Charissa G.
Louisa, VA
Training Dogs and Their Owners
Pet care experience
Welcome to Poindexter Park! Teaching dogs & their humans how to live their best lives together. ⬇️Please click "Read More" to read through my profile. For more info & links, copy & paste this link into your browser: https://linktr.ee/PoindexterPark ⚠️Upcoming Closures⚠️ Currently we plan to be closed these approximate days for breaks of our own. Thank you for understanding! Approx April 1 - 17 Approx Aug 19-Sept 4 Sept 19-23 (dog training seminar) ————— 👋Hi! I’m Charissa, a lifelong animal lover and dog (& cat) mom, as well as a foster-dog-mom and trainer for Smiles Forever Animal Rescue located in nearby Gordonsville, VA. SAVE A LIFE: foster, adopt, volunteer, or donate! My true passion is to help dogs become a better version of themselves and make their owners’ lives easier & more fulfilling in the process. While your dogs are in my care, I work on basic manners using balanced training techniques (see below for more info). I also offer one-on-one, board-and-train, and add-on training services. Let me know how I can help you and your pup!! DOG (& PEOPLE) TRAINING: “Dog training” is only about 30% training the dog and 70% training their humans. Contact me or fill out my training inquiry form: https://linktr.ee/PoindexterPark - 🎒Add-on training during your dog’s stay (boarding/daycare) & go-home training for the humans. - 🧠Modified One-on-One drop-off training sessions. - 📞Owner coaching via Zoom/phone. - 🎓Board & Train (most effective option) 3 WEEKS: Basic commands & manners on & off-leash, including sit, down, place, heel, recall, automatic wait at thresholds and for food. Behavior modification as needed (ie. for jumping, excessive barking, pica, stealing, brattiness, reactivity, minor “aggression”, resource guarding etc.). And lots of much needed owner training (two 2 hour go-home sessions + unlimited follow-up sessions as needed). ❗️PLUS discounts on future boarding and daycare! ------------------------- DOG BOARDING & DOGGY DAY-CARE: - 🌳Large partially-shaded fenced-in yard that is divided into sections, so dogs are not forced to be with others. If dogs get along well through the fence, we may slowly introduce them for supervised playtime while keeping everyone's safety as our top concern. - 🥏Lots of supervised outdoor time (weather permitting) with my partner, Alex, and/or I playing/training/working with your pups. - 🛏Raised dog cots (for indoors & out) for comfy places to lay. - 🏊♀️Kiddie pools and splash pads to cool off in during warmer weather. - 🍎Work on good manners (impulse control, leash manners, calm coexistence, etc. - FYI: owners will also require training in order for the manners to continue at home). - 😴Pups usually sleep in spacious crates overnight. For dogs that are not already crate trained, I will work to get them accustomed to the crate. Most dogs will take to it very quickly when properly introduced. Other sleeping arrangements are made for those that can not be crated. Please let me know if this describes your dog. - ⚡️Whole house generator, so everyone is safe and comfortable, even during power outages. - 📲 I send occasional updates and/or photos during the stay, but feel free to check in every so often. Practically all my waking hours are spent caring for dogs, so updates are sent when I can (or when requested). COMING SOON: - 🚧Agility course/confidence building obstacles. ➖ GROOMING: (available as an add-on service during boarding or day-care only) - 💅Nails (dremel): $20 (more for really difficult dogs) - 💆De-shedding brush out: $20-$80 (based on dog size and time required) - 🛁Bath: $20-$50 (based on dog size and temperament) ➖
Reviews
Lilly had another great day in daycare!!
Another great stay - I highly recommend Charissa to any pet parent looking for a reliable and caring boarding service!
Another great day with her friends
Above and beyond always. Thank you!
About Charissa G.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
WHAT TO BRING FOR OVERNIGHTS: - Copy of recent Vaccinations (send a screenshot/photo or hard copy) - Collar (preferably with ID) - Leash (fixed length/non-retractable) - Food (bag/bin with name/feeding amounts — no need to pre-portion — bring extra!) - Medications/Supplements needed during stay with dose instructions (including flea/heartworm meds) OPTIONAL: - Blanket for the crate (crate beds are provided) - Treats (keep it minimal — don’t get carried away!) Please DO NOT bring the following: - Retractable leash - Bowls - Bed (except for older dogs who need the extra cushioning beyond what our crate beds provide) - Toys ➖ NEW CLIENTS: - 📆Please contact me to schedule a meet and greet before your first stay (if at all possible) so we can all get to know each other. - 💲Please note: there is a $10 per dog per night DEPOSIT for all new clients on their first overnight stay. The booking price will be adjusted, and the deposit will be listed under “cost adjustment”. The deposit is refunded upon pickup assuming all goes well. ------------------------- WEDDING-DOG WRANGLING SERVICES: 💒Getting married in central VA and want to include your dog on your Big Day? Take the responsibility off your family, friends, and bridal party so they can enjoy the day with you! Ask about our wedding packages, which may include the following: - 🚙Transportation to and from wedding venue. - 📸Assistance with photos to help capture all the smiling faces. - 🥂Dog handling/socializing before, during, and after ceremony, cocktail hour, and/or reception. - 🛁Pre-wedding grooming (bath/brush/nails). - 🦮Add-on manners training prior to wedding. - 🏠Boarding before and/or after the wedding. ------------------------- BALANCED TRAINING: ⚖️Balanced trainers (like myself) believe in teaching dogs both YES (do more of this) and NO (don’t do that), creating a more mentally balanced and calm dog who can make better choices instead of needing constant micro-management. We use lots of positive reinforcement (rewards: food/treats, toys, affections, verbal praise) in training to teach and reinforce desired behaviors (ie. leash manners, sit-stay, down-stay, place, recall), but positive reinforcement alone won’t stop unwanted or dangerous behaviors (ie. jumping, trash-diving/counter-surfing/eating inappropriate items, barking, nipping, reactivity, over excitement, etc.). There needs to be rules, consequences, and accountability to change such behaviors. 🛠TOOLS I USE: - CRATE: the crate is the safest place for dogs when they can’t be supervised (ie. at night). - “PLACE” COT/BED/MAT: adds structure, impulse control, and calmness when behavior is reinforced - LEASH: the most underrated dog training tool! When in my house, dogs are nearly always on short thin leashes (supervised) so I can have control at a moments’ notice. (HIGHLY recommended for anyone having trouble with your dog, especially puppies or new-to-you dogs) - PRONG COLLAR (Herm Sprenger brand): despite how prong collars look, when introduced and used properly, they are actually one of the best and SAFEST tools to use to better communicate with dogs, especially with fearful or over-excited dogs, and dogs that pull on leash. - REMOTE COLLAR (Ecollar Technologies Mini Educator): with 100 levels of stim, I find the lowest level that they can perceive (like a light tap on the shoulder) to effectively communicate with your dog from a distance. If you need help with training your dog, please reach out to discuss what options may be best for them and you. ➖ Please feel to ask any questions you may have!
Home
Information Charissa G. would like to know about your pet
- age, breed, & size of your pets - any special needs/medication/allergies - feeding/walking routine - temperament (likes/dislikes) - crate trained or not - obedience commands they know/learning - any other information you’d like to share!
A typical day
We spend most of our days outside (weather permitting). Dog-friendly dogs may have small group playtime (depending on group dynamics), and/or we will play/interact one-on-one so everyone gets their needs met (even dogs who don’t get along with others). We also work on basic manners (ie. leash manners, crate manners, waiting for food, waiting at doorways, and teaching independence).
Services
Charissa can host
Availability
HOURS: Drop-off/Pick-up windows (by appointment only): MON-Fri: 7:30-9:30am & 4:30-6:30pm SAT: 8-9:30am & 4:30-6pm SUN: 3-5pm Other times may be available upon request (additional fees may apply). Please always keep us updated on your estimated time of arrival (ETA) so that we can be best prepared for you and your pets. ➖
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About Charissa G.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
WHAT TO BRING FOR OVERNIGHTS: - Copy of recent Vaccinations (send a screenshot/photo or hard copy) - Collar (preferably with ID) - Leash (fixed length/non-retractable) - Food (bag/bin with name/feeding amounts — no need to pre-portion — bring extra!) - Medications/Supplements needed during stay with dose instructions (including flea/heartworm meds) OPTIONAL: - Blanket for the crate (crate beds are provided) - Treats (keep it minimal — don’t get carried away!) Please DO NOT bring the following: - Retractable leash - Bowls - Bed (except for older dogs who need the extra cushioning beyond what our crate beds provide) - Toys ➖ NEW CLIENTS: - 📆Please contact me to schedule a meet and greet before your first stay (if at all possible) so we can all get to know each other. - 💲Please note: there is a $10 per dog per night DEPOSIT for all new clients on their first overnight stay. The booking price will be adjusted, and the deposit will be listed under “cost adjustment”. The deposit is refunded upon pickup assuming all goes well. ------------------------- WEDDING-DOG WRANGLING SERVICES: 💒Getting married in central VA and want to include your dog on your Big Day? Take the responsibility off your family, friends, and bridal party so they can enjoy the day with you! Ask about our wedding packages, which may include the following: - 🚙Transportation to and from wedding venue. - 📸Assistance with photos to help capture all the smiling faces. - 🥂Dog handling/socializing before, during, and after ceremony, cocktail hour, and/or reception. - 🛁Pre-wedding grooming (bath/brush/nails). - 🦮Add-on manners training prior to wedding. - 🏠Boarding before and/or after the wedding. ------------------------- BALANCED TRAINING: ⚖️Balanced trainers (like myself) believe in teaching dogs both YES (do more of this) and NO (don’t do that), creating a more mentally balanced and calm dog who can make better choices instead of needing constant micro-management. We use lots of positive reinforcement (rewards: food/treats, toys, affections, verbal praise) in training to teach and reinforce desired behaviors (ie. leash manners, sit-stay, down-stay, place, recall), but positive reinforcement alone won’t stop unwanted or dangerous behaviors (ie. jumping, trash-diving/counter-surfing/eating inappropriate items, barking, nipping, reactivity, over excitement, etc.). There needs to be rules, consequences, and accountability to change such behaviors. 🛠TOOLS I USE: - CRATE: the crate is the safest place for dogs when they can’t be supervised (ie. at night). - “PLACE” COT/BED/MAT: adds structure, impulse control, and calmness when behavior is reinforced - LEASH: the most underrated dog training tool! When in my house, dogs are nearly always on short thin leashes (supervised) so I can have control at a moments’ notice. (HIGHLY recommended for anyone having trouble with your dog, especially puppies or new-to-you dogs) - PRONG COLLAR (Herm Sprenger brand): despite how prong collars look, when introduced and used properly, they are actually one of the best and SAFEST tools to use to better communicate with dogs, especially with fearful or over-excited dogs, and dogs that pull on leash. - REMOTE COLLAR (Ecollar Technologies Mini Educator): with 100 levels of stim, I find the lowest level that they can perceive (like a light tap on the shoulder) to effectively communicate with your dog from a distance. If you need help with training your dog, please reach out to discuss what options may be best for them and you. ➖ Please feel to ask any questions you may have!
Home
Information Charissa G. would like to know about your pet
- age, breed, & size of your pets - any special needs/medication/allergies - feeding/walking routine - temperament (likes/dislikes) - crate trained or not - obedience commands they know/learning - any other information you’d like to share!
A typical day
We spend most of our days outside (weather permitting). Dog-friendly dogs may have small group playtime (depending on group dynamics), and/or we will play/interact one-on-one so everyone gets their needs met (even dogs who don’t get along with others). We also work on basic manners (ie. leash manners, crate manners, waiting for food, waiting at doorways, and teaching independence).
Location
Louisa, VA
Pets
Charissa G.
Louisa, VA