Alex D.
Mount Airy, PA
Dog Park Play & Long Walks
Pet care experience
I live in Mt. Airy/Germantown and work as a bartender. Currently only available for walks in the morning or afternoons. There are 3 parks within walking distance from my home, as well as the Wissahickon trails. My apartment building also has a fenced off backyard area made specifically for pets to run and play. Socialized dogs will absolutely have a great time staying with me as we spend time at the dog park and make new friends! High energy pups are my fav as I'm a long distance runner and can handle extended walks/runs with your buddy. I've had 3 years experience at dog kennels and was responsible for monitoring group play of up to 20 dogs in one yard. Puppy group play was my favorite and most intensive role as I was trained to recognize dog body language and maintain safety when pups were getting too ruff. During my time in kennels, I also was able to provide scheduled feedings and administer oral medications daily. My family owns an elderly dog with arthritis, and during cold months I am willing to carry dogs up/down stairs to avoid slips on snow/ice. During a long-term stay I will gladly spend time with your pooch for walks, play time and socializing, naps, massages, and feedings. Observing dog behavior during each of these parts of our day is important to me. This allows me have a detailed report of your pet's stay when you return. Keeping track of any behavioral, digestive, or sleep-related issues is always made a top priority for my guests.
Reviews
Thanks, Alex, for keeping Lucas healthy and happy!
It a great experience boarding, my dog clover at Alex’s house. Clover can be anxious and have separation anxiety, but she seemed relaxed and happy when I picked her up from Alex. He has a great calm energy. That makes the dogs feel safe. So glad I found him and I highly recommend him.
Alex is always so great for our pups!
Alex is great! Loves dogs and Wally is always super happy to see him. Very communicative and reliable.
About Alex D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
It's very important to me to establish trust with new dogs at their own pace. This is easily done by giving the typical commands and rewarding with treats, as well as affirming trust on leashed walks. In my apartment building there are other dogs who live on my floor, and I'm very vigilant about who is in the hallway or stairwells when I am taking a dog outside. Within my apartment unit, your pet can freely relax on the couch or large rugs I have. Smaller breeds are also welcome to relax on my bed along with me when its time to sleep. I do my best to keep dogs calm and like to be hands on with lots of belly rubs and ear scratching as most dogs seem to really enjoy that. Its also important to me to clean my apartment before and after I have pets staying overnight.
Home
Information Alex D. would like to know about your pet
Definitely need to know their socialization level and any particular triggers for aggressive behavior such as: prey drive for smaller animals, toy/food guarding, social anxiety, and separation anxiety. Need to know of an recent vet visits, illnesses, medications, and special diets. Need to know pet's primary vet contact info if your pet is on medication(s).
A typical day
Weather permitting, I plan to adhere to 3 walks per day. Morning and Afternoon walks will be routed around the Palmer Dog Park. If your dog is socialized, I will be bringing them up to a fence at first to gauge their mood that day for group play (as well as gauge the dogs in park at the time). For dogs who do not prefer social play, I plan to walk the full perimeter of Norris Square park and Palmer Park as well as various detours in fishtown in order to stimulate your pet and keep from too much of a routine route. High energy pups will enjoy on-leash running, or extended off-leash play in fenced dog parks with games of chase and fetch.
Services
Alex can host
Alex can watch in your home
Availability
Currently working with a tech startup that allows me to make my own schedule while working from home and thus I would primarily plan my days around dog walks/sits. I typically begin my day with walking any dogs that are staying overnight with me, could be at the dog park, then feeding them, and then heading out for 1-2 hours to walk my regular clients on weekdays. With winter approaching, we may need to minimize time spent on walks during heavy snow/rain. However, larger breeds who can handle snow days are encouraged to stay with me for extended outdoor play.
About Alex D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
It's very important to me to establish trust with new dogs at their own pace. This is easily done by giving the typical commands and rewarding with treats, as well as affirming trust on leashed walks. In my apartment building there are other dogs who live on my floor, and I'm very vigilant about who is in the hallway or stairwells when I am taking a dog outside. Within my apartment unit, your pet can freely relax on the couch or large rugs I have. Smaller breeds are also welcome to relax on my bed along with me when its time to sleep. I do my best to keep dogs calm and like to be hands on with lots of belly rubs and ear scratching as most dogs seem to really enjoy that. Its also important to me to clean my apartment before and after I have pets staying overnight.
Home
Information Alex D. would like to know about your pet
Definitely need to know their socialization level and any particular triggers for aggressive behavior such as: prey drive for smaller animals, toy/food guarding, social anxiety, and separation anxiety. Need to know of an recent vet visits, illnesses, medications, and special diets. Need to know pet's primary vet contact info if your pet is on medication(s).
A typical day
Weather permitting, I plan to adhere to 3 walks per day. Morning and Afternoon walks will be routed around the Palmer Dog Park. If your dog is socialized, I will be bringing them up to a fence at first to gauge their mood that day for group play (as well as gauge the dogs in park at the time). For dogs who do not prefer social play, I plan to walk the full perimeter of Norris Square park and Palmer Park as well as various detours in fishtown in order to stimulate your pet and keep from too much of a routine route. High energy pups will enjoy on-leash running, or extended off-leash play in fenced dog parks with games of chase and fetch.
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Alex D.
Mount Airy, PA