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.
Our Team is committed to providing exceptional pet care services that keep your furry friends healthy, happy, and safe. Our mission is to provide personalized care that meets the unique needs of your pets and exceeds your expectations.
Mary: Dog Walker & Overnight Sitter
Hailey: Structured Handler & Overnight Sitter
Hailey: Structured Handler & Overnight Sitter
Our services are designed to provide your pets with the care they need while giving you peace of mind knowing that they are in good hands.
Amy: Assistant Trainer & Pack Manager
Hailey: Structured Handler & Overnight Sitter
Amy: Assistant Trainer & Pack Manager
We are dedicated to providing exceptional care to your pets and building lasting relationships with our clients.
Services *find pricing below*
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.
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!
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 With Mary 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.