First things first, what is your dog's daily schedule? Staying within their habits helps them to transition into different guardianship easier. Dogs love routines so I will do my best to mold mine around yours! I love all breeds. I have babysit many types of dogs: small, large, elderly, puppies, energetic, lazy, you name it! I adjust my care style to your pet’s needs and habits. I have experience with a very broad range of animals, large and small, and I am comfortable in any setting. I have the confidence and strength to handle large animals yet I am soft spoken and gentle with your shy babies! I can (almost always) read your animal very well and can detect how they feel about me and their surroundings, which is very important. I would like to know of any allergies, specific food requirements, medications and health history. I do not have a preference for breed as I love them all! My family constantly jokes that I have a gift of knowing every dog breed that I see. I would like to get to know the dog briefly before sitting as I feel its important for them to get used to me before completely being in my care. Most dogs are food motivated (not all) so I will ask what type of treat you use for obedience training, which I think is the first step in getting to know a dog and ensuring they can listen to me, especially before leaving their own home territory :) If positive reinforcement is your thing, great! If you have another method, please do let me know, so I can adjust based on yours and your dogs' preferences. I would also like to know about ANY experiences in the past with walking or sitting by others, family, friends, or strangers, and how they behave when they are away from their parents. Please be open and honest with me about what kind of experience they've had with other people. This helps me get to know them fully so I can cater to them. I also have been put in situations with aggressive dogs, and if I had been warned ahead of time, I could have been a little more prepared. Just let me know!:) If this is their first time, I will work slowly and cater to their needs. I’m always up early and home every evening so I can ensure farm animals are safe and everyone is fed at the right times, based on their previously set schedule. For grooming, I have some supplies, or I can take them to a walk-in doggy grooming care for a little extra cost. I am a certified dog bather with Petsmart, and although I do not work there anymore, I have 2 years of professional grooming experience that is very helpful with my pet clients. If you'd like your pet to be clean when you get home, ask about the add-on discount on grooming for booking with me :) I always try to maximize yours and your dog's experience.

What does your dog like to do? Sleep on the couch and listen to the birds, or run on the beach and chase them? Whether at home or on the go, I would love to know what your dog loves the best so that they can be as happy and comfortable as possible. Where we will go on walks is totally dependent on the dog's personality and athletic level. I've worked with dogs long enough to know that not every dog likes the dog park, and not every little pup can make it up tough trails without getting tired out! I also like to inspect if the dog is susceptible to breathing problems (i.e. Pugs, Frenchies, etc.) before thinking about taking them on any grueling hikes. I tailor my services to each dog specifically, and I will talk with you about your dog's favorite areas so they are comfortable with where we go. I love to run and if your dog does too, we can also do that! I will match their pace. We can even send photos along the way of our little field trips. I know how much dogs love toys and playing fetch, and I love playing with them! Dogs have so much energy that needs to be expended every day, naturally. I have extended experience with young, untrained, energetic dogs and animals with behavioral issues. Don’t be afraid to reach out, and we can discuss your dogs’ specific needs. I have a dog friendly car and love taking them for cool hikes around town. It’s a great way to get some exercise and practice socializing. I always get to know the dog before taking them to certain areas. Every animal is different, and some may not like other dogs, humans, squirrels, or even traveling at all. My main goal is for your pup to have fun, safely! :) Feel free to leave me notes about the things they like to do. This helps me a lot.