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Alyssa K.

Portage, MI

5.0 out of 5 stars
•7 reviews
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Top notch care for your best friend

Pet care experience

I have 2 Border Collies. I really enjoy including them in my balance of work, play and love. I currently work at a local dog daycare and have been there since April 2016. I am trained in understanding and interpreting dog body language, facial cues, behavior, emotions and more. I manage large groups of dogs [up to 30] at a time. I am responsible for providing a safe, clean and fun environment for them. I have previously worked at a local dog daycare/kennel-free boarding facility. I worked weekends and overnights for a couple of years. At this facility the dogs got to play all day and get cozy in the bed, cuddled right next to me at night. That takes a large amount of background knowledge in managing dog behavior and temperament, [including resource guarding, changes in demeanor, emotion regulation, etc.]. I have been a dog walker and dog/cat sitter since July 2017. I have experience with managing impulse control and leash reactivity. I know the local parks and trails well, which will help me plan if your dog has these issues. I have a couple of clients that I helped train and raise from puppies. Our connection is so important to me. If your dog fits well with my pack, I may open up my home to pet sit and will always treat your animals like my own. I love taking the time to understand and meet each dogs’ wants/needs. I have experience with dog training [service dog training, trick training, sports and obedience]. I have previous experience with a long term board and train client. However, I mostly train for fun and mental stimulation now. I feel that mental stimulation is just as important as physical. I have dabbled in several dog sports [disc, agility, dock diving, freestyle, hearding, etc.] and have even competed with some of my clients’ dogs because they love it so much. I absolutely love trick training with my dogs, playing games and watching their brains work. We also walk or hike together daily. I have experience with grooming dogs and administering medication. I have loved animals since I was little and have had dogs, cats and a rat throughout my life. I’ve always felt so much connection between myself and the animals I’m around.

Reviews

Cristian K.
Drop-In Visits • Apr 03, 2024
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We can definitely recommend Alyssa. We had a call to meet before and she was very helpful in taking good care of our dog while we were away.

Shannon V.
Mar 10, 2024

I have known Alyssa for 7 years. I met her when I started working at the dog daycare where we are both still employed. She was a big part of my training there and I learned a lot from her. I immediately saw her strengths when working with large groups of dogs. She possesses a great balance of structure and playfulness that works to fit the needs of any dog. She is attentive and aware of the various needs of the dogs on any given day, which changes frequently. She is flexible and knowledgeable within this setting. One of her biggest strengths is her ability to bond with any dog. She works hard to figure out what each dog needs so they can be successful in a sometimes overwhelming environment. Over the years I have witnessed her care for many different dogs in her home, as well as the pet owner home. She makes sure to understand what each pet owner wants for their dog , and then works hard to give them the same treatment. Alyssa provides a perfect mix of physical and mental stimulation for every dog. She is wonderful at trick training and makes each walk a new and exciting experience; whether that is with new places or making the same place feel like new. Her walks blend exercise and exploration with finding and sniffing games. She is sure to provide each client with amazing photos of their pups adventures, which also helps dogs learn patience and the ability to wait and calm their minds. In addition, Alyssa works well with reactive dogs, by helping them be able to have the same fun experience on walks without becoming too over stimulated. She consistently uses effective training tools to meet their goals. Alyssa is the only person I completely trust with my own dog. She has health issues and deals with significant separation anxiety from me. I can trust that when I’m gone she is getting everything she needs. Alyssa works hard to keep her calm when I’m away. She is always looking for new ways to make the situation better when my dog is unsettled. I highly recommend Alyssa for the needs of any pet. You will feel content knowing your best friend is in her care.

Shelby S.
Drop-In Visits • Mar 01, 2024
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Alyssa consistently went above and beyond to ensure that my dog felt comfortable and happy while I was gone for a week. She taught her new tricks, sent plenty of pictures, and was incredibly flexible with the scheduled stop-ins. I would definitely recommend her and will be a repeat customer for sure. Thanks, Alyssa!

Brandon T.
Feb 27, 2024

Alyssa has been watching my dog since he was three months old, and now he is almost seven. I found her at a local doggy day care when I needed drop in visits for my puppy when I was at work, and she has been helping me ever since. No words can thank her for everything she has done for my dog and me. She has done drop in visits, taken my dog to and from doggy daycare when I have been unable to, and he has had multiple overnight stays with her when I have been out of town. She even took time off from work to take my dog to the vet when I was unable to after he was diagnosed with cancer. I always feel safe when he is with her. She has taught him multiple tricks and is an excellent trainer. He loves her and her dogs and can’t wait to see them. He always comes home tired from all the play he gets with them. Alyssa has been a blessing for my dog and I could not recommend anyone more than her.

About Alyssa K.

Communication

100% response rate
Usually responds in within a few hours
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

8 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

I have experience with animals of all ages and breeds. I do not discriminate but I will temperament test to assess the fit and connection between myself [my dogs, if they will spend time together] and your animals. I would appreciate your honesty and feedback about any and all possible issues, so we can move forward with safety. I have crates in my home for down time and/or emergencies.

Information Alyssa K. would like to know about your pet

I have experience with deaf, blind, three legged dogs, dogs with mobility issues and restrictions, and more. Please let me know if your dog has special medication, a collapsed trachea, any reactivity or aggression, prey drive or allergies for treats, so we can move forward with safety. Please also let me know what your dog needs vs. what your dog wants. Sometimes those two things can be very different.

A typical day

I find it important to assess your dog’s wants and needs and how I can incorporate that into our time together. I walk my dogs daily and love to include the dogs I’m caring for. I really enjoy balancing physical and mental stimulation for your dog. I love to do trail walks while letting them smell around, climb on fallen trees, play with sticks and practice recall. I have Nylabones, slow feeders, Kongs that can also stimulate their brain. Sometimes I will practice trick training with my client dogs and ‘find it’ games to allow their brains to work with reward. This will also help to build a bond between us. I also encourage some down time and independence to give your dog balance and peace of mind in a new place.

Services

Drop-In Visits
visits in your home
$17per visit
Dog Walking
in your neighborhood
$20per walk

Alyssa can watch in your home

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs

Availability

I work from noon - 6:30pm, M - F. I have morning, evening and weekend availability. I would love to include dogs that fit into my schedule.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Calendar last updated 7 days ago
Dog Walking Cancellation Policy:

About Alyssa K.

Communication

100% response rate
Usually responds in within a few hours
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

8 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

I have experience with animals of all ages and breeds. I do not discriminate but I will temperament test to assess the fit and connection between myself [my dogs, if they will spend time together] and your animals. I would appreciate your honesty and feedback about any and all possible issues, so we can move forward with safety. I have crates in my home for down time and/or emergencies.

Information Alyssa K. would like to know about your pet

I have experience with deaf, blind, three legged dogs, dogs with mobility issues and restrictions, and more. Please let me know if your dog has special medication, a collapsed trachea, any reactivity or aggression, prey drive or allergies for treats, so we can move forward with safety. Please also let me know what your dog needs vs. what your dog wants. Sometimes those two things can be very different.

A typical day

I find it important to assess your dog’s wants and needs and how I can incorporate that into our time together. I walk my dogs daily and love to include the dogs I’m caring for. I really enjoy balancing physical and mental stimulation for your dog. I love to do trail walks while letting them smell around, climb on fallen trees, play with sticks and practice recall. I have Nylabones, slow feeders, Kongs that can also stimulate their brain. Sometimes I will practice trick training with my client dogs and ‘find it’ games to allow their brains to work with reward. This will also help to build a bond between us. I also encourage some down time and independence to give your dog balance and peace of mind in a new place.

Location

Portage, MI

Alyssa K.'s Neighborhood

Pets

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Alyssa K.

Portage, MI

5.0 out of 5 stars
•7 reviews