Finding reliable and trustworthy care can be complicated. Let Paws First make it simple for you.
About Us
Who are we?
What do we do?
What do we do?
Meet the Owner!
My name is Nicole Ziemba and I am a professional dog trainer / CGC evaluator.
I began this business in June of 2019 after graduating from Cortland State with a Bachelors Degree in Business.
I have been working with dogs and animals for 10 years. Throughout my career I have been a pack leader, a volunteer trainer at the SPC
Meet the Owner!
My name is Nicole Ziemba and I am a professional dog trainer / CGC evaluator.
I began this business in June of 2019 after graduating from Cortland State with a Bachelors Degree in Business.
I have been working with dogs and animals for 10 years. Throughout my career I have been a pack leader, a volunteer trainer at the SPCA, a dog walker and sitter, a doggie bus driver, and more. What I learned in this time is dogs are my passion, and helping dogs and humans is my purpose.
I am always continuing education to improve the lives of the pets around me. I once found myself needing a dog trainer and was astounded at how much the owner must be involved in the process for it to work. I've dedicated my life to providing safe, effective training to the Syracuse area.
Paws First, LLC provides professional and reliable pet care services.
We have you covered with daily dog walking training and hiking. We have limited availiablity for drop in pet sitting servies, and in home boarding. Please note dogs must go through private training to board.
To get started fill out our contact form to schedule your first walks or training session today!
You can always count on us rain, snow, or shine we will be there. We pride ourselves on keeping an open line of communication with our clients. All services come complete with updates int he Time to Pet app.
We are available in between services for any questions or concerns you may have about your pet.
Scroll to our testimonial section to s
You can always count on us rain, snow, or shine we will be there. We pride ourselves on keeping an open line of communication with our clients. All services come complete with updates int he Time to Pet app.
We are available in between services for any questions or concerns you may have about your pet.
Scroll to our testimonial section to see what past and current clients have to say about our services.
Meet Amy, one of our dog trainers and pack leaders!
Hi ! I'm Amy. I was born in Syracuse and have lived in the Baldwinsville area all my life. I currently reside there with my fiance, three kids, and pack of three dogs.
I found my passion for taking care of dogs when we first brought home our Siberian Husky - Cash, in 2020. Soon after I s
Meet Amy, one of our dog trainers and pack leaders!
Hi ! I'm Amy. I was born in Syracuse and have lived in the Baldwinsville area all my life. I currently reside there with my fiance, three kids, and pack of three dogs.
I found my passion for taking care of dogs when we first brought home our Siberian Husky - Cash, in 2020. Soon after I sought out a job working with dogs. Once I started working closely with them I quickly realized that training dogs was what I wanted to do. I've been working at Paws First since October, 2023. I provide walking and training services all over Onondaga county.
In my spare time I like to camp, read, hike, and garden. Let's not forget spending quality time with my family & pups.
Autumn: Dog Walker & Overnight Sitter
Autumn: Dog Walker & Overnight Sitter
Autumn: Dog Walker & Overnight Sitter
Meet Autumn, one of our overnight sitters and dog walkers!
My name is Autumn, I am one of Paws First dog walker and overnight sitters! I am currently a veterinarian assistant at a veterinary hospital. I have completed a 2 year program of Animal Science through BOCES, a fear-free certification, and a cooperative care certification. I enjoy
Meet Autumn, one of our overnight sitters and dog walkers!
My name is Autumn, I am one of Paws First dog walker and overnight sitters! I am currently a veterinarian assistant at a veterinary hospital. I have completed a 2 year program of Animal Science through BOCES, a fear-free certification, and a cooperative care certification. I enjoy doing tons of physical and mental activities with my own dogs such as hiking, swimming, or long walks, and I am also involved in sports such as Schutzhund (IPO/IPG) with my two Belgian malinois; who are also striving towards their police certification through the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA), scent work, and dock diving. I currently have my 12 dogs, 14 cats, 7 rabbits, and a whole bunch of other livestock species. I am happy to work with all animals no matter the size or temperament!
Danielle: Pack Leader
Autumn: Dog Walker & Overnight Sitter
Lauren: Administrative Coordinator
Meet Danielle, one of our pack leaders!
Hi! My name is Danielle and I am proud to say Nicole is my sister.
I am a boy momma to my son and my 2 furry babies. One who someone of you have gotten to know very well, Wyatt. And I have a German shepherd named Gino.
I have been working in the dog industry for 10 years now between working daycares,
Meet Danielle, one of our pack leaders!
Hi! My name is Danielle and I am proud to say Nicole is my sister.
I am a boy momma to my son and my 2 furry babies. One who someone of you have gotten to know very well, Wyatt. And I have a German shepherd named Gino.
I have been working in the dog industry for 10 years now between working daycares, a little bathing/grooming, dog bus driver, walking, boarding and more. It is my passion and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
My sister is the one who brought me into this industry 10 years ago at a daycare she worked at where I had the pleasure of working with her for quite a few years there. And now fast forward I am so proud to be working for her own dog business.
When I’m not working or being a part time stay at home mom, you can find my family and I enjoying time at the St. Lawrence river.
I am so grateful to be apart of this team and so proud to call my sister my boss.
Lauren: Administrative Coordinator
Mary: Dog Walker & Overnight Sitter
Lauren: Administrative Coordinator
Meet our Administrative Coordinator Lauren!
Hi there! I’m Lauren, a proud mom of two amazing kids and a dog mom to four furry friends. With over 20 years of experience in the business world, I’ve mastered the art of juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with talented teams, lead projects from
Meet our Administrative Coordinator Lauren!
Hi there! I’m Lauren, a proud mom of two amazing kids and a dog mom to four furry friends. With over 20 years of experience in the business world, I’ve mastered the art of juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with talented teams, lead projects from conception to completion, and drive results that benefit both the organization and the people within it. I thrive on challenges and believe that every obstacle is an opportunity in disguise.
As the Administrative Coordinator at Paws First, I will handle the day-to-day clerical side to help keep the business running smoothly. I will interact with the clients to assist with anything they may need. You may even see me walking a dog or two.
When I’m not busy balancing work and family life, you can find me soaking up the vibes at a country concert, cheering at a wrestling event, or indulging in a delicious brunch at a local spot.
I am so elated to be part of such a great team!
Olivia: Dog walker & Pet sitter
Mary: Dog Walker & Overnight Sitter
Mary: Dog Walker & Overnight Sitter
Meet Liv, one of our dog walkers!
Hi! My name is Olivia Turenne but everyone calls me Liv! I recently graduated from SUNY Oswego with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I am currently completing my graduate degree in Special Education at SUNY Cortland.
I have worked with paws first in 2022 and took a couple years off to finish sc
Meet Liv, one of our dog walkers!
Hi! My name is Olivia Turenne but everyone calls me Liv! I recently graduated from SUNY Oswego with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I am currently completing my graduate degree in Special Education at SUNY Cortland.
I have worked with paws first in 2022 and took a couple years off to finish school. I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to return and do what I love, which is spend time with dogs. I have been surrounded by dogs and other animals all my life. I have two dog siblings and I am a mom to my guinea pig Asher!
Mary: Dog Walker & Overnight Sitter
Mary: Dog Walker & Overnight Sitter
Mary: Dog Walker & Overnight Sitter
Meet Mary, one of our dog walkers and pet sitters
Hello! I’m Mary, I am a dog walker and pet sitting for Paws First.
Over the years I have dog sat for various families, I wanted to work with dogs since I was a little girl. I never thought that one day it would come true. I enjoy each and every visit I have with your pups and I am so thankf
Meet Mary, one of our dog walkers and pet sitters
Hello! I’m Mary, I am a dog walker and pet sitting for Paws First.
Over the years I have dog sat for various families, I wanted to work with dogs since I was a little girl. I never thought that one day it would come true. I enjoy each and every visit I have with your pups and I am so thankful to be part of such an amazing team.
I have a doggy nephew who I absolutely adore. His name is Guinness but we call him piggy. He is a brindle pitbull, I learned a lot going to family training classes with him. I don’t currently have any pets of my own, but you might hear me refer to him as my baby. He loves having sleepovers at Aunt Mary’s!
I went to college for photography and now have my own photography business where I photograph weddings, portraiture and concerts. When I’m not working, I enjoy going to EDM concerts, music festivals, hiking, kickboxing and spending time with my family.
Services *find pricing below*
Private Dog Training
At Paws First we focus on relationship based training. Each dog and human are individuals with different capacities for learning and working. For this reason it is extremely important you learn who the dog in front of you is, and what type of owner you are capable of being!
Private lessons will always begin at your home. I will create an individualized training plan / daily schedule that is realistic for your lifestyle, and your dogs needs. We will then take the lessons on the road to apply what you've learned to real life scenarios.
Our training has a heavy reliance on owner participation as this is just as much learning for you as it is for your dog! Training will teach you how to properly communicate, motivate, and reward your dog. This can have a profound impact on the way they interact with you and the rest of the world.
Our goal is always to help you and your dog live the fullest life possible and that entails a lot more than sit, down, stay and come!
Day Train
Duration: 1-2 hours
* FOR DOGS IN PRIVATE TRAINING*
Service includes pick up and drop off to your home and a local park for your dog to train with Nicole or Amy, can be a group session if desired. We will focus on whatever training goals you are working toward in private lessons.
This service is a great way to get your dog some structured fun, report and tips for owner included. It can also help keep consistency on a busy day at the office. Your trainer will provide advice and tips from your training along with videos and pictures of your dogs day!
Weekly Dog Walking & Structured Hikes
Duration: 30-120 minutes
Work long hours? This service is recommended dogs of all ages. We are happy to fill the time in-between so that you return to a happy and tired puppy. Never worry about rushing home again! Discounted walks available for set schedules. Enjoy timely pictures and updates in the Time to Pet app.
Boarding / Overnights / Drop in Pet Sitting
In Home Boarding/Training with Nicole:
Do you have a dog with specific needs? Worried about keeping up your training while on vacation? Nicole takes one dog or family of dogs at a time. Dogs must be crate trained and owners must participate private training to use this service. Leaving your pet can be hard but we will make it feel like a vacation! Daily training sessions, adventures and feedback session for owner included in cost.
Overnights in your home:
For new and existing clients, includes daily updates, walks, enrichment, and feeding. Meet and greet can be used as a credit toward first service.
Drop in Pet Sitting: 3-4x daily
20-30 minute drop in. Includes daily updates,medication, walks, enrichment, and feeding.
Structured Socialization Sessions
Do you struggle understanding whether or not your dog is friendly? Do you struggle to keep your dog calm in the presence of other dogs because they get so excited? We can help your dog learn healthy social skills with the help from of balanced Paws First pack! Sometimes their own species can be the best teachers.
Price List
Dog Training & Boarding
Relationship based training to help you and your dog live the best life possible!
Private Sessions
$110 plus tax
Private sessions are in your home, and last one hour. They are for you and your dog. You will learn all about dog psychology and how it applies to your life. We will show you effective and proven methods to help reach your goals and improve your dogs behavior.
Private Package
$475 plus tax
5 one hour private sessions
must be paid up front and used within 8 weeks of purchase
*non refundable*
Hybrid training package
starting at $1500
Training dogs can be hard work, let us help!
This package will fast track your training goals by having your trainer more involved in the process it can take some stress off of you.
Ideal for someone who works long hours, has multiple dogs, or just needs some extra help. One month (4 weeks) of one on one training for your dog with their trainer, includes several weekly day trains as well as once weekly sesssions for you.
Day Train
$60 plus tax
One on one training for your dog with their trainer, includes a trip to local park or store and updates for owner. Weekly discounts available.
In Home Board and Train with Nicole
$140-180 per night
A vacation for your dog when you are away. Includes daily updates, training sessions, adventures and socialization for your dog, as well as help for you to replicate and continue the training at home.
Dog Walks, Sitting, and Hikes
Life gets busy, let us help!
Dog Walk
starting at $26 plus tax
Discounted Rate: must walk 3x or more per week
● 20 minutes- $26 plus tax
● 30 minutes- $30 plus tax
● 1 hour- $45 plus tax
● Package (12) - 30 minute walks $336 plus tax, must be paid up front and used
within 4 weeks of purchase. Only available to weekly walkers.
Occasional Walker - regular rates
● 20 minutes- $28 plus tax
● 30 minutes- $32 plus tax
● 60 minutes- $50 plus tax
Hikes
starting at $55
1-2 hour duration, drive to trail not included in hike time.
*NEW* must hike 2x per month
Weekly Hiker:
● 1 hour: $50 plus tax
● 2 hour: $75 plus tax
Occasional Hiker: regular rates
● 1 Hour: $55 plus tax
● 2 hour: $85 plus tax
● Hike Package: Purchase 3 hikes within one month, receive 25% off a training session
In Home Pet Siting
$120 plus tax per night
Let your pup enjoy the comforts of home while you are away! Mary will come stay overnight with your dog and provide daily updates, long walks and love. Meet and greet included for new clients.
Drop In Pet SitTing
$28-35 plus tax
Amy will drop in on your dog 3-4x per day while you are away. During these visits your dog will receive enrichment, love, 30 minute walks, play time and you will be updated after every visit.
Our Policies
Private Package
Package is non-refundable and must be completed in 8 weeks following purchase.
Last Minute Cancellation
All visits must be cancelled 48 hours in advance. If visits are cancelled after this time period, you will be subject to a cancellation fee. Overnights and boarding require 2 weeks advance notice.
The fee will be half of the cost of the service.
Inclement Weather Policy
When temperatures are below 25 walker has right to cut visit short and replace with inside play or training. Visits cancelled due to inclement weather do not incur cancellation fees.
Late Fee
Services paid for after due date will have 5% late fee appllied.
Holiday Fee
We charge a $25 holiday fee for services on Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, New Years Eve/New Years Day, Easter, Christmas Eve/Day.