Elizabeth W.
Bellingham, WA
Force free dog walking
Pet care experience
I started caring for dogs, both my family's dog and my neighbor's dog when I was 12. I've owned dogs who are timid, sensitive, escape artists, and even have a bit of an attitude. For my current dog, I've learned and taught him how to heel, tricks, and cooperative care all with force free training techniques. I've also walked dogs for Heartland Humane society for 2 years (shelter in Corvallis Oregon).
About Elizabeth W.
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Reducing stress and creating trust wherever possible is my goal when interacting with a dog. My dog is shy and timid. Taking my time with each interaction is key to success, especially for things he doesn't like, but are necessary, like walking in the rain, putting on a coat, or nail trims. Offering rewards throughout a stressful interaction (like nail trims) is important to reduce the dog's stress and also to gauge how stressed they are and if they need a break. I take this same approach to my dog's reactivity. Managing his behavior with treats, getting him to turn around, look away from a trigger before he sees it and creating positive associations with triggers.
Information Elizabeth W. would like to know about your pet
I want to know about any reactivity, the type of reaction and what you normally do in that situation. Along with that any fears, allergies, etc. How are they with strangers, can they be suspicious , or is everyone their friend?
A typical day
I like to take dogs on walks in parks and on trails depending on their needs. Getting them out into nature where they can smell, trot and run to their heart's content. Some of my favorite spots are the interurban trails, Whatcom falls park, and Cornwall park.
Services
Elizabeth can watch in your home
Availability
I'm a graduate student with a flexible schedule most of the week. I'm available most mornings, afternoons and in the evenings as well. My schedule changes every 3 months depending on the lab classes I teach.
About Elizabeth W.
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Reducing stress and creating trust wherever possible is my goal when interacting with a dog. My dog is shy and timid. Taking my time with each interaction is key to success, especially for things he doesn't like, but are necessary, like walking in the rain, putting on a coat, or nail trims. Offering rewards throughout a stressful interaction (like nail trims) is important to reduce the dog's stress and also to gauge how stressed they are and if they need a break. I take this same approach to my dog's reactivity. Managing his behavior with treats, getting him to turn around, look away from a trigger before he sees it and creating positive associations with triggers.
Information Elizabeth W. would like to know about your pet
I want to know about any reactivity, the type of reaction and what you normally do in that situation. Along with that any fears, allergies, etc. How are they with strangers, can they be suspicious , or is everyone their friend?
A typical day
I like to take dogs on walks in parks and on trails depending on their needs. Getting them out into nature where they can smell, trot and run to their heart's content. Some of my favorite spots are the interurban trails, Whatcom falls park, and Cornwall park.
Location
Bellingham, WA
Pets
Elizabeth W.
Bellingham, WA