was amazed how much could be achieved remotely, and over such a short period  of time. I would highly recommend Mindful Pups.  Thank you!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Joe B 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. So patient and understanding. Anna explained what was happening with our pup in a way that was very easy to understand and calming our worries. Anna left us with a bunch of tools to work with and although it’s only been a short amount of time the results have been really promising.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lucy C 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Anna is helping me build confidence and a trusting relationship with my new rescue. Anna's approach is holistic and tailored - to both the dog and the human! My nervous dog felt comfortable around her within minutes. A good trainer is a good tutor, and Anna's teaching skills are excellent. Her communication is timely and well-explained - with the right amount of encouragement and reassurance! The tools/resources she provides are great learning materials too.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Emilie C 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't recommend Mindful Pups Training enough! Their approach is both compassionate and effective, focusing on positive reinforcement and clear communication. I noticed such a difference in my pet's behavior after just a few sessions. Anna tailored the training to meet our specific needs. It's clear Anna truly care about animals and their well-being. Whether you're addressing behavioral issues or just looking to strengthen the bond with your pet, this is the place to go!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lucy J 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful experience with Anna! She was able to tailor our training to my nervous rescue dog's needs. I needed help with barking at the door / noises outside. She was kind, patient, asked questions and observed before she made an assessment which we put into practice. She also wrote up tailored homework for me and my dog: clear and easy to follow at home. I am happy to report that we no longer have the issue and have had others surprised at his ability to self comfort without my intervention 😊 I also learnt so much more about understanding dog behavior, threshold, and encouraging natural relaxation. all things I am able to apply elsewhere, being able to see things from my dog's POV. 10/10 thank you so much!
  
 
  
  
 
 
      Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if a pre-arrival consultation is right for me?

This is for people preparing for a dog that hasn’t arrived yet. It’s not the right fit if your dog is already home, you’re dealing with a specific issue that needs hands-on assessment, or you’re looking for a tailored training plan (Foundations will serve you better). This call covers preparation, not training techniques. It’s about setting things up so that when training does start, you have the best possible foundation.

What will I actually walk away with?

A clearer sense of what to expect in the first few weeks of having a new dog, a plan for your space and routine, and The Mindful Move-in, a checklist guide to work through before your dog arrives.

Is this only for rescue dogs, or puppies too?

Both! The core preparation, home setup, routine, and mindset is largely the same for dogs of all ages. Where it differs (e.g. vaccination timing, breeder vs shelter), we’ll cover what’s most relevant to you.

I haven’t picked my dog yet, is this useful?

Yes, that’s often the best time to book. We can talk through what to look for in a breeder or rescue, questions worth asking, and red flags to watch out for, alongside preparing your home and routine.

Is this the same as the discovery call?

No. The discovery call is a quick chat to work out if we’re a good fit for training support once your dog is already home. The Pre-Arrival Consultation is a paid, focused planning session for before your dog arrives, and includes The Mindful Move-in, a practical guide for you to work through.

Do you cover areas outside of North and East London?

Yes. This consultation is usually held online (via Google Meet), so it’s open to anyone.

Preparing For Your New Dog

What do you do before your new pup comes home?

Pre-Arrival Consultation

What people say about working with me

Frequently asked questions