When it comes to choosing a dog, there's one golden rule that experienced dog walker Shereen, founder of PawsInEffect, wishes to impart on every prospective dog owner: do your research!
After six years of working hands-on with dogs of every breed, size and personality, Shereen has seen it all including the joyful pairings, the mismatches, and the learning curves that come with bringing a dog into your life. And the one pattern she’s noticed? Far too many people romanticize the idea of dog ownership without asking the most important question: Does this dog’s lifestyle match mine?
A lot of people fall in love with a breed based on how it looks or their limited experience with friends or family. But dogs come with their own unique needs. The happiest dogs are the ones whose needs align with the way their humans live too.
For example, Corgis are cute, but they’re also working dogs bred to herd—meaning they need constant mental stimulation and regular exercise. If you're a couch-lover with a chill routine, or long and irregular work hours, you may not be able to give a Corgi the outlet it needs to thrive.
One of the biggest misconceptions that Shereen encounters is that people assume that bigger dogs need more exercise, but that’s not always true. It’s less about size and more about what the breed was bred to do. A Great Dane, for example, is massive, but most are happy living in condos and lounging most of the day.
The takeaway: breed research is key, but only when it's paired with a deep understanding of your own lifestyle, energy levels, and time that you have to invest in your new dog. Paction’s Dog Breed Guides are a great resource to better understand what each breed needs in terms of grooming, care, exercise and mental stimulation needs.
Getting a dog is not just a weekend project—it’s a lifestyle change. Shereen urges new and hopeful dog owners to consider the timing of their decision.
You should ask yourself: Am I ready to commit to the time, patience, and consistency that training a new dog requires? If you're going through big life changes, you might want to wait. A dog isn’t just a companion—they need structure, love, and routine. Try Paction’s Pup Time Estimator to help you understand if you’re ready for a dog.
For those who already have a dog, one of the most important support systems you can find is a trustworthy dog walker.
“The best walkers are experienced, have insurance, are pet first aid certified, and can offer real references,” Shereen notes. “There’s a big difference between someone doing this for extra money on the side and someone who’s really invested in the care and wellbeing of your dog in the long-term.
Her advice?
Always do a Meet & Greet so the dog isn’t rushed into a first encounter with a new dog walker.
Ask for references.
Be cautious with platforms like Rover, where relationships are built super quickly and can lack due diligence.
Shereen’s journey began with mentorship and grew into PawsInEffect, a service grounded in deep relationships and transparency. Her model is different from high-volume group walks: she prioritizes 1:1 time, building trust with each dog over the long term.
She’s especially passionate about working with:
Reactive dogs
Dogs who benefit from continued training
Slow walkers
Or simply pups who need a little more patience and mental engagement
“I don’t rush walks to squeeze in more clients,” Shereen shares. “Each dog gets my full attention. That allows me to pick up on their energy, their moods, and even help reinforce their training goals.”
PawsInEffect also sets itself apart through open communication. Clients can follow their dog's walk in real time through an app, see potty stops, and view the exact route taken.
When you’re a client of Shereen, you receive full peace of mind. You know exactly what your dog is doing, where they went, and how they’re doing.
Before you get a dog, take the time to learn:
What that breed was meant to do
What your day-to-day looks like and what support you’ll need to give your dog a good life, including a dog walker
What level of training and energy you're ready to commit to at this time in your life
Ultimately, a well-matched dog and human team leads to a happier, more balanced life for both.
