April & Austin E.
Maple Grove, MN
Services
Prices may vary based on your selections. A booking fee of 11% will apply.
April & Austin can host
April & Austin can care for
Availability
I leave the house to do walks most days but my husband is currently working in a home office just adjacent to the living room where the dogs hang out so they are rarely kenneled and left.
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About April & Austin E.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I'm trained in fear-free handling but am also consistent in requiring good manners from the dogs I work with. For dogs I walk, if they are large and or pull I require a gentle leader or easy walk harness for safety (I have a couple of easy walk harnesses I'm happy to provide). Since my husband started working from home we've acquired vibrate-only bark collars that we use for boarders and daycare dogs when having trouble keeping the noise down, so far none of our dogs have had a problem with them. When I am gone on a walk, if a pet is having a really hard time not barking incessantly, it is possible they'll be taken down to the downstairs kennel until I return. Otherwise, everyone hangs out within earshot of my Husband's office when I'm away. When no one is home or we are asleep everyone is separated and kenneled for safety.
Home
Information April & Austin E. would like to know about your pet
I need to know if your dog has ever shown any aggression and what the circumstances were in order to keep everyone safe. Because we board multiple dogs at a time they need to be tolerant of others. I would also like to know about potty training abilities and any possessive tendencies. We have been doing this since 2016 and now that my foster pit bull is gone we are trying to create a safe place that specializes in small dogs. Our favorites are usually under 25lbs, can't jump the fence, and are able to do the deck stairs (and yes I am a huge mush for the fluffy toy lap breeds! :)) We've found our small dogs are generally more comfortable without large dogs around but I am happy to walk or drop in on large breeds.
A typical day
The dogs love the big fenced backyard, they enjoy sniffing around out there and we're happy to let them spend time out there between baby's naps. They also enjoy socializing with the neighbor dogs through the fence. We have the living room/kitchen fenced and keep the dogs in this area. I usually hang out with the pack when I'm home, playing, cuddling, watching tv, or reading when I'm not busy with my son in his room. My husband and I are always willing to play tug and fetch with those interested. We have a dog toy bin full of chews, treat toys, and plushes and we usually offer cow's ears for enrichment. Everyone loves the sofa sectional, it provides snuggly seating. I have learned quite a few training tricks from behaviorists and enjoy working on manners with plenty of positive reinforcement and parent-approved treats.
Location
Maple Grove, MN
April & Austin E. have Star Sitter status
The Star Sitter program highlights responsive sitters who deliver highly rated care and have a history of listing accurate availability and preferences, making it easier for pet parents to find the best care for their pets.
Calm easy dogs only right now :)
Pet care experience
Update: We now have a preschooler! Our little boy is keeping us on our toes! He’s my best little helper and joins me in all dog care activities ❤️. It's a balancing act to keep up with him and the dogs so we're having to continue to be selective about the pups we have. We apologize to some of our old regulars but this new arrangement means we will no longer be able to accommodate our friends that are noisy in their kennels during the night. Back to the regular profile info :) I found myself here because of my foster dog Bradley in 2016. He was terrified of people but loved dogs. This was my way of getting more dogs in his life and I fell in love with it. My passion for dogs keeps me going. Dogs provide for me a deep emotional connection and a desire to understand them better. I am fascinated with current research on dog behavior and the canine-human bond and what we have yet to discover about its potential. Educated as a biologist, I want to understand everything I can about them. I strive to use positive reinforcement and unconditional love but we also believe in having boundaries and rules. I did a lot of work with shy fearful dogs at the humane society and found it extremely rewarding. Their capacity to forgive and trust in us is mind-blowing. I am now a new mom and Rover is an opportunity to care for dogs and my son simultaneously. Thank you for being a part of my journey I look forward to working with your dog(s)!
Reviews
April, Austin and Logan took the best care of our little doggie! We got constant photos, video and updates which was a great thing for us new pet parents. Charlie had fun playing with all the cool toys and making friends with other dogs. 10/10 would recommend and will work with again!
April is caring and attentive! Always double checks things and I know Elmo is in good hands!
A great team!
My dog Elmo absolutely adores April and her son when they come to walk him! April is very knowledgeable about dogs and always does a great job!
About April & Austin E.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I'm trained in fear-free handling but am also consistent in requiring good manners from the dogs I work with. For dogs I walk, if they are large and or pull I require a gentle leader or easy walk harness for safety (I have a couple of easy walk harnesses I'm happy to provide). Since my husband started working from home we've acquired vibrate-only bark collars that we use for boarders and daycare dogs when having trouble keeping the noise down, so far none of our dogs have had a problem with them. When I am gone on a walk, if a pet is having a really hard time not barking incessantly, it is possible they'll be taken down to the downstairs kennel until I return. Otherwise, everyone hangs out within earshot of my Husband's office when I'm away. When no one is home or we are asleep everyone is separated and kenneled for safety.
Home
Information April & Austin E. would like to know about your pet
I need to know if your dog has ever shown any aggression and what the circumstances were in order to keep everyone safe. Because we board multiple dogs at a time they need to be tolerant of others. I would also like to know about potty training abilities and any possessive tendencies. We have been doing this since 2016 and now that my foster pit bull is gone we are trying to create a safe place that specializes in small dogs. Our favorites are usually under 25lbs, can't jump the fence, and are able to do the deck stairs (and yes I am a huge mush for the fluffy toy lap breeds! :)) We've found our small dogs are generally more comfortable without large dogs around but I am happy to walk or drop in on large breeds.
A typical day
The dogs love the big fenced backyard, they enjoy sniffing around out there and we're happy to let them spend time out there between baby's naps. They also enjoy socializing with the neighbor dogs through the fence. We have the living room/kitchen fenced and keep the dogs in this area. I usually hang out with the pack when I'm home, playing, cuddling, watching tv, or reading when I'm not busy with my son in his room. My husband and I are always willing to play tug and fetch with those interested. We have a dog toy bin full of chews, treat toys, and plushes and we usually offer cow's ears for enrichment. Everyone loves the sofa sectional, it provides snuggly seating. I have learned quite a few training tricks from behaviorists and enjoy working on manners with plenty of positive reinforcement and parent-approved treats.
April & Austin E.
Maple Grove, MN