Be ready before the leash goes on
Our Pre-Adoption class walks you through everything — from "is a dog even right for me?" to surviving the first 30 days — so you adopt with confidence, not crossed fingers.
I created this class, having worked in Animal Rescue since 1978. I have been witness to animals being given up for many reasons. Almost all of those reasons could have saved a pet from being given up, if the person thought long and hard BEFORE bringing a pet into their home.
Always bring a pet into your home with the fact that you will keep that pet for the life of the pet.
Once a pet becomes part of your family, as life brings trials and tribulations, solutions should include keeping that pet for the remainder of its life. Because of that, one should always think of everything possible and have solutions to those possible problems BEFORE even looking for a pet.
To be successful, really think about each lesson. Waiting to bring a pet into your home may be the best solution for you, your family and especially for the pet. It is heartbreaking for all involved if a pet must be removed from a home. For the pet is can be devastating, as they do not know anything other than they miss you.
NOTE TO YOU - These classes virtual or in person, are to help and educate YOU. We can not make you do the lessons or truly think through each question.
Because of this, We can not guarantee your best outcome.
Once purchased, all lessons are non-refundable.
Disclaimer - Courses are AI enhanced to give the student an experience tailored to each person. AI always has the possibility of giving wrong information. Courses are created by the author but AI may state something not by the author. If something seems questionable, ask the course to give more information or to clarify.
A prepared owner is the best gift you can give a dog — and that's exactly what this school helps you become.
— Dorinne Whynott
What you'll learn
What you'll be able to do
- Evaluate your lifestyle, living situation, and schedule to determine if dog ownership is truly the right fit right now
- Identify the best breed or mix for your household — including energy level, size, grooming needs, and temperament
- Understand the true financial cost of dog ownership so there are no surprises after adoption
- Prepare your home and family members (including other pets) for a safe, smooth transition
- Know exactly what to expect in the first 30 days — feeding, sleeping, potty training, and bonding basics
- Confidently navigate the adoption process, ask the right questions at shelters or breeders, and spot red flags
How it works
A school that adapts to you
This isn't a set of static videos. Every lesson is generated live and tuned to where you actually are.
We learn your level
A quick placement check tailors your starting point so you're never bored or lost.
Lessons adapt as you go
Each lesson is written for your pace and your goal, adjusting as your skills grow.
Your AI coach keeps you moving
Checkpoints, feedback, and gentle nudges turn progress into a real result.
The curriculum
What's inside your school
6 modules · 28 lessons
Is a Dog Right for You?
Helps prospective owners honestly assess their lifestyle, time, energy, and living situation before committing to a dog.
- 1.1The Reality of Dog OwnershipIncluded
- 1.2Your Lifestyle AuditIncluded
- 1.3Renting, HOAs, and Housing RulesIncluded
- 1.4Timing: Is Now the Right Moment?Included
- 1.5Family Buy-In: Getting Everyone on the Same PageIncluded
Finding Your Perfect Match
Teaches prospective owners how to identify the breed, size, energy level, and temperament that best suits their household.
- 2.1Breed Groups and What They Mean for YouIncluded
- 2.2Energy Level, Size, and SpaceIncluded
- 2.3Grooming, Shedding, and Allergen NeedsIncluded
- 2.4Temperament and Compatibility with Kids and Other PetsIncluded
- 2.5Puppy vs. Adult Dog: Pros, Cons, and Who Each SuitsIncluded
The True Cost of Dog Ownership
Breaks down every financial responsibility of dog ownership — from one-time setup costs to ongoing and emergency expenses.
- 3.1Startup Costs: What You Need Before Day OneIncluded
- 3.2Ongoing Monthly and Annual ExpensesIncluded
- 3.3Unexpected and Emergency CostsIncluded
- 3.4Pet Insurance: What It Is and Whether You Need ItIncluded
Preparing Your Home and Family
Walks owners through puppy-proofing their space, setting up key areas, and preparing other pets for a new arrival.
- 4.1Puppy-Proofing Room by RoomIncluded
- 4.2Setting Up Sleeping, Eating, and Potty ZonesIncluded
- 4.3Introducing a Dog to Other PetsIncluded
- 4.4Preparing Children for a New DogIncluded
- 4.5Building Your Support TeamIncluded
Navigating the Adoption Process
Equips prospective owners to confidently evaluate shelters, rescues, and breeders — and spot red flags before committing.
- 5.1Shelters, Rescues, and Breeders: Understanding Your OptionsIncluded
- 5.2Questions to Ask Before You CommitIncluded
- 5.3Red Flags: Puppy Mills, Backyard Breeders, and ScamsIncluded
- 5.4Understanding Adoption Contracts and Health GuaranteesIncluded
Your First 30 Days Together
Sets new dog owners up for a smooth, confident transition through the critical first month at home.
- 6.1The First 24 Hours: Arrival Day Done RightIncluded
- 6.2Feeding Schedules, Food Types, and Portion BasicsIncluded
- 6.3Sleep, Crate Training, and Nighttime RoutinesIncluded
- 6.4Potty Training 101Included
- 6.5Bonding, Basic Commands, and Setting Early BoundariesIncluded
Who it's for
Is this you?
First-time dog dreamers
She's wanted a dog her whole life and is finally in a place to make it happen — she just wants to do it right.
Couples making the leap
They're aligned on wanting a dog but need a clear-eyed plan to agree on breed, budget, and timing before they commit.
Parents adding a pet
She wants a family dog but needs to know how to prepare her kids, protect the household, and set everyone up for success.
Renters and city dwellers
He's navigating lease restrictions, limited space, and a packed schedule — and needs honest guidance on whether dog ownership is realistic right now.
Empty nesters ready to adopt
The kids have left and she's ready for canine companionship — but wants to match the right dog to her quieter, more flexible lifestyle.
Rescue-curious adopters
He's committed to adopting from a shelter but wants to navigate the process confidently and avoid scams or bad-fit placements.
Questions
Frequently asked
Your teacher
A note from your teacher
Dorinne Whynott
If you're reading this, you're probably in that exciting, slightly anxious in-between place — you want a dog, you think you're ready, but some part of you wants to be really sure before you make the leap. First: that instinct to pause and prepare? That's a great sign. It means you're going to be a wonderful dog owner.
I created Puppy Ready because I kept seeing the same thing happen over and over again: genuinely well-meaning people bringing home dogs they weren't quite ready for — not because they didn't care, but because no one had ever walked them through the real stuff beforehand. The financial reality. The lifestyle honest-check. The things that shelters don't always have time to explain, and that breeders don't always volunteer. The result was stress for the family and, too often, stress for the dog.
This school is the conversation I wish every aspiring dog owner could have with a knowledgeable, honest friend before they adopt. Not a lecture. Not a checklist to scare you off. Just real, practical, grounded guidance that helps you figure out if a dog is right for you right now, which dog is the right match, and how to set both of you up for the best possible start.
Everything in Puppy Ready comes from a deep belief that prepared owners raise happier, more stable dogs. When you know what the first night looks like, you're calmer. When you're calmer, your dog is calmer. When you've already thought through your budget, your housing situation, and your schedule, you make better decisions at the shelter — decisions you won't second-guess for years. That's what I want for you.
So whether you're six months out from adopting or six weeks, come on in. Let's make sure you're genuinely, confidently, joyfully ready. Your future dog is lucky to have someone who cared enough to do this first.
— Dorinne Whynott
Start your journey today
Get instant access — learn at your own pace with an AI coach in your corner.
$99/yr
Recurring billing · cancel anytime
Secure checkout · Instant access
- 6 modules, 28 lessons
- AI-adaptive lessons tuned to your level
- Quizzes & checkpoints to lock in progress
- Your own AI learning coach
- Learn on any device, at your pace
- Full access for as long as you're subscribed