Elaine Y.
Kimber-Gomes, CA
Chief Dog Walker at Paradigm Sniff
Pet care experience
I've raised and trained my almost 3 year old Labrador since he was 10 week old yummy puppy. We rigorously trained with a professional dog trainer at the start of 10 weeks old using positive reinforcement methods and even learned some service dog training. I've taught my dog how to be potty trained, crate trained, leash trained and taught him numerous commands including callbacks. I'm also well practiced with puppy and dog socialization. When my dog was young, we took him to Puppy Environmental Training Socials (P.E.T.S.) at Pet Food Express, and we continue to go to neighborhood playdates with various dog breeds large and small, and occasionally the dog park. I also frequently take my dog hiking and camping, and I've helped teach him how to swim, go kayaking with me, and ride in a bike trailer. I'm also experienced in giving and applying various medications (e.g. ear ointments, pills, antibiotics powders mixed with food, etc) and brushing dog teeth. In the past, I've also helped take care of my other friend's cats and dogs. While service dog training, I've also conducted many puppy temperament tests with labradors and golden retrievers. I've also grown up taking care of numerous cats.
Reviews
This the second time I've used Elaine to walk my dogs and she was great. Always on time, great communication, good photos and walked the same route - my dogs like consistency. Thanks for taking good care of my hounds!
Elaine took great care of our cat Bobby when we were away for a few days. Bobby is generally a scared cat but Elaine patiently spent a lot of time playing with him and trying to calm him. She sent us detailed written updates and several photos after each check in! Would definitely recommend her
Elaine was very professional and caring. Took great care of my two kitties. I loved her daily updates and pictures!
Elaine is great with dogs. She shows up on time and is very transparent in communications. Her walk diaries are descriptive and funny making them a joy to read. Very friendly and our dogs adore her
About Elaine Y.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Before discussing dog safety, I'd like to note I'm vaccinated and boostered for Covid-19 and can show your verification if you like since I care about human safety as well! I'm also happy to wear a mask when we interact during my visits. During home visits, your pets will always be supervised and played with. I'm happy to play tug-o-war with a little rope, or throw a ball around if you have a backyard. For mental stimulation, I'm happy to work on their training as well. I intend to also go over your preferences for your dog or cat and will want to know about their background, behaviors, likes and dislikes. Regarding walking, pets will always be leashed unless given explicit permission by owner to go off leash in an enclosed area and/or if your dog is highly responsive to callback commands. In general, I would like to have a prior Meet & Greet before dog walking to learn about your preferences and your pets general behavior. If you'd like me to take your dog to the dog park, your dog needs to be up-to-date on vaccinations not only for dog safety but for people safety (e.g. rabies can be spread to humans as well.)
Information Elaine Y. would like to know about your pet
Before I walk your dog, I'd like to do a Meet & Greet, so I can learn about your dog's behavior, the gear they typically wear and any other preferences regarding training you might have. Let me know if your dog has any special needs or behaviors that I can account for. For example, let me know if there are any physical health limitations I should know about such as arthritis or hip dysplasia, so we may avoid certain situations that might exacerbate any pain (e.g. taking stairs, etc). Also let me know if your dog has any food allergies and food sensitivities. Overall, I suggest you supply any treats for walks so I don't disrupt your dog's diet or cause diarrhea by introducing a new ingredient that they're not used to. I will also need to know if your dog is reactive (that is - lunging on leash and barking) to other dogs, people or other animals on walks so I can be mentally prepared to avoid or mitigate certain situations. If your dog is highly reactive, I will suggest proper walking gear, meaning at minimum your dog should be wearing a harness and/or gentle leader. I'm okay walking your dog if they wear a prong collar or spray collar, but I will NOT use shock collars on dogs I walk. I will also not walk dogs that have a consistent history of violent aggression towards people or other dogs.
A typical day
I feel it's important to both mentally and physically stimulate dogs. This often includes exploring new neighborhoods on walks, allow plenty of time for sniffing, training exercises, and/or play a game of tug-o-war or throwing a ball at a park. Some of my favorite places to walk my dog is at Niles Park, Lake Elizabeth, or Quarry Lakes Regional Recreational Area. I am also happy to take your dog to a dog park if you can vouch for their behavior (e.g. your dog has good callbacks and is not aggressive towards other dogs).
Services
Elaine can watch in your home
Availability
I currently work from home part-time and have a highly flexible schedule. Generally I am available everyday of the week with the exception of days where I might be out of town for either vacations or other reasons.
About Elaine Y.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Before discussing dog safety, I'd like to note I'm vaccinated and boostered for Covid-19 and can show your verification if you like since I care about human safety as well! I'm also happy to wear a mask when we interact during my visits. During home visits, your pets will always be supervised and played with. I'm happy to play tug-o-war with a little rope, or throw a ball around if you have a backyard. For mental stimulation, I'm happy to work on their training as well. I intend to also go over your preferences for your dog or cat and will want to know about their background, behaviors, likes and dislikes. Regarding walking, pets will always be leashed unless given explicit permission by owner to go off leash in an enclosed area and/or if your dog is highly responsive to callback commands. In general, I would like to have a prior Meet & Greet before dog walking to learn about your preferences and your pets general behavior. If you'd like me to take your dog to the dog park, your dog needs to be up-to-date on vaccinations not only for dog safety but for people safety (e.g. rabies can be spread to humans as well.)
Information Elaine Y. would like to know about your pet
Before I walk your dog, I'd like to do a Meet & Greet, so I can learn about your dog's behavior, the gear they typically wear and any other preferences regarding training you might have. Let me know if your dog has any special needs or behaviors that I can account for. For example, let me know if there are any physical health limitations I should know about such as arthritis or hip dysplasia, so we may avoid certain situations that might exacerbate any pain (e.g. taking stairs, etc). Also let me know if your dog has any food allergies and food sensitivities. Overall, I suggest you supply any treats for walks so I don't disrupt your dog's diet or cause diarrhea by introducing a new ingredient that they're not used to. I will also need to know if your dog is reactive (that is - lunging on leash and barking) to other dogs, people or other animals on walks so I can be mentally prepared to avoid or mitigate certain situations. If your dog is highly reactive, I will suggest proper walking gear, meaning at minimum your dog should be wearing a harness and/or gentle leader. I'm okay walking your dog if they wear a prong collar or spray collar, but I will NOT use shock collars on dogs I walk. I will also not walk dogs that have a consistent history of violent aggression towards people or other dogs.
A typical day
I feel it's important to both mentally and physically stimulate dogs. This often includes exploring new neighborhoods on walks, allow plenty of time for sniffing, training exercises, and/or play a game of tug-o-war or throwing a ball at a park. Some of my favorite places to walk my dog is at Niles Park, Lake Elizabeth, or Quarry Lakes Regional Recreational Area. I am also happy to take your dog to a dog park if you can vouch for their behavior (e.g. your dog has good callbacks and is not aggressive towards other dogs).
Location
Fremont, CA
Pets
Elaine Y.
Kimber-Gomes, CA