Geoff C.
Geoff C.
Contact Geoff C.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Experienced owner, trainer, sitter
There was always a dog in the family whilst I was growing up and I have owned dogs for most of my adult life. I volunteered for a Labrador Rescue charity for a number of years, initially as a fosterer to provide a temporary respite for dogs waiting for rehoming, and then later as a re-homing co-ordinator and pet micro-chipper for the charity. Over the years I developed an interest in better understanding the reasons for dog's behaviours and started to work with dogs which were proving difficult to rehome due to perceived behavioural issues, this interest led me to train firstly as a dog trainer and behaviourist, and then as an Instructor with the Academy of Dog Training & Behaviour (ADTB). My background as a (human) nurse, dog first aider and micro-chipper enables me to cope with most dog's medical conditions that owners are managing in the home environment. I have now been a graduate instructor with ADBT for over 8 years, offering one to one behavioural support primarily with pet, companion and rescue dogs, and have recently completed a Canine first aid course which complements my dog training and nursing / outdoor first aid skills. Newly retired from the NHS I currently volunteer with a dog welfare and rehoming charity and a dog training centre.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
I can’t recommend Geoff highly enough. He looked after my Great Dane for 10 days and updated me regularly with photos. Excellent communicator and very reliable and helpful. He also left the house immaculately.
We've never used a pet sitter that wasn't a friend so I was slightly anxious about the whole experience. I shouldn't have been at all worried. Geoff slotted into our dogs lives so much that the younger dog was actually bereft to have us come home!! Geoff was very good at communication and sending us videos and photos of them all having a blast. We have two Hungarian Vizslas who we call 'the ginger nutters'. One is elderly and has various supplements to keep her going and the younger one has some behavioural quirks which Geoff handled really well and with great grace. The younger one had to go to the vets for a lump that appeared just before we went away. Geoff very kindly took him and looked after him through the days we were away. I found Geoff to be kind, polite and very professional and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending him to anyone. His main priority is to look after the dogs and he did that in spades!
Geoff regularly looks after my medium active breed dog for both short and longer term stays. He is always attentive with her, and took time to understand her routine and dietary requirements. He takes significant time to ensure she is adequately exercised and provides numerous enrichment opportunities. He has provided significant advice and training to help my dog overcome a long term reactivity to other dogs, which many other trainers had struggled with. It has been such a relief to have this resolved and see how much happier she is as a result. When she has required first aid he has administered this appropriately and kept me fully informed even providing advice on the next steps to take. Geoff has become my go-to dog carer, and there is no one I trust more with her.
My dog adores Geoff. On the occasions that I Ieave her with him, I am confident that she will be both happy and well cared for. She is an older dog, quite clingy, and a bit of a princess! Geoff follows her normal routine, manages her medications and is attentive to her needs. He has at times entertained her by gently teaching her a new trick or two; a game to which she responds keenly. In the photos he sends, she looks to be relaxed and living her best life! Geoff definitely speaks 'dog', and I highly recommend his services.
Geoff has looked after my pets in my home on many occasions and has been extremely careful and responsible with them. They look to him as a second dad and always love to see him. He is knowledgeable about how to look after their needs, my pug was elderly, almost blind and had accidents. I now have a young pup and Geoff is returning to be with him very soon. Highly recommended
Would highly recommend Geoff, if you are looking for someone trustworthy and reliable to look after your dog. He has taken the time to get to know our dogs and they love it when we go away and Geoff comes to stay with them!
Calendar and availability
Schedule
Being retired I have a flexible routine with good availability to respond to dog sitting requests, potentially including short notice requests. I am also happy to consider requests for occasional, and local, drop in visits and dog walking.
Where your pet will stay
Safety, trust & environment
Before the first dog sitting I will discuss the dogs routine with the owner to ensure I understand the dogs normal routine as much as possible. I aim to treat each dog as I would my own, keeping them as physically and mentally active, and engaged with fun activities, as their health permits. I hold pet business insurance which includes 3rd party cover.
A typical day
I believe that dogs, like their owners, are individuals and the needs of an 18 month old labrador for example will be very different to those of an older westie. I endeavour to understand and follow the dogs normal routine as far as I can, so that they experience as little disruption as possible whilst their owner is away, whilst also ensuring they receive appropriate exercise, food and activity according to their owners preferences.