Erin S.
Alexandria, VA
Certified Trainer w/Pro Experience
Pet care experience
In addition to living with dogs since childhood, I have 8 years of experience working in the pet care industry. I have been a certified dog trainer for 7 years (graduate of Starmark Academy), and I managed a dog daycare for 4 years. I was also the safety manager and dog behavior expert of a pet resort. I began dog sitting at home 8 years ago. While I grew up raising German Shepherds, I am comfortable and have experience with dogs of various breeds, temperaments, and ages (including puppies and seniors). I "speak dog," meaning I am well-versed in dog behavior, body language, play styles, breed tendencies, and developmental stages. I have an 8-year-old neutered male German Shepherd, named Harrow. I adopted him in 2017, and he has been my best friend ever since. Harrow has helped me train and rehabilitate numerous dogs in the past 6 years, including dogs with anxiety, resource guarding, or aggression issues. He regularly attended dog daycare for 5 years and was a favorite friend amongst dogs both big and small.
Reviews
Erin is great and her dog is precious. We will keep using her in the future! Makes you feel very comfortable and gives detailed updates
Erin was absolutely amazing with my anxious pup! She was very patient and understanding, and earned his trust very quickly (which is rare!). She was also great with updates, including photos and videos. Would definitely recommend!
I would absolutely trust Erin with taking care of my pets. She is reliable, great at communicating and I can tell that she really has a passion for animals. My dog loves Erin and the energy she puts off. Could not recommend her more!
Erin is an exceptional care giver! Her attention to detail makes leaving my boy with her very easy. Booker (GSD) is a big boy and needs someone who will guide him and not let him get away with being a typical GSD bad boy.
About Erin S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I live in a townhome with my dog and two other animal lovers that will happily join me in giving your pet lots of love, attention and play time. I am home full-time while your dog is visiting. Dogs are free to roam two levels of the home, but to maintain close supervision, they are kept to the same level I am on. Dogs are not permitted in the bathrooms or laundry room. Your dog will remain under my supervision while in the house or outdoors. Pets have access to the lower backyard, which is fenced and has a full wood patio that's great for playing or sunbathing. Potty breaks can be as frequent as needed, and will be done on-leash outside of the yard. Walks are easy, as the neighborhood has both sidewalks and grassy areas. If your dog is reactive while on leash, I know the best routes and times of day to avoid other dogs or people. *I require that all visiting dogs are current on the following vaccines: Rabies (if older than 4 mos.), Distemper and Bordetella. Proof of current vaccination status is required before your pet's visit. *Visiting dogs must also be current on a flea/tick preventative. I am unable to permit a dog with fleas. *I can accept intact males under 1 year old and non-spayed females under 6 months old (if they have not had a first heat).
Home
Information Erin S. would like to know about your pet
I want to ensure I am doing everything possible to make your pet's visit with me feel as safe and comfortable as being at home. The more I know about your pet up front, the better I can care for him or her. As a dog trainer and experienced handler, I do not shy away from dogs that have behavioral challenges, medical concerns or other special needs. Letting me know as much as you can about your pet, in advance, sets us all up for the best experience possible. Behavioral challenges or specifications I need to be made aware of may include but are not limited to: any type of aggression or reactivity, any issues while on leash or walking with other dogs, anxiety, escapism, destructiveness, potty accidents, resource guarding, or high prey drive. I have a canine of my own in the home, so it is crucial for you to inform me if your dog has any issues with other dogs. This could include resource guarding, leash aggression, not playing nicely, etc. Medical concerns I need to be aware of may include but are not limited to: physical restrictions, medications, allergies, seizures, heart issues, history of bloat, skin issues, digestive concerns, arthritis, recent injuries or medical episodes, or surgeries. I am not able to accept dogs that have fleas or recent signs of any contagious condition. I am able to administer basic first aid and I have experience recognizing signs of a medical episode or emergency.
A typical day
The right balance of mental stimulation, physical exercise, and clear communication can leave your dog feeling happy, satisfied, and ready to rest at the end of each day. I can provide your dog with mental and physical stimulation in the form of active play sessions, wrestling or other fun with Harrow, walks with unlimited sniff time (we call that "reading the paper"), training games, interactive toys, and quality time listening to the sounds of nature in my backyard. Weather permitting, we spend a lot of time on the back deck, as it is Harrow's favorite place to play, lounge or take a nap. The inside of our home is also very cozy, making it perfect for either relaxing on the couch or chasing Harrow around it.
Services
Erin can host
Erin can watch in your home
Availability
I will be home at all times during your pet's visit, providing them with my full attention. My schedule is very flexible and I am able to accommodate most arrangements.
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About Erin S.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I live in a townhome with my dog and two other animal lovers that will happily join me in giving your pet lots of love, attention and play time. I am home full-time while your dog is visiting. Dogs are free to roam two levels of the home, but to maintain close supervision, they are kept to the same level I am on. Dogs are not permitted in the bathrooms or laundry room. Your dog will remain under my supervision while in the house or outdoors. Pets have access to the lower backyard, which is fenced and has a full wood patio that's great for playing or sunbathing. Potty breaks can be as frequent as needed, and will be done on-leash outside of the yard. Walks are easy, as the neighborhood has both sidewalks and grassy areas. If your dog is reactive while on leash, I know the best routes and times of day to avoid other dogs or people. *I require that all visiting dogs are current on the following vaccines: Rabies (if older than 4 mos.), Distemper and Bordetella. Proof of current vaccination status is required before your pet's visit. *Visiting dogs must also be current on a flea/tick preventative. I am unable to permit a dog with fleas. *I can accept intact males under 1 year old and non-spayed females under 6 months old (if they have not had a first heat).
Home
Information Erin S. would like to know about your pet
I want to ensure I am doing everything possible to make your pet's visit with me feel as safe and comfortable as being at home. The more I know about your pet up front, the better I can care for him or her. As a dog trainer and experienced handler, I do not shy away from dogs that have behavioral challenges, medical concerns or other special needs. Letting me know as much as you can about your pet, in advance, sets us all up for the best experience possible. Behavioral challenges or specifications I need to be made aware of may include but are not limited to: any type of aggression or reactivity, any issues while on leash or walking with other dogs, anxiety, escapism, destructiveness, potty accidents, resource guarding, or high prey drive. I have a canine of my own in the home, so it is crucial for you to inform me if your dog has any issues with other dogs. This could include resource guarding, leash aggression, not playing nicely, etc. Medical concerns I need to be aware of may include but are not limited to: physical restrictions, medications, allergies, seizures, heart issues, history of bloat, skin issues, digestive concerns, arthritis, recent injuries or medical episodes, or surgeries. I am not able to accept dogs that have fleas or recent signs of any contagious condition. I am able to administer basic first aid and I have experience recognizing signs of a medical episode or emergency.
A typical day
The right balance of mental stimulation, physical exercise, and clear communication can leave your dog feeling happy, satisfied, and ready to rest at the end of each day. I can provide your dog with mental and physical stimulation in the form of active play sessions, wrestling or other fun with Harrow, walks with unlimited sniff time (we call that "reading the paper"), training games, interactive toys, and quality time listening to the sounds of nature in my backyard. Weather permitting, we spend a lot of time on the back deck, as it is Harrow's favorite place to play, lounge or take a nap. The inside of our home is also very cozy, making it perfect for either relaxing on the couch or chasing Harrow around it.
Location
Alexandria, VA
Pets
Erin S.
Alexandria, VA