Julia F.
Amherst, MA
Professional Pet Lover
Pet care experience
Hello! My name is Journey and I go by they/them pronouns (I unfortunately do not know how to update my name)! I grew up with two pet dogs, a corgi and a golden retriever. I have helped with their training and care since we got our golden in 2014. Additionally, I dog walk and pet sit when needed—both cats and dogs—and my experience leans towards big dogs (eg. golden retrievers, GSPs, Bernese mountain dogs). That being said, I have experience with dogs of all kinds and sizes through my job working at a pet retail/groomer/self dog wash store in my hometown. I also worked with an organization where I fostered and trained service dogs for two years, and am currently on the path to training my own service dog! In addition to walking and pet sitting, I am a CPDT-KA certified dog trainer and a Fear Free Certified Pet Sitter, and I offer private training sessions on basic manners and obedience at a rate of $45/hour session. I require a virtual consultation before providing any hands on training sessions; the cost of this consultation is $30/hour. I also have a travel fee of $0.50/mile for every mile over 15 miles away. While I am a novice trainer, I have ample experience in the training world and am more than happy to help you along in your dog training journey!
Reviews
Journey was great with my kitty! I especially appreciated that they sent me really good details about what they did during their visit and how my cat seemed to be doing (plus photos!) It made me feel confident that my cat was in good hands.
Journey is great. They are reliable and Lucy loves when they come over.
Journey is a true dog lover; they have a natural affinity for dogs and possesses an exceptional ability to connect with every dog they meet. Journey has an excellent understanding of a dog's behavior, needs, and emotions, allowing them to anticipate and respond to their needs effectively. This comes from growing up in a household with dogs as well as her volunteer pursuits. They are gentle and patient as well as reliable and organized. Journey has helped us with our two dogs numerous times as well as our neighbor's dogs. They have sought out volunteer opportunities with service animals upon attending college this past fall and works at a local pet grooming business when they are home on break. Journey's passion for dogs shines through in everything they do, and their love for them is unmatched. I highly recommend Journey for pet sitting as well as walking!
Journey dog sat my 4-month-old puppy for several months while I was working. Not only was Journey responsible, caring, and attentive but they also trained my pup on basic obedience. I have a high-energy pointer, so Journey took him on long walks and to playdates to socialize him. My dog developed a very tight bond with Journey and still gets very excited and cuddly whenever he sees them. I highly recommend Journey – they are truly passionate about dogs!
About Julia F.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I am dog/cat CPR and first aid certified through PawsNClaws911 training course. I have much experience working with dogs and cats, and I am very well-versed in reading their body language and signals and I know how to respond accordingly. As well, I have dog training experience with positive reinforcement training methods. I recently received my CPDT-KA dog trainer certification.
Information Julia F. would like to know about your pet
Things that would help me to know about your dog are their favorite snacks and toys, any allergies they have, what cues they know (sit, down, come, etc.) and to what degree they know them, as well as their general temperament and any challenges they may be working on (eg. leash pulling, high prey drive, dog reactivity, etc.).
A typical day
Most of my current dog-related work is fostering service dogs in training. A typical day for us looks like going to meals and classes, with play and training sessions throughout the day and an evening crate rest break. Some of our favorite games are fetch and tug, as well as setting up food-filled Kongs or other enrichment toys for them. For pets, I love doing the same—lots of sniffy time and walks at your dog’s pace, play and training, enrichment toys, etc.—minus the public access aspect.
Services
Julia can watch in your home
Availability
I am a full time college student currently taking a semester off and training my personal service dog. I am available between 9am until 4:30pm 7 days a week, and later than 4:30pm on select days.
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About Julia F.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I am dog/cat CPR and first aid certified through PawsNClaws911 training course. I have much experience working with dogs and cats, and I am very well-versed in reading their body language and signals and I know how to respond accordingly. As well, I have dog training experience with positive reinforcement training methods. I recently received my CPDT-KA dog trainer certification.
Information Julia F. would like to know about your pet
Things that would help me to know about your dog are their favorite snacks and toys, any allergies they have, what cues they know (sit, down, come, etc.) and to what degree they know them, as well as their general temperament and any challenges they may be working on (eg. leash pulling, high prey drive, dog reactivity, etc.).
A typical day
Most of my current dog-related work is fostering service dogs in training. A typical day for us looks like going to meals and classes, with play and training sessions throughout the day and an evening crate rest break. Some of our favorite games are fetch and tug, as well as setting up food-filled Kongs or other enrichment toys for them. For pets, I love doing the same—lots of sniffy time and walks at your dog’s pace, play and training, enrichment toys, etc.—minus the public access aspect.
Location
Amherst, MA
Julia F.
Amherst, MA