Johanna W.
Madison South, OR
Johanna W. 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.
Smitten for Small Dogs!
Pet care experience
Hello pet parents! Thanks for visiting my profile. My speciality is caring for small dogs over 2 years old that need a safe and calming environment while you are away. I've been running a b&b for anxious dogs since Dec 2022 and I love it! A recent client called me a mental health coach for dogs (when I'm not caring for dogs, I work as a Mental Health Coach for humans). I couldn't be more proud to earn this title. It's very important for me to provide you with a dog sitting experience that is low stress and professional. I prefer to schedule a meet and greet prior to your first visit so we can determine if boarding your dog at my house is a good fit for all involved. It's always an extra bonus for me if your pet has been groomed before arriving (including a good nail trimming!). I like to keep a tidy home, which is part of maintaining my own mental health. Please also remember to bring anything your dog will need to feel at home. I have a medium sized crate, a medium sized fuzzy bed, puzzle toys, balls and doggy bags on hand. If your dog is motivated by play, please bring one or two of their favorite toys.
Reviews
I am so thankful that Johanna was able to help with a last minute sit. She was very accommodating and took great care of my pups!
Picked up one very happy dog! Thank you again for all your great care of Bowie!
Johanna is a small dog whisperer. My pup Bowie came back from his dog-sitting stay more relaxed and rejuvenated than I did from my weekend getaway. I can wholeheartedly recommend Johanna, though I do so knowing that she is a treasure and the more dog parents that find her, the more fully booked she will be. It’s like recommending a private swimming hole you find that no one knows about – you share your wonderful discovery a bit reluctantly. I will 100% be rebooking another stay for Bowie the pup!
Johanna was wonderful with my crazy girl, Mimi! She has a bit of anxiety and a few other quirks but Johanna was really patient with her! She even made a friend during her extended stay over the holidays :) I would love to book with Johanna again, whether for overnights or just regular day care! Thanks for everything!
About Johanna W.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have a large fenced yard and your pets will have full access to the house. I also have a large workout/sunroom in the back of the house for daytime lounging and squirrel/bird watching, or containment when I'm out of the house (no more than 4 hours at a time). I do not have any of my own pets and live alone so my space is ideal for dogs who prefer a calm environment. My bedroom is quiet and dark so can be an ideal space if your dog is noise sensitive. I typically will put on the fan or calming music to create a safer space. My neighbor on one side has a mellow non-reactive dog. I've never had any issues with excessive reactivity with their dog. After trying this for several months, I no longer allow dogs on my bed. I may make a case by case exception if your dog is small and the only one I am caring for at that time. A key part of maintaining a low stress environment is making sure everyone gets a good nights sleep. Dogs are allowed on the sofa but I will honor your desire to keep them off furniture if that is your preference. I cannot guarantee that they won't go on the sofa when I'm out of the house. I do own one crate that works for small or medium sized dogs, but welcome you to bring your own if that helps your dog feel more at home. If possible, I prefer to use crates when I leave the house and for sleeping. I will never leave your dog outdoors unattended and do not have a doggy door in my home. I typically no not visit dog parks unless your dog's off leash skills are excellent. I enjoy taking dogs on longer hikes if they benefit from that, but typically do 2 walks a day around my neighborhood.
Home
Information Johanna W. would like to know about your pet
Feel free to answer these questions in your booking request, or we will discuss them during our initial communications and Meet & Greet. 1. Please tell me about your dog's recall skills. Do they come when called? Do they know "park it," "place," or "stay"? 2. How does your dog get along with other dogs (I allow 3-4 dogs at a time at my house)? What reactive behaviors do they have, if any? 3. What motivates your dog? 4. Please share details about any past trauma or neglect your dog has experienced and what current behaviors are associated with this. 5. How independent is your dog? Are they more of a velcro type or do they prefer to keep to themselves?
A typical day
Mornings: A typical day for me starts around 8am with a walk and exercise wrapped up by 11am. I often wake up between 6 and 7 so your pup(s) can have a potty break and their morning meal by 8am. Daytime: Pets have free range of the house when I'm not in client sessions. However because my lap won't be available during those sessions (I use a stand up desk), your dog will need to be able to rest in a designated spot while I coach. Evenings: If your dog benefits from two walks a day, I will typically feed them dinner around 5 or 6 and then go an a walk. This will flex depending on daylight hours. Later in the evening I often play indoor catch or tug with pups that initiate play, then watch TV or read on the couch until 10. Sleeping: I usually go to bed between 10 and 11. Your pup will have a dedicated space to put their own bed at the foot of mine, unless they can be crated.
Services
Johanna can host
Johanna can watch in your home
Availability
I work from home as a Mental Health Coach, so have plenty of time between sessions to let your dog out to potty and go on walks in the mornings and evenings. Because of my profession I will need to have uninterrupted quiet time during client sessions for 45 minutes at a time. I typically leave the house in the evenings 1-3 times a week to meet friends for dinner or attend a dance class.
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About Johanna W.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have a large fenced yard and your pets will have full access to the house. I also have a large workout/sunroom in the back of the house for daytime lounging and squirrel/bird watching, or containment when I'm out of the house (no more than 4 hours at a time). I do not have any of my own pets and live alone so my space is ideal for dogs who prefer a calm environment. My bedroom is quiet and dark so can be an ideal space if your dog is noise sensitive. I typically will put on the fan or calming music to create a safer space. My neighbor on one side has a mellow non-reactive dog. I've never had any issues with excessive reactivity with their dog. After trying this for several months, I no longer allow dogs on my bed. I may make a case by case exception if your dog is small and the only one I am caring for at that time. A key part of maintaining a low stress environment is making sure everyone gets a good nights sleep. Dogs are allowed on the sofa but I will honor your desire to keep them off furniture if that is your preference. I cannot guarantee that they won't go on the sofa when I'm out of the house. I do own one crate that works for small or medium sized dogs, but welcome you to bring your own if that helps your dog feel more at home. If possible, I prefer to use crates when I leave the house and for sleeping. I will never leave your dog outdoors unattended and do not have a doggy door in my home. I typically no not visit dog parks unless your dog's off leash skills are excellent. I enjoy taking dogs on longer hikes if they benefit from that, but typically do 2 walks a day around my neighborhood.
Home
Information Johanna W. would like to know about your pet
Feel free to answer these questions in your booking request, or we will discuss them during our initial communications and Meet & Greet. 1. Please tell me about your dog's recall skills. Do they come when called? Do they know "park it," "place," or "stay"? 2. How does your dog get along with other dogs (I allow 3-4 dogs at a time at my house)? What reactive behaviors do they have, if any? 3. What motivates your dog? 4. Please share details about any past trauma or neglect your dog has experienced and what current behaviors are associated with this. 5. How independent is your dog? Are they more of a velcro type or do they prefer to keep to themselves?
A typical day
Mornings: A typical day for me starts around 8am with a walk and exercise wrapped up by 11am. I often wake up between 6 and 7 so your pup(s) can have a potty break and their morning meal by 8am. Daytime: Pets have free range of the house when I'm not in client sessions. However because my lap won't be available during those sessions (I use a stand up desk), your dog will need to be able to rest in a designated spot while I coach. Evenings: If your dog benefits from two walks a day, I will typically feed them dinner around 5 or 6 and then go an a walk. This will flex depending on daylight hours. Later in the evening I often play indoor catch or tug with pups that initiate play, then watch TV or read on the couch until 10. Sleeping: I usually go to bed between 10 and 11. Your pup will have a dedicated space to put their own bed at the foot of mine, unless they can be crated.
Location
Portland, OR
Johanna W.
Madison South, OR