Barb K.
Blaine, WA
Behavioral Boarding Solutions
Pet care experience
Nip/bite history, reactive, anxious/nervous, high energy, lack of social skills or other challenges? Would you like help jumpstarting behavior rehabiliation? Hi, I’m a certified, knowledgeable, long-time dog professional; I specialize in anxiety, fear, aggression etc and provide therapeutic overnight care in my home. We're located 10+ minutes east of Blaine on a fully fenced 22+ acre property that includes a spacious rancher, 1/2 acre enclosed back yard, large front field & 10 acres of peaceful, picturesque forest with trails throughout. Guests enjoy the confidence building, anxiety-reducing benefits of exercising, exploring & socializing in the fresh air with new/old friends in a large, diverse area for 1-2hrs, 1-2X/day – truly dog heaven! I gained the knowledge, experience & confidence for successfully introducing, integrating & rehabilitating a variety of breeds with significant behavior issues from many years of client consults & fostering many difficult cases for AHS. I incorporate calm, consistent leadership & communication, lots of exercise, rules/limits & reward (treats, praise, touch/massage). I'm skilled at reading subtle cues/body language, preventing and/or redirecting escalating behaviors & nurturing a relaxed and balanced state in dogs - regardless of the behavior or trigger. I show clients how to do the same, how to recognize and address issues early on, before they become problematic. I have a step by step process for introducing even the socially challenged/inexperienced and love watching it all unfold as guests meet & move with the pack, exploring the field & woods with plenty of space for all to feel comfortable - it makes for many heartwarming moments captured on daily picture/video updates! Our own much loved crew Yuba, Benny & Cora are a friendly, fun-loving bunch who know how/when to role model calm & good behavior, initiate play and/or give space to those who need it. Whether your dog has issues, high energy or you'd just love for them to have top quality, personalized care with lots of exercise and socialization, this may be the perfect fit! All breeds, ages, energy levels welcome. Ideal guests are in good/excellent health (Rx free), housetrained, spayed/neutered and able to exercise (at their own pace) minimum 2hrs/day. I don't mind feeding a custom diet (raw etc) or health supplements. $90/night for 1st time guests with a history of dog aggression (I don't book other guests simultaneously), includes a 1-2 hr consult at pickup. Regular rates ($70/night) for all non dog-aggressive guests. The property is also available as a private use, off-leash play area for dogs via Sniffspot (1 hr - $15/dog, 50% off for each additional dog) **PLEASE NOTE** Rover charges an additional 5-7% of booking total, not to exceed $25
Reviews
Barb is the best. We thought our dog-phobic covid baby GSD was off to boot camp for how to behave around other dogs. It turned out to be a resort vacation for her, and I think she was a bit sad to come home! She made many impressive gains while there, which have carried over to real life at home. While our dog’s behaviour is still a work in progress, it is abundantly clear that it is us that need the training, not her. Maybe the whole family should board with Barb for a week LOL!
Our dog, Marty, is very comfortable with Barb and so are we. We can tell Marty is happy while we're gone because of the care Barb gives him. Marty's love language is action, and he gets a lot of action with Barb by the outdoor time he gets with her. I love getting the videos from Barb daily, too. It helps me when I'm away.
Such a help. We have a rambunctious puppy who needs training and when we were out of town it was great to have someone not just take care of our pup but help continue her education. Would highly reccomend
I had trouble finding somebody to watch my dog when I travel because my girl is scared and reactive towards strangers. My options were scary metal caged up boarding facilities where she would have to go to the bathroom in her own kennel, or crazy expensive private suites that fill up a year in advance. Then I found Barb and I couldn’t be happier. She’s fantastic with all types of dogs. She was patient with my dog and earned her trust faster than I’d ever seen. I can finally travel again and know my girl is in the best care. Barb sends me frequent updates and my pup adores her! Barb has helped her open up to new people and has taught me so much about owning a reactive dog. I’m forever grateful to Barb and would highly recommend her!
About Barb K.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I prefer to prevent problems from arising so I pay attention to and stay tuned into the state and the needs of all the dogs here
Home
Information Barb K. would like to know about your pet
I prefer a prior meet & greet and appreciate full disclosure of nip/bite history, resource guarding etc.; that way I can be prepared for potential safety issues, ready to turn these challenges into teaching moments - Our furniture is by invite, including for our own dogs.
A typical day
Guests enjoy a predictable daily routine that includes a 1-2 hr property walk 1-2x/day. In between they nap, eat, play, train, chase tennis balls and/or frisbees, hang out indoors or explore the large backyard. At night all dogs sleep in the main living area. I have extra pet beds, dishes and treats so these are optional - food is the only required item.
Services
Barb can host
Availability
I stay at home all day, everyday when I have guest dogs so that they can enjoy the care, safety and supervision that they deserve.
About Barb K.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I prefer to prevent problems from arising so I pay attention to and stay tuned into the state and the needs of all the dogs here
Home
Information Barb K. would like to know about your pet
I prefer a prior meet & greet and appreciate full disclosure of nip/bite history, resource guarding etc.; that way I can be prepared for potential safety issues, ready to turn these challenges into teaching moments - Our furniture is by invite, including for our own dogs.
A typical day
Guests enjoy a predictable daily routine that includes a 1-2 hr property walk 1-2x/day. In between they nap, eat, play, train, chase tennis balls and/or frisbees, hang out indoors or explore the large backyard. At night all dogs sleep in the main living area. I have extra pet beds, dishes and treats so these are optional - food is the only required item.
Location
Blaine, WA
Pets
Barb K.
Blaine, WA