I would like to know if the dog is shy around people and/or other dogs. Arlington can be a busy area, so if the dog is really shy and may get upset if someone goes to pet him or her - I just want to know beforehand so I can tell anyone that approaches the dog and if the dog is shy around other dogs, avoid getting too close to them (and cross the street if need be). I want the dog to be comfortable, as well as stay mindful of other people. I also want to know if there are any special needs for the dog and any signs I should watch for if the dog has a health condition. This latter is huge for me. I can discuss any special health needs if that is something of concern, so we both know the dog is in safe hands. Oral medication administration is possible but only after we discuss this. Some first aid as well, but again, I would like to discuss this. I do have experience with dogs of all types of personalities, so I will work hard to ensure I accommodate yours. And tend not to get bothered by much! Also, any phobias are helpful to know - but if they are ones you may wish the dog could get over a bit, I will try to work on that too! Finally, general preferences on where to walk the dog, any training you are working on (so I can help too) if applicable, or just anything else that makes you feel comfortable. I love all dogs so I have no breed preferences here. I am open to larger dogs (beyond what is on my profile preferences), but would like a meet and greet first. The reason why is in case they pull a bit (I would want to discuss leash options and would work with them on that) and also discuss how their interaction is with other people and dogs, as I do understand that not everyone loves larger breeds, so I would not want to upset another person or the dog! But that's it! If not, ask me questions!

I walk A LOT myself so I have plenty of areas I can suggest - parks, busier areas like Clarendon (to get a dog used to people and the hustle and bustle of a noisy area if the owner wants that, since I know some dogs can get shy if not exposed to that when they are young), quiet neighborhoods, dog parks, trails, etc. I am mentioning a bunch of types of areas because I am open to anywhere and want the owner to tell me his or her preference! Fun activities: dogs seem to love dog parks! If they do not like other dogs so much, we can have our own fun in a more quiet park. I won't take them off a leash but some dogs love just running around with you; or if I have a long leash, I can play catch (and I am a bad thrower so it will not be outside the dog's reach on a long leash). I had a dog growing up that LOVED chasing seagulls when we walked her on the beach. Random thing for a dog to enjoy - but I want them to have fun. So we can walk around and find something the dog seems to like, or the owner can give some ideas. Others: -Playing inside or a fenced in enclosure (if the owner wants this). -I like exploring and letting dogs explore too! I also can work on training with positive reinforcement. -IF appropriate and after we speak about this, I am open to introducing the dog to new people, other dogs, or new areas. This can help if they may be a bit uncomfortable and it is something the owner would like for me to help with working on. -And generally trying to get a feel for the dog, and its current mood, and if it seems to enjoy heading one way or jogging a bit (or walking slow or laying in the ground), I want the dog to have fun. Of course for the walks, I will ask broad questions on where the dog may or may not want to go. And follow what you as the owner wants. Otherwise, there is a bit to explore around here (louder areas, parks, trails, neighborhoods, more quiet shopping centers, dog parks) and so there can be quite a lot of options! For the warmer days I do try to stay more under the shade or play inside (with your permission) if a 30 minute walk is too long based on weather. Same with rain (or snow if that happens) - there can still be cover or indoors to play around some. I know we can find some fun activities and your input is also appreciated. There is plenty around this area to explore and find somewhere to make the dog happy at the pace, speed, and type of location that suits him or her!