Jeff K.
Hazelwood, Portland, OR
Services
These prices are for 1 dog.Prices may vary based on your selections. A booking fee of 11% will apply.
Jeff can care for
Availability
I work from home doing audio production and sporadically in clubs on various evenings as a performing musician. Most days I can accommodate all situations for which I am available, though at times I might need to be gone for 4-6 hours. My schedule changes week to week, and I will prefer to accept bookings without any conflicts. I'm available after 2 for any drop-ins/walks.
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About Jeff K.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I will be asking for and expecting clear and accurate descriptions of the pets' behavior, good and bad, and adhere to any expectations the client has about how much rope and space to give the dogs. I will err on the conservative side, knowing I may not get the cooperation they would give their full-time people. If the dog is "touchy," and I am house sitting, if the dog doesn't want to interact, I'll let them come to me. If we're walking, I will err on the side of caution and avoid other dogs, since I won't have a comprehensive understanding of the dogs' buttons to be pushed.
Information Jeff K. would like to know about your pet
I would want to know any possible medical/behavioral issues, what types of walking apparatus the client is comfortable with, if they allow a different type. Expected reactions to other people, dogs, cats, their take on the mailman, (not always consistent with general reaction to strangers, and very useful), all that info is helpful.
A typical day
If I'm doing a drop-in walk, I would likely stay in the client's neighborhood, for time management, the dog's familiarity and my comfort getting to know the dog. Once we have a relationship, if appropriate, I like taking dogs to wooded environments for the terrain, the smells, overall stimulation. If the dogs likes to fetch, that's fine by me! In general, a dog and I are "hanging" together, or if I'm working and the dog is present, I like to talk to the dog now and again, let them know what I"m doing, what the plan is for our activity, random thoughts. I've found this makes them much more in tune with what I want to do, what I want them to do, or what we are doing together. And it keeps them involved, like a friend. I will not be willingly letting any dog off-leash outside of their own fenced/proofed yard.
Location
Portland, OR
Jeff K. has Star Sitter status
The Star Sitter program highlights responsive sitters who deliver highly rated care and have a history of listing accurate availability and preferences, making it easier for pet parents to find the best care for their pets.
Dogs are people too! Look at 'em!
Pet care experience
I've lived with and cared for dogs for most of my life. I kept 2 large dogs going for 13 years each of well-loved life. I wanted to share my love of backpacking with those dogs, and they both ended up with better trail etiquette than many of the people we crossed paths with. Currently I take care of my house mate's dog as needed when she's away or just for fun. I've found over the years that I get better and faster cooperation from the fidos when I talk to them like people, so that tends to be my m.o.! One of my dogs was fairly reactive and "alpha" when challenged, and so I've learned how to set appropriate limits and/or avoid touchy situations. When I walk them, I prefer to get moving (within the dog's physical limits), for both of our health, but I'm also supportive of the need to just sniff the ground. I would, of course, accommodate whatever the dogs' people think is best. I am not currently certified in dog CPR, but I've successfully given my dog the Heimlich maneuver, stopped excessive bleeding, used a towel sling to help him navigate steps as his back end atrophied with age, the latter being useful for any dog with skeletal mobility issues, be they injuries, post-op recovery, or due to aging.
Reviews
Jeff took fantastic care of our dogs! It was easy to tell from the pucs he sent that they were comfortable and at ease with him. Thanks! Will book again!
Jeff was super communicative and extremely knowledgeable about dogs. He sent lots of pictures and updates while we were away, and we returned to a very clean house and happy pets. We will definitely be using Jeff’s excellent services again.
The best, as always! Luna is in the best hands and she's SOOOO happy!
Jeff was so great with Luna and sent so many pics and videos. We could tell our very anxious dog was comfortable and happy!
About Jeff K.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I will be asking for and expecting clear and accurate descriptions of the pets' behavior, good and bad, and adhere to any expectations the client has about how much rope and space to give the dogs. I will err on the conservative side, knowing I may not get the cooperation they would give their full-time people. If the dog is "touchy," and I am house sitting, if the dog doesn't want to interact, I'll let them come to me. If we're walking, I will err on the side of caution and avoid other dogs, since I won't have a comprehensive understanding of the dogs' buttons to be pushed.
Information Jeff K. would like to know about your pet
I would want to know any possible medical/behavioral issues, what types of walking apparatus the client is comfortable with, if they allow a different type. Expected reactions to other people, dogs, cats, their take on the mailman, (not always consistent with general reaction to strangers, and very useful), all that info is helpful.
A typical day
If I'm doing a drop-in walk, I would likely stay in the client's neighborhood, for time management, the dog's familiarity and my comfort getting to know the dog. Once we have a relationship, if appropriate, I like taking dogs to wooded environments for the terrain, the smells, overall stimulation. If the dogs likes to fetch, that's fine by me! In general, a dog and I are "hanging" together, or if I'm working and the dog is present, I like to talk to the dog now and again, let them know what I"m doing, what the plan is for our activity, random thoughts. I've found this makes them much more in tune with what I want to do, what I want them to do, or what we are doing together. And it keeps them involved, like a friend. I will not be willingly letting any dog off-leash outside of their own fenced/proofed yard.
Jeff K.
Hazelwood, Portland, OR