Alex D.
Richmond, VA
Giving your dog a day off!
Pet care experience
I have had dogs my whole life, but have been working with them in a professional capacity for the last five years. Most recently, I was the canine enrichment specialist for the Richmond SPCA, where I handled dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages to provide them with activities and items that would make their time in the shelter easier and more fulfilling. I have some behavior modification and training experience and am comfortable with many different behavior challenges from fear and anxiety to jumpy and reactive. I was also a kennel technician for about a year before that, so I am well versed in medicine administration, proper cleaning, and recognizing body language. I am always up for any dog and love getting to know and work with new pups to see what makes them tick.
Reviews
Alex is great with dogs! Made friends with my pup quickly. My dog has some complications, and he did a great job taking care of him.
Your dog will be in the best hands possible when in Alex's care! He sees each dog as an individual with unique needs and will always strive to provide care tailored to the dog. With a notable background in canine enrichment, you will return to a fulfilled and happy pup every time Alex has cared for them. He is very reliable as his number one priority is always the dogs in his care. Do yourself and your pup a favor and choose Alex for all your dog related needs!
Alex is incredibly skilled and knowledgeable in animal care and on canine behavior and training. I trained Alex when we worked together at the Richmond SPCA, he impressed us all quickly with his knowledge and capacity for care. He became the Canine Enrichment Specialist quickly and basically redesigned the entire role from the ground up, allowing us to finally provide enrichment for the dogs, who desperately needed it. Alex is passionate and devoted and one of the greatest humans I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I learned as much, if not more, from him than I think I could have ever taught him.
Alex has a gift with dogs. Every dog loves him and he loves them back. He takes extra time and attention to care for them and they respond! Alex is strong enough to handle the big dogs, has energy for the playful ones, and lots of pats and scratches for all. His work as a dog enrichment specialist really shows in his creative engagement.
About Alex D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I am committed to a fear free approach, and do not participate in or condone the use of aversive tools like prong and shock collars. I will work with your dog in a safe and controlled way to keep both myself and your dog happy and thriving. I prefer to build trust with a dog slowly, rather than trying to rush the dog to feel comfortable, and approach every dog as an individual with their own interests and levels of comfort. Happy to do neighborhood walks or trips to the park to keep your dog happy and stimulated.
Information Alex D. would like to know about your pet
I am happy to work with dogs that may present challenges, and I am comfortable working with large to extra large breeds as I have a 110 pound dog of my own, however if they are any bigger than that I likely can't do park trips due to the size of my vehicle. If the dog has behavior issues such as jumpiness, mouthiness, fear, or reactivity, I am still happy to work with them, but would like to know before hand so I can set them up for success.
A typical day
I have a lot of experience in dog enrichment and a good stock of tools at my disposal, from sensory enrichment like calming sprays on blankets to problem solving games like puzzles. I have lots of energy myself, so I'm not afraid to try different things to find what works best for your dog, whether it's tug, flirt poles, nose work games, fetch, or anything in-between!
Services
Alex can watch in your home
Availability
I'm currently working towards getting a dog training certification, which leaves lots of room in my schedule to work with more dogs in my free time. I have two dogs and a cat of my own, so I can't do in house sitting or overnights often, but I do my best to accommodate when I can.
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About Alex D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I am committed to a fear free approach, and do not participate in or condone the use of aversive tools like prong and shock collars. I will work with your dog in a safe and controlled way to keep both myself and your dog happy and thriving. I prefer to build trust with a dog slowly, rather than trying to rush the dog to feel comfortable, and approach every dog as an individual with their own interests and levels of comfort. Happy to do neighborhood walks or trips to the park to keep your dog happy and stimulated.
Information Alex D. would like to know about your pet
I am happy to work with dogs that may present challenges, and I am comfortable working with large to extra large breeds as I have a 110 pound dog of my own, however if they are any bigger than that I likely can't do park trips due to the size of my vehicle. If the dog has behavior issues such as jumpiness, mouthiness, fear, or reactivity, I am still happy to work with them, but would like to know before hand so I can set them up for success.
A typical day
I have a lot of experience in dog enrichment and a good stock of tools at my disposal, from sensory enrichment like calming sprays on blankets to problem solving games like puzzles. I have lots of energy myself, so I'm not afraid to try different things to find what works best for your dog, whether it's tug, flirt poles, nose work games, fetch, or anything in-between!
Location
Richmond, VA
Pets
Alex D.
Richmond, VA