alison k.
Westville, CT
Dog Loving PhD Student
Pet care experience
I know that finding someone to care for your dog can be a struggle, and the last thing you need when traveling is to worry if your dog is safe and happy. I'm currently offering dog and house sitting and dog walking. You can be assured that your dog will get the VIP treatment and all the attention they deserve! I can currently only accept dog and house sitting if I can bring my very well trained standard poodle Marrón, who is an emotional support animal and service dog in training. He gets along well with most dogs and cats and we will of course do a meet and greet first to confirm compatibility. The ideal fit for my services are: - puppies under 6 months of any gender - Females who are dog friendly of any age (they don't have to like to play, just need to be tolerant of other dogs with no dog aggression). One exception *no females in heat* - Males above 4 years old who are laid back and good with other males and puppies. (While my dog Marrón is friendly with almost every dog, I've found that energy levels and high hormones make it a bit of a challenge to have 2 teenage male dogs in the same house.) - I prefer dogs who are comfortable in a crate, pen, or gated room for a limited time. I try to limit the time that dogs are in crates, but when there are multiple dogs in the house it is sometimes necessary to crate one or both dogs to help them chill after intense play or for feedings. My space is not ideal for dogs who are very uncomfortable or anxious about being behind a gate in another room or in a crate. I have been pet sitting for 15+ years, and I grew up with dogs in the family since before I was born. Dogs continuously amaze me with their intelligence and affection and I aim to return all of the love they give to us. I have studied dog behavior and training and use science-based positive reinforcement methods only. My goal is to help dogs and humans work as a team. I am comfortable with a wide range of dogs, from puppy to full-grown, small to large, and all breeds. While pet sitting or dog walking, I can help give your dogs the socialization and exercise they need, making sure they work their brains as well as their bodies. I am also happy to support any obedience and habit training that you are working on. I know that a well-exercised puppy or dog is a happy puppy/dog, and so I'm here to help you and your dog be as happy as possible together I grew up with standard poodles and currently have a 2-year-old male standard poodle named Marrón who I raised from a puppy. He is very high-energy and social. He participates in agility, scent work, and is training for various service tasks, as well as other tricks and things we do to keep his brain busy. These super-intelligent pooches *trained me* on how to respect and work with pups to help them be happy and well-adjusted. I understand that each dog is a unique individual, and I love learning the quirks and needs of each dog. All potential clients must set up a meet and greet to ensure that my dog Marrón and your pooch get along. He is high-energy and very social, so dogs who do not get along with other dogs would not be a good match. I do separate the dogs periodically throughout the day for downtime and feeding, but want to ensure that all dogs are comfortable and happy co-existing in the home together. (Please note: My doggie daycare price is for a standard 8-hour work day. For half days or extended hours longer than 8 hours, we will adjust the price accordingly).
Reviews
Alison kept our 2.5yo dog for 6 days and we have nothing but great things to say about the experience. She was very accommodating to our schedules, communicative throughout the stay - including daily updates with photos and videos, and had all the right instincts about how to make sure our dog would have a fun and safe time with her dog and other dogs that she watches. We will absolutely be back. Thank you, Alison!
Alison took care of my rescue dog for three days. I love my dog, but she can be anxious, especially when separated from her people. Well, Alison was amazing. She did some training exercises with my dog, walked her several times a day, got her doggie playdates and more. I can't recommend her services enough. She is calm and patient with pups. She meets them where they are and cares for them like they are her own.
Allison has taken care of Angus many times I never worry about my pooch when he is with her She is a true dog person with a lifetime of "doggie experience" She is great about sending pics while I'm away
My foster puppy had a wonderful time with Alison - she was consistent, patient, and responsible with following up. Thank you, Alison!!
About alison k.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Your dog will be treated like a member of my family. I do my best to help dogs feel comfortable and like to know what rules and routines they are used to at home, so I can provide that here. I will provide the appropriate walks, exercise, and activities for your pup. Marrón is very active so we go on at least 2 long walks a day, and often a hike in the Eno at least once a week. I also try to take him to safe fenced-in areas where he can run, such as a school playground on the weekend. We don't do dog parks as I find them too unpredictable, so I try to find safe alternative fenced-in areas that are dog friendly. See my description of a "typical day" for what that can look like. I live in a duplex, so while my house is not huge, it is set up for maximum dog fun and safety. I can gate off each room to give dogs their own space, and I tend to do so periodically during the day to give them breaks from playing and to let them eat and nap in peace. (For example, my poodle Marrón sometimes needs some alone time in order to transition from playtime to chill time. Often younger puppies will keep asking for more play, even when they're tired) I have a fenced-in backyard which we use as a play space and for potty breaks. Dogs are never left out there unattended as I don't like leave dogs outside without human supervision. I do not take more than 2 dogs at a time, and only when I know that they will get along. So your dog will get lots of attention. If your dog is crate trained I can set your crate up in my house in my bedroom or in my living room, based on your preference. I also have two crates that I can set up for your dog if they are comfortable in crates other than their own.
Home
Information alison k. would like to know about your pet
Are you working on any training, habit-building, or behavior issues? What are your dog's favorite activities, toys, and treats? How is your dog with other dogs and animals? For the safety of your pet and myself, I will need to know if your dog has any issues with leash walking, other animals, aggression, anxiety, or medical conditions. Does your dog have any allergies? For boarders: I have a 2-year-old standard poodle named Marrón, who is VERY social and rambunctious playmate. Any potential boarders must set up a meet and greet to ensure that Marrón and your pooch get along. Note: He is an intact male, so no females in heat (or at risk for going into heat while with us, and no dogs with known past negative reactions to intact males.
A typical day
(This schedule can of course be adjusted, especially for puppies who need more sleep, potty, and play breaks) On a typical day - I wake up around 6 am - Dogs are let into the backyard for a potty break - After I make coffee we go on a long 1-3 mile walk where pups get to sniff, and perhaps run and play in a safely fenced-in area, like our neighborhood tennis court. - Breakfast time - Then it's chill/nap time while I work. Dogs are free to nap in their beds, crates, or on my couch. If needed, I separate dogs so that they get quality rest and aren't tempted to play all day. If possible, I like to give dogs chews or calm enrichment (like kongs) to help them settle. - Midday we will have a walk or play session - Afternoon rest - Late afternoon we head out for play, training, or a walk. I try to make it to hike on the Eno a few times a week and/or get to a fenced-in area like a school playground after hours where dogs can run and play. If your dog is social and loves to play, they can join Marrón in his afternoon/evening play sessions with his best friends Angus the gentle giant Newfoundland and Bayla the sweet pit mix. If your dog is not into playing, I can take them on a solo or joint walk with Marrón, play fetch, or whatever else they like. - Home for dinner - Time to chill and get to sleep We also play in our fenced-in yard throughout the day. If your pup is this active they will join us for all, or as much activity as is appropriate for them. If needed, I can do separate walks and activities with your dog. I also like to work dogs' brains as much as their bodies, so we play training games that get them thinking, I use enrichment toys for food, and overall try to find a balance between exercise and high-energy play, and chilling at home.
Services
alison can host
alison can watch in your home
Availability
As a PhD student, I have a fairly flexible schedule, so I can adjust my schedule around the dogs in my care. I can board 1-2 dogs at my place both for overnight and for daytime "doggie day care." While I am home most of the day, I do sometimes leave for a couple of hours, so dogs need to be comfortable being left alone for brief periods of time, whether in the house or in a crate.
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About alison k.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Your dog will be treated like a member of my family. I do my best to help dogs feel comfortable and like to know what rules and routines they are used to at home, so I can provide that here. I will provide the appropriate walks, exercise, and activities for your pup. Marrón is very active so we go on at least 2 long walks a day, and often a hike in the Eno at least once a week. I also try to take him to safe fenced-in areas where he can run, such as a school playground on the weekend. We don't do dog parks as I find them too unpredictable, so I try to find safe alternative fenced-in areas that are dog friendly. See my description of a "typical day" for what that can look like. I live in a duplex, so while my house is not huge, it is set up for maximum dog fun and safety. I can gate off each room to give dogs their own space, and I tend to do so periodically during the day to give them breaks from playing and to let them eat and nap in peace. (For example, my poodle Marrón sometimes needs some alone time in order to transition from playtime to chill time. Often younger puppies will keep asking for more play, even when they're tired) I have a fenced-in backyard which we use as a play space and for potty breaks. Dogs are never left out there unattended as I don't like leave dogs outside without human supervision. I do not take more than 2 dogs at a time, and only when I know that they will get along. So your dog will get lots of attention. If your dog is crate trained I can set your crate up in my house in my bedroom or in my living room, based on your preference. I also have two crates that I can set up for your dog if they are comfortable in crates other than their own.
Home
Information alison k. would like to know about your pet
Are you working on any training, habit-building, or behavior issues? What are your dog's favorite activities, toys, and treats? How is your dog with other dogs and animals? For the safety of your pet and myself, I will need to know if your dog has any issues with leash walking, other animals, aggression, anxiety, or medical conditions. Does your dog have any allergies? For boarders: I have a 2-year-old standard poodle named Marrón, who is VERY social and rambunctious playmate. Any potential boarders must set up a meet and greet to ensure that Marrón and your pooch get along. Note: He is an intact male, so no females in heat (or at risk for going into heat while with us, and no dogs with known past negative reactions to intact males.
A typical day
(This schedule can of course be adjusted, especially for puppies who need more sleep, potty, and play breaks) On a typical day - I wake up around 6 am - Dogs are let into the backyard for a potty break - After I make coffee we go on a long 1-3 mile walk where pups get to sniff, and perhaps run and play in a safely fenced-in area, like our neighborhood tennis court. - Breakfast time - Then it's chill/nap time while I work. Dogs are free to nap in their beds, crates, or on my couch. If needed, I separate dogs so that they get quality rest and aren't tempted to play all day. If possible, I like to give dogs chews or calm enrichment (like kongs) to help them settle. - Midday we will have a walk or play session - Afternoon rest - Late afternoon we head out for play, training, or a walk. I try to make it to hike on the Eno a few times a week and/or get to a fenced-in area like a school playground after hours where dogs can run and play. If your dog is social and loves to play, they can join Marrón in his afternoon/evening play sessions with his best friends Angus the gentle giant Newfoundland and Bayla the sweet pit mix. If your dog is not into playing, I can take them on a solo or joint walk with Marrón, play fetch, or whatever else they like. - Home for dinner - Time to chill and get to sleep We also play in our fenced-in yard throughout the day. If your pup is this active they will join us for all, or as much activity as is appropriate for them. If needed, I can do separate walks and activities with your dog. I also like to work dogs' brains as much as their bodies, so we play training games that get them thinking, I use enrichment toys for food, and overall try to find a balance between exercise and high-energy play, and chilling at home.
Location
Durham, CT
Pets
alison k.
Westville, CT