Dan G.
Rochester, NY
I love dogs and they love me!
Pet care experience
I've loved dogs for as long as I can remember. I'm the type of person who spends more time petting a dog than talking to people at a party. I'm a former scientist and former athlete and I really relish the challenge of trying to make friends with every dog and cat I meet. Family and friends have relied on me to care for their animals for 10 years, including both cats and dogs with special dietary and/or medical needs. I believe in walks that go at your dog's own pace and include a lot of nose work. Mental exertion is at least as important as physical, and probably more! I've come to have a lot of respect and affection for cats and I enjoy their company, even if it's from afar. You just have to relate to them on their level and let them lead the way.
Reviews
Dan has done a wonderful job working with my dog, who has some specific needs. He has been accommodating and flexible.
Dan loves dogs, he loves walking dogs, and he loves watching dogs. Every time we’re in town, we leave Molly with him for at least a night. She loves Dan so much, and he is always happy to take her on a long walk, or play in the yard, or just snuggle on the couch. He probably takes better care of her than we do. Your fur baby will be in great hands.
About Dan G.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I believe every dog is a good dog who just wants to make their humans happy, and I respect them on that level. Dogs that pull hard on walks are not a problem. I definitely buy into the positive reinforcement training paradigm (though my experience is all informal). I work hard to bring an open, friendly attitude to every dog encounter I have. I'm not afraid to get down on the floor! I try to pay close attention to body language and if an animal seems like they are just not having it, I'm absolutely committed to doing what's best for them even if it means I might disappoint people. Sorry not sorry! They say you shouldn't wrap a leash around your arm because you could get injured, but I would honestly rather sprain my wrist than let your animal come to harm. I truly believe they are members of your family!
Home
Information Dan G. would like to know about your pet
Is your dog people and/or dog reactive? Do they engage in resource guarding? Do they typically pull hard on the leash? How quick are they to eat something they find on the ground vs. just sniffing?
A typical day
Mental stimulation is super important for dogs so I love to take sniff-centric walks that really get them thinking and reading the local "dog mail." I love to hit up a local park if there's one nearby (there's a big one right down the street from me!) and let your pup sample all the smells. I can happily play fetch forever or just run around in the yard—whatever your dog likes to do! For cats: does your little hunter have a toy they like to chase around? I'm way into it!
Services
Dan can host
Dan can watch in your home
Availability
I work from home and have a flexible schedule which allows me to dip out at anytime during the day. I love going for long walks on my own and what could be better than having a pup to keep you company?
About Dan G.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I believe every dog is a good dog who just wants to make their humans happy, and I respect them on that level. Dogs that pull hard on walks are not a problem. I definitely buy into the positive reinforcement training paradigm (though my experience is all informal). I work hard to bring an open, friendly attitude to every dog encounter I have. I'm not afraid to get down on the floor! I try to pay close attention to body language and if an animal seems like they are just not having it, I'm absolutely committed to doing what's best for them even if it means I might disappoint people. Sorry not sorry! They say you shouldn't wrap a leash around your arm because you could get injured, but I would honestly rather sprain my wrist than let your animal come to harm. I truly believe they are members of your family!
Home
Information Dan G. would like to know about your pet
Is your dog people and/or dog reactive? Do they engage in resource guarding? Do they typically pull hard on the leash? How quick are they to eat something they find on the ground vs. just sniffing?
A typical day
Mental stimulation is super important for dogs so I love to take sniff-centric walks that really get them thinking and reading the local "dog mail." I love to hit up a local park if there's one nearby (there's a big one right down the street from me!) and let your pup sample all the smells. I can happily play fetch forever or just run around in the yard—whatever your dog likes to do! For cats: does your little hunter have a toy they like to chase around? I'm way into it!
Location
Rochester, NY
Dan G.
Rochester, NY