I’ve had dogs of all ages over the course of my life, so I’m able to train puppies and properly tend to older dogs. I’ve walked and sat dogs for friends, family, and clients since I was a teenager. One of my quirks is my love for talking and playing with dogs! I’m a full time student, so most of my time is spent in virtual classes or completing school work. This flexible schedule is ideal for dog sitting, as I can put the dogs’ needs first and complete my schoolwork when possible. I usually take on walking jobs in the mornings and evenings. In my opinion, starting and ending the day with a furry friend is the ideal way to go! In a client’s home, I respect the dog’s normal routine unless stated otherwise. If a routine isn’t specified, I feed the pooch twice a day and walk 2-3 times a day to start, and adjust from there depending on how they respond. Playing is also an important part of my strategy, as it develops a bond with the doggo and allows for a trusting relationship. This comes in handy when training a dog or modifying behavior/attitude, as the play creates an incentive base that is intrinsically rewarding for dogs. Additionally, I spend a lot of time talking to animals! If I’m learning something in school, or just thinking about something in general, I like to think out loud and tell my furry friends about it. They usually give me funny looks, but I think this natural conversing reinforces my voice for them. That way, they quickly identify my voice later on - knowing I’m a friend and paying attention to my commands. This is all out of love! Even when training a dog, I believe there needs to be a relationship first - acting as a foundation from which to build more appropriate behavior patterns. If I don’t respect them and meet them where they’re at, there’s no hope for a satisfying and productive interaction.