Brad B.
Elkhorn, NE
Playtime in fenced .5 acre yard!
Pet care experience
Initially had the pleasure of a female runt rescue beagle named Snickers for 12 years. Beagles don't listen, but I was able to successfully get her to sit, stay, etc when in yard or house. Off-leash was not an option. I can help your dog learn to sit/stay/settle/drop/fetch, etc...but don't expect miracles based on breeds. Not comfortable with dogs that weigh more than I do unless we do a meet and greet to ensure they are responsive and not creating any physical situations I cannot handle. Training our 80 lb boxer mix has been an exercise in patience, lots of bacon, and a strong will. Dogs that are chewers (furniture, stuffed animals, wood, rocks, etc)...please bring toys to satiate the need for jaw exercise. Dogs are not allowed on furniture inside, but are allowed on patio furniture outside (shade and a mesh surface during the day keeps them cool). I tune pianos so have a flexible schedule to accommodate dropoff/pickup times. Currently looking for dropoff/pickup at my house. I do have two children (ages 6 and 9) that require pickup/dropoff at school, camp, baseball, etc...but also have a spouse that helps with this to keep schedules open as well. I have a fully fenced yard on a half acre. Currently have an 18 month old 80 lb Boxer mix who loves to play and would love some company. Kids do great with the dog and our puppy is well socialized (6 year old often sleeps with him on an overstuffed beanbag). Able to provide food/water/potty/play breaks as needed. Plenty of room to run, play, nap, etc. Flat lot ranch so mobility issues for dogs going in/out is not a problem. Not accepting dogs who aren't house/potty trained - new carpet just got installed. :) About me: 40 years old, married, 2 boys. USMC veteran, dabble in IT support and piano tuning for careers along with caring for dogs. Half acre lot with fully fenced yard, sprinklers, etc. Nothing toxic to dogs in my yard, and I do have a garden so appreciate anything in my yard that will patrol for rabbits. :)
Reviews
Brad did an amazing job watching my 2 Bostons over a long weekend. They got plenty of exercise playing with his own dog and were treated like family. Brad also sent lots of photos and videos which I really appreciated. If my dogs could talk they’d say they can’t wait to go back!
My dog was tired and happy when I picked her up. Brad was incredibly easy to work with and sent me updates throughout the stay.
My Irish wolf hound Cosmo had a great weekend with Brad and his family! Brad took such good care of Cosmo!
Fabulous safe and friendly! Last min available and immediate response. Very great with our energetic puppy.
About Brad B.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have a fenced yard that is secure for most dogs larger than 5 lbs, although chihuahuas and those of their size are welcome as they help me find holes where rabbits can get in...and we do a test visit to check off leash yard behavior. I do my best to put worrying about your pet's whereabouts to rest by keeping the fence as secure as possible. In the house we have young kids, so random breakable/expensive/sharp objects have been broken already...likelihood of dog knocking something over that could hurt doggos physically or our sentimental/pocket value is low. If restricted med/diet routines are needed, I am happy to review care levels to determine best options for your dog while in an environment with other dogs and family members (we don't feed table scraps during dinner, so no worries about an allergy from kid sneaking attention to dogs without knowing).
Home
Information Brad B. would like to know about your pet
How does your dog interact with humans? Agression/preference towards male/female? Has the dog been socialized with people, dogs, etc? How does the dog communicate when they need something (barking, whimpering, pawing at things, etc - example...my dog taps his paws at the back door to indicate he wants to go outside)? Any special needs (mobility, meds, health issues, etc)? Must be potty trained. Demeanor - is the dog alpha, submissive, easygoing, hyper, lazy, etc? Tendencies/quirks (what do I need to watch for) - does the dog bolt when seeing animals on walks? Does the dog ninja vomit/chew/eat/combo? Dietary/treat preference Training - what commands does the dog know, what do they follow reliably, and what do they need to work on?
A typical day
Depending on overnight or dropoff, we can customize. Normal day for overnight is wake up around 0730, potty, breakfast, chew toy (clean out teeth a bit). Playtime from whenever convenient til lunch. My aim is to wear the active dogs down, as mine loves to play, but will respect old crotchety dog boundaries (references if needed!). Hot days = plenty of water and shade/indoor breaks (dep on dog types). 60-75 degree days with a slight breeze = dogs and myself out all day with beverages as needed. Cold days = mostly inside play except the mini polar bear breeds (you know who you are). Lunch at 1200-1300 (dep on schedule), followed by potty break. Tug/chew/play sessions after post-lunch nap. Walks/exploration as needed/weather permitting. Close to a walking trail, field, creek, and a small wetlands area. We have towels and a cleaning area/deep sink if/when mud makes an appearance on the doggos.
Services
Brad can host
Availability
Depends on dog needs, really. I have a dog that can run the gamut from napping in the sun for a couple hours to chasing squirrels on the fenceline for what seems to be the same amount of time. I inspect my dog weekly for ear crud, nail integrity/level, etc. Daily for teeth...as he chews A LOT. As needed for noticing signs of stress or injury during play (licking, limb favoring/gait, etc). Monthly heartworm, flea, etc.
About Brad B.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have a fenced yard that is secure for most dogs larger than 5 lbs, although chihuahuas and those of their size are welcome as they help me find holes where rabbits can get in...and we do a test visit to check off leash yard behavior. I do my best to put worrying about your pet's whereabouts to rest by keeping the fence as secure as possible. In the house we have young kids, so random breakable/expensive/sharp objects have been broken already...likelihood of dog knocking something over that could hurt doggos physically or our sentimental/pocket value is low. If restricted med/diet routines are needed, I am happy to review care levels to determine best options for your dog while in an environment with other dogs and family members (we don't feed table scraps during dinner, so no worries about an allergy from kid sneaking attention to dogs without knowing).
Home
Information Brad B. would like to know about your pet
How does your dog interact with humans? Agression/preference towards male/female? Has the dog been socialized with people, dogs, etc? How does the dog communicate when they need something (barking, whimpering, pawing at things, etc - example...my dog taps his paws at the back door to indicate he wants to go outside)? Any special needs (mobility, meds, health issues, etc)? Must be potty trained. Demeanor - is the dog alpha, submissive, easygoing, hyper, lazy, etc? Tendencies/quirks (what do I need to watch for) - does the dog bolt when seeing animals on walks? Does the dog ninja vomit/chew/eat/combo? Dietary/treat preference Training - what commands does the dog know, what do they follow reliably, and what do they need to work on?
A typical day
Depending on overnight or dropoff, we can customize. Normal day for overnight is wake up around 0730, potty, breakfast, chew toy (clean out teeth a bit). Playtime from whenever convenient til lunch. My aim is to wear the active dogs down, as mine loves to play, but will respect old crotchety dog boundaries (references if needed!). Hot days = plenty of water and shade/indoor breaks (dep on dog types). 60-75 degree days with a slight breeze = dogs and myself out all day with beverages as needed. Cold days = mostly inside play except the mini polar bear breeds (you know who you are). Lunch at 1200-1300 (dep on schedule), followed by potty break. Tug/chew/play sessions after post-lunch nap. Walks/exploration as needed/weather permitting. Close to a walking trail, field, creek, and a small wetlands area. We have towels and a cleaning area/deep sink if/when mud makes an appearance on the doggos.
Location
Elkhorn, NE
Pets
Brad B.
Elkhorn, NE