I prefer to meet all pets I could be caring for before I work with them, so I am not a stranger to them, after all, scent recognition is really important for building rapport with any pet. Depending on the time I may need to know particular aspects of their schedule, such as how to feed them, if the visit goes longer than expected. Endurance is another critical factor, if I am walking them, how well they respond to heat and any places the dog is not allowed to be on. Any supplementary items, such as brushes or toys, would be good to know as well as any medical needs such as pills, colloidal silver in their water or any known behaviors they are working on curbing, such as chewing on undesired objects or peeing in the house.

My favorite activities with dogs are playing fetch, taking them on long walks in nature and cuddling. I have been known to take dogs on walks for up to five miles, if the dog needs vigorous exercise or a little as around the corner in the case of elderly or dogs with thick fur coats in summer. Most often, I walk in nature and as soon as I have deeply bonded with the dogs, so they come easily and predicably when called, I like for the dog to explore whatever local natural environment we are walking in, but only if the owners feel safe about their dogs being off leash. Occasionally, I will visit dog parks but in the past I have mostly stuck to the Green Belt in Eldorado and the Arroyo, which has led to many hours of play and exploration for the dogs. When we need a slower activity, I will sit and rub bellies or cuddle on a couch or even the floor, depending on the norms of the house and the preferences of the dog.