Chelsea D.
Glenbrook, CT
Exceptional handler and caregiver!
Pet care experience
Happy to wear a mask if preferred! My focus is on animals with behavioral special needs; I have hands-on experience with dogs who have different varying levels of reactivity, fearfulness, and guarding habits. I treat all pets as though they are fearful; I respect their space, and observe their body language to ensure comfort before petting. Your beloved pet’s comfort and safety is my priority. Im the type of person who has slid into a full-on split to keep a solid handle on the leash during a reactive moment! Its true, and I bet it looked really cool and not at all ridiculous! While doing splits is impressive, my goal is to engage your pet’s focus and give them the security and trust they seek, so reactivity is lessened when triggered. I've volunteered both for local shelters, as well as for the ASPCA Behavior Rehabilitation Center; I appreciate mindfulness of the animals body language and behavior, as well as comfort levels. I find pet care to be endlessly rewarding, and was honored to have my own little furball for ten wonderful years! I was raised in a household with St. Bernards, white doves, amphibians, rodents, fish, and at one weird point after a science class experiment: Meal worms. Aside from family pet care, I am a frequent pet-sitter and walker. I have years of management (and volunteer-learned behavioral modification) experience with behavioral and physical special needs animals, senior pets, and young animals. I am thrilled to say I work full time now as a dog walker and sitter, with a focus on behavior! I have several regular clients, with room for a few more. I am available for drop-ins, and happy to chat! I live in a home full of folks who adore animals, and I myself have a pup who I train with on a regular basis (and am happy to share pics of!) I adore that most of my friends have at least one animal in their home! I have had animals with reactive behavior and am open to working with similar pets; Even squirrel-crazed pups!
Reviews
Chelsea was so so wonderful with our boy. He is spooked by petting, and Chelsea respected his boundaries and built an affectionate relationship through lots of play and kisses. We loved all the photos, including a particularly sweet pic of Sawyer with a “Congrats Mom & Dad” sign for our wedding! We will be booking with Chelsea again and are just so thrilled to have found a sitter who adores our boy as much as we do. Highly recommended if you have skittish, hyper puppers like ours.
I can’t say enough about Chelsea. She’s absolutely the most wonderful person. She’s friendly, professional, and flexible with our changing schedule. My dog Missy is a super stubborn territorial chihuahua that is up in age and doesn’t like making new friends. But Chelsea’s kindness and patience has won over Missy’s heart. Missy enjoys the adventurous walks she takes with Chelsea. Chelsea has been such a great help not only for Missy but for our entire busy family.
Chelsea is great! Very reliable and knowledgeable!
Chelsea is the BEST! She is professional, reliable and kind. I am so lucky to have found a walker who cares so much about our dog. I highly recommend Chelsea, she is highly reliable and is great with communicating with me about our dog!
About Chelsea D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I ensure comfort in the home for your pet by making observations about environmental triggers, and making adjustments to help them feel at ease. I believe that inviting an animal into the family requires learning from them as a family member, and not forcing them to adjust to us; Teamwork is key to symbiosis!
Home
Information Chelsea D. would like to know about your pet
Is your pet spayed/neutered? How does your pet respond when they see another person or animal? Does your pet have health or behavioral special needs that require management? If so, what management regimen do you prefer? Also happy to troubleshoot!
A typical day
I enjoy mild to moderate nature walks in more isolated trails, beach strolls, and walks wherein I practice training commands (I am not yet certified, but learning training techniques and exercises is a hobby and a passion). Lots and lots of playtime and enrichment activities, and I am happy to adapt to your pet’s dietary needs.
Services
Chelsea can host
Chelsea can watch in your home
Availability
I train daily with my dog, Jett. He loves learning new tricks, so it exercises his brain and body! I do the very same with my pup-clients (and cat-clients!) I am always curious to get to know animals, and work with them to grow trust, engagement, and reduce discomfort in their lives.
About Chelsea D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I ensure comfort in the home for your pet by making observations about environmental triggers, and making adjustments to help them feel at ease. I believe that inviting an animal into the family requires learning from them as a family member, and not forcing them to adjust to us; Teamwork is key to symbiosis!
Home
Information Chelsea D. would like to know about your pet
Is your pet spayed/neutered? How does your pet respond when they see another person or animal? Does your pet have health or behavioral special needs that require management? If so, what management regimen do you prefer? Also happy to troubleshoot!
A typical day
I enjoy mild to moderate nature walks in more isolated trails, beach strolls, and walks wherein I practice training commands (I am not yet certified, but learning training techniques and exercises is a hobby and a passion). Lots and lots of playtime and enrichment activities, and I am happy to adapt to your pet’s dietary needs.
Location
Stamford, CT
Chelsea D.
Glenbrook, CT