Chris S.
Greater Manchester
Attentive, homely care exclusively for your pooch
Pet care experience
I’ve looked after dogs of all ages and sizes since I was young. I grew up with a very energetic and, frankly, neurotic border collie named Skye. She was incredible. So sensitive. So loyal. Her seemingly unlimited physical and emotional stamina got me out of the house and rewarded me with love and affection. Growing up, she made life so much more vibrant. Since then, I've wanted to repay canine kind and give other dogs as good a life as possible. Dog sitting and walking helps me do that. I'm on a mission to help families and their dogs live better, more rewarding lives. I envisage a world where dogs and their families have thriving, symbiotic relationships, where both their needs are fulfilled. Even today, at the age of 34, I continue to be amazed at dogs' emotional intelligence and resilience. Isn't it amazing how many dogs can learn to trust again after being mistreated and abandoned? I take this work seriously, so I research a dog’s breed before they stay so I can understand their unique traits. This helps me adapt my home and our activities to make them as comfortable as possible. I also take thorough notes during the booking and meet-and-greet process. I have experience managing sensitive and shy dogs from rescue centres. This includes navigating difficulties around other dogs and strangers. I have also worked with owners to continue addressing behavioural challenges and reinforce their training. For example, I’ve kept up treat training with one dog prevent them from reacting to strangers. I am well-organised and reliable, with good response times via text message. In addition, I keep my calendar as up-to-date as possible, and I have a reliable car for pick ups and adventures. I'm also big and heavy enough to handle large dogs (5'10 and ~12 stone or 80 kg). And I’m not phased by dogs with behavioural issues. I’ve had plenty of bites and nips over the years, and that doesn’t bother me. I’m careful to interact with dogs on their terms, treating them gently and calmly. I'm not the cheapest dog care option you'll find, but I encourage you to check out the reviews which I hope will show you the value people see in these services. When you’re on holiday, you can’t put a price on knowing your dog is being loved and well looked after.
Reviews
Chris is just amazing. Had our two pooches for 16 nights whilst we were on holiday. It was home from home and they really love him. He has an affinity with dogs and they feel comfortable around him. Chris sent us pics and videos and we kept in contact. We really enjoyed our trip away because we knew the dogs were in really safe caring hands. Thanks Chris you did a great job and I have no hesitation in recommending Chris. Five star treatment for your fur babies. Will look forward to using Chris again. 😊
Chris has been amazing looking after our dog whilst we went to a wedding away. From the first meet several weeks ago where he met our dog for the first time, to welcoming our dog into his home and the activities and attention he gave when she was under his care. Even easily and willingly rising to the challenge of giving our dog her final days of a course of antibiotics. Chris provided many photos and updates of our dog and what she was getting upto. We can tell our dog enjoyed staying with Chris and we would use his services again without any hesitation.
Mollie and Harry really enjoyed there stay with Chris, I got pics and txt, they had a trip out to Eaton Park, thank you so much Chris, they will definitely be going again
Hades is a big and strong dog, but Chris did an amazing job walking him. :) Chris was updating me through the whole process and sent a few beautiful pictures. ? thank you x
About Chris S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Trust: I keep in regular contact with my guest’s owners with messages, pictures and videos showing how they’re getting on. Safety and environment: I have a fenced front and back garden, which have both been secured with chicken wire to make them extra secure. I also have a kitchen with patio doors opening out into the back garden, which is really handy for giving your pooch regular, supervised outdoor time and regular toilet breaks. I’m also very careful to follow an owner’s advice on a dog’s lead technique and recall while out on walks. This ensures they’re safe at all times.
Home
Information Chris S. would like to know about your pet
It's important that we discuss your dog's behavioural quirks, such as how they interact with strangers or other dogs, as well as their feeding habits, toilet routine, exercise needs and so on. I want their time with me to feel as home-like as possible, so I try my best to keep to their usual routines.
A typical day
I like to give dogs plenty of chews to keep them stimulated too, and I'll often hide treats around the house or in the garden to keep them occupied, amongst other things. In terms of sleeping arrangements, I am able to accommodate your dog's usual routine for the most part. I've had dogs sleep in my room, as well as just outside my room in the landing, and also downstairs in the kitchen and living room areas. I prefer dogs to sleep outside my bedroom as I'm a bit of a light sleeper, but I can be flexible around that if your dog experiences separation anxiety at night. It's something I typically discuss with owners prior to a dog's stay and I’ve accommodated anxious dogs’ particular sleeping needs plenty of times.
Services
Chris can host
Chris can watch in your home
Availability
I work from home, so I have the flexibility to take dogs for regular walks and potty breaks at home. This means I can also give them the attention they deserve. This also gives me the freedom to work around your schedule.
About Chris S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Trust: I keep in regular contact with my guest’s owners with messages, pictures and videos showing how they’re getting on. Safety and environment: I have a fenced front and back garden, which have both been secured with chicken wire to make them extra secure. I also have a kitchen with patio doors opening out into the back garden, which is really handy for giving your pooch regular, supervised outdoor time and regular toilet breaks. I’m also very careful to follow an owner’s advice on a dog’s lead technique and recall while out on walks. This ensures they’re safe at all times.
Home
Information Chris S. would like to know about your pet
It's important that we discuss your dog's behavioural quirks, such as how they interact with strangers or other dogs, as well as their feeding habits, toilet routine, exercise needs and so on. I want their time with me to feel as home-like as possible, so I try my best to keep to their usual routines.
A typical day
I like to give dogs plenty of chews to keep them stimulated too, and I'll often hide treats around the house or in the garden to keep them occupied, amongst other things. In terms of sleeping arrangements, I am able to accommodate your dog's usual routine for the most part. I've had dogs sleep in my room, as well as just outside my room in the landing, and also downstairs in the kitchen and living room areas. I prefer dogs to sleep outside my bedroom as I'm a bit of a light sleeper, but I can be flexible around that if your dog experiences separation anxiety at night. It's something I typically discuss with owners prior to a dog's stay and I’ve accommodated anxious dogs’ particular sleeping needs plenty of times.
Location
Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
Chris S.
Greater Manchester