Dan S.
Rockridge, CA
Medium & large dog specialist
Pet care experience
Originally from the outback in Australia and helped raise 8+ dogs at any one time, any size, but specialize with training and care of large and extra large breeds. Had a beautiful harlequin great dane myself that lived a beautiful but short life (Danes unfortunately don't live very long) and fosters dogs from ASPCA most recently a American Pitt bull terrier until we found him a loving home. I have a lot of puppy experience and can perform crate training, lead, lure and more if required. I frequently sit for my friends great Danes and have a very warm, and accepting dog community here where I live.
Reviews
We feel so lucky to have found Dan! He’s our first choice for a dog sitter whenever we go out of town. Our German shepherd, Rollie, is a sensitive soul so we’re very particular about who we leave him with. Dan seems to really understand him and takes great care of him. Rollie is typically pretty leash reactive but I’ve observed him on walks with Dan, and it’s clear that Rollie trusts Dan and that Dan knows how help Rollie feel secure and confident. I appreciate that Dan shares regular updates and plenty of photos of Rollie having fun. He also takes excellent care of our home. We love working with Dan and highly recommend him!
Dan was wonderful, he has a lot of experience with all kinds of dogs (including annoying ones like ours) so we felt like they were in good hands. He was great with communication too.
Happy dogs/happy house! Dan is a gem. It’s so rare to find a “dog whisperer” (just ask our German Shepard) who’s also a genuinely nice person. Reliable, prompt, communicative AND neat. ??????
Dan was a very thoughtful and considerate house sitter. He took great care of our dog and left our house better than he found it!
About Dan S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
When looking after your loved one in your home, I can be with your loved one in your home. Walk frequently, play, and feed at set schedules with medications given if needed. I am very active and love play time, but also understand the need for your loved ones space and rest time. I am very respectful, clean, and responsible when in your home, and have house sat for many of my clients large breed dogs in their home for weeks at a time with no issues. Being from the country, respect for your belongings and space is my #2 priority (#1 being your loved one of course) 😊 HIGHLIGHTS: ♥ I will spend every night and most of each day with your dog. ♥ I will walk your loved one multiple times per day, as needed/requested. ♥ Your dog will receive TONS of cuddles, play time, and affection and be treated with love, sensitivity, and respect. ♥ I send daily text updates with photos and am always reachable via email, text, or phone. ♥ Feel free to request that I gather the mail/newspaper, take the trash to the curb, and water indoor plants. Happy to assist where needed while you are away. ♥ I bring my own sheets/towels. Feel free to strip the bed before you leave, or do nothing and I'll take care of it. ♥ Lots of experience with dogs that have had history of anxiety, shelter dogs or abuse in the past and can be aggressive towards other dogs. My calm, firm, yet loving approach is what my current clients love about me.
Information Dan S. would like to know about your pet
Please do let me know upfront about your loved ones temperament with other humans, both male or female, kids and with other dogs. Is there any breeds, size, personalities that your pup doesn't like? Any issues with bikes, strollers, cars or loud noises? Does you loved one need to crated or not? Is he/she potty trained? Any medication requirements? Anything that will help ensure your loved one has the best time possible in your absence.
A typical day
Stimulation, playtime, structure and rest / relaxation is the core tenants of how my day goes. Allowing your loved one to express him/her self, play in either a supervised play areas with other dogs, or seperataely in a smaller enclosed play areas, or even just one on one walks. I can go through base level training areas and can continue training while you are away or just let your loved one have a relaxing holiday while you are away with lots of activities. It's all up to how you would like your dogs experience to be.
Services
Dan can watch in your home
Availability
I work full time from home, in a very flexible role and can be with your loved one most of the day. I can help dogs with seperation anxiety, and have been trained to support dogs with anxiety issues. For walks I usually have a schedule that I adhear to so your loved one can get comfortable with me quickly. I've found structure with walks and feeding helps settle your dog and provides the best experience while your away. I usually do morning, a longer lunch walk and an evening walk but I am very flexible if you have walk time requirements. I also do walks when I see the tell-tale signs of potty time or boredom.
About Dan S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
When looking after your loved one in your home, I can be with your loved one in your home. Walk frequently, play, and feed at set schedules with medications given if needed. I am very active and love play time, but also understand the need for your loved ones space and rest time. I am very respectful, clean, and responsible when in your home, and have house sat for many of my clients large breed dogs in their home for weeks at a time with no issues. Being from the country, respect for your belongings and space is my #2 priority (#1 being your loved one of course) 😊 HIGHLIGHTS: ♥ I will spend every night and most of each day with your dog. ♥ I will walk your loved one multiple times per day, as needed/requested. ♥ Your dog will receive TONS of cuddles, play time, and affection and be treated with love, sensitivity, and respect. ♥ I send daily text updates with photos and am always reachable via email, text, or phone. ♥ Feel free to request that I gather the mail/newspaper, take the trash to the curb, and water indoor plants. Happy to assist where needed while you are away. ♥ I bring my own sheets/towels. Feel free to strip the bed before you leave, or do nothing and I'll take care of it. ♥ Lots of experience with dogs that have had history of anxiety, shelter dogs or abuse in the past and can be aggressive towards other dogs. My calm, firm, yet loving approach is what my current clients love about me.
Information Dan S. would like to know about your pet
Please do let me know upfront about your loved ones temperament with other humans, both male or female, kids and with other dogs. Is there any breeds, size, personalities that your pup doesn't like? Any issues with bikes, strollers, cars or loud noises? Does you loved one need to crated or not? Is he/she potty trained? Any medication requirements? Anything that will help ensure your loved one has the best time possible in your absence.
A typical day
Stimulation, playtime, structure and rest / relaxation is the core tenants of how my day goes. Allowing your loved one to express him/her self, play in either a supervised play areas with other dogs, or seperataely in a smaller enclosed play areas, or even just one on one walks. I can go through base level training areas and can continue training while you are away or just let your loved one have a relaxing holiday while you are away with lots of activities. It's all up to how you would like your dogs experience to be.
Location
Oakland, CA
Dan S.
Rockridge, CA