Taking the leap by moving in with your partner is a huge step. But the time has come when you’re ready for the pitter-patter of little paws – it’s time to add a dog to your happy co-habitation situation. Writer Christina Peden just happens to be going through this happy – and life-altering – stage of life, and will be chronicling her and her boyfriend’s challenges weekly with their growing furry family as they adapt to their roles as pet parents.

You and your significant other are thinking about adopting a dog. Well, that’s just what my boyfriend, Ryan and I did a few months ago. We’re now proud puppy parents to Matilda, a sweet, rambunctious five-month-old Border Collie-Lab mix. We love her; she’s the best. Now, we can’t possibly imagine life without her. But adopting a dog is a huge lifestyle change (I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that) and it can definitely affect your relationship in ways you might not expect.

First off, I don’t claim to be an expert. I’m no Cesar Millan, but I can share with you what’s it’s like to be a first-time dog parent with your partner and some of the things you’ll encounter when you adopt a dog together (trust me, it’s much different than having a cat; we’ve both had cats). And that’s exactly what I’ll be writing about in my recurring column here on PetGuide.com.

Here’s just a small teaser of topics I’ll be covering in the weeks to come:

• Spoiler Alert : be prepared for little sleep and sharp teeth)

Now, this list is by no means exhaustive and like I said: mama ain’t no Dog Whisperer! I’m simply here to share my perspective on this whole pet parenthood thing as well as some tips and tricks we’ve picked up along the way. Hopefully, if you’re thinking about adopting a dog with your significant other, this series will give you some insight into what it’s like when you dive in headfirst.

If there’s anything you’d like to see in a future column, let me know at [email protected]. Are you a seasoned dog owner with some sage advice about how to handle common puppy problems? Leave a comment below; I’m all ears (and teeth, and fur).

Christina Peden is a lifelong animal lover and avid wordsmith. She lives in Toronto with her boyfriend Ryan where they are proud pet parents to puppy, Matilda and cat, Oscar. In her spare time, she can be found enjoying Toronto, Canada’s all-too-short patio season, taking advantage of the city’s numerous parks or curled up with a good book.