Dean S.
Trestle Glen, CA
One Dog, One Dog Walker, Every Walk
Pet care experience
I believe that it is important for the dog to exercise their minds as well as their bodies during walks. It is why I always allow the dog to "lead" the walk. It is also why I am so committed to only walking one dog (or family) at a time. If your hound loves to sniff at every bush, then we stop at every bush. If your little one is a runner, then we run. If they are a people puppy, then we stroll through town and get them some attention. It is their walk; I am just there for legal purposes. I've completed the Dr. Ian Dunbar Science Based Dog Training Course. This has given me an invaluable insight into how dogs learn and how they communicate. It has also reaffirmed my belief that communication and praise are also a critical component of any good walk. As I've said, I only walk one dog at a time (unless they’re a family of course) so that your dog gets all of attention, care, love and yes, rambling monologues. I have been walking dogs daily since 2001, first a very high energy mutt named Edgerrin, who was later joined by his sister a low energy (she had been abused) German Rottweiler named Peyton in 2006. They were very different dogs, but we managed to make it work. It’s one of the reasons I use retractable leashes. It allows multiple dogs to have their own space on a walk. When we lost Peyton to cancer, we got Josie, another high energy poodle mix. She and Edgerrin made a good pair for a year or so until we lost him as well. They were a great match, though Edgerrin now filled the role of low energy dog. That was an important lesson in tailoring the walk to the age and condition of the dog. Less than a year later my mother passed away, leaving us with two new additions Rascal and Scrappy. An overweight chihuahua and a Yorkie with a bum leg who were rarely walked. That quickly ended as they were immediately walked two and often three times a day. Today neither of them is happy without at least an hour walk a day. I’ve learned that regardless of the size, dogs just want to be dogs. If you think that your dog would enjoy one of my walks than I would love to meet them (and I suppose you can be there too). I look forward to meeting your hound.
Reviews
Great connection with our dog and a terrific caretaker!
Thank you Dean for taking care of Willow!! I felt very safe and comfortable knowing she was in good hands!!
Dean helped us out last minute and did a great job!
Dean kept our puppy active during our two week vacation, always sending us wonderful pictures and updates on her walks. We will definitely use him again.
About Dean S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have a semi-finished basement where I will live with your pup while they are here. We will be together pretty much 24/7 without interruption.
Information Dean S. would like to know about your pet
I love weirdos and so really well with fearful/anxious dogs. My first client wouldn't come out from under her bed for the first month. We eventually got outside though.
A typical day
AS I mentioned in my bio, the walk is your dog's time. We will spend it however they like. If they want to sniff we sniff, if they want to run, we run..
Services
Dean can watch in your home
Availability
I am a full-time walker of dogs, so your hound will always get my undivided attention when we are together. We will go out as many times as your dog requires.
About Dean S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have a semi-finished basement where I will live with your pup while they are here. We will be together pretty much 24/7 without interruption.
Information Dean S. would like to know about your pet
I love weirdos and so really well with fearful/anxious dogs. My first client wouldn't come out from under her bed for the first month. We eventually got outside though.
A typical day
AS I mentioned in my bio, the walk is your dog's time. We will spend it however they like. If they want to sniff we sniff, if they want to run, we run..
Location
OAKLAND, CA
Pets
Dean S.
Trestle Glen, CA