Julie W.
Brookland Park, VA
Professional Dog Trainer & Handler
Pet care experience
I instruct beginner to advanced manners classes, rally obedience classes, and tricks classes at a reputable dog training school. I also do private lessons in all of those areas of study. I am an IAABC Accredited Dog Trainer (IAABC-ADT), a certified Absolute Dog Professional Dog Trainer, a Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI) and Canine Good Citizenship (CGC) Evaluator. I apprenticed under an IAABC certified dog behaviorist for three and a half years. I believe in positive reinforcement techniques and mental stimulation and enrichment for dogs. I continue my study of dogs, dog training, and dog behavior through IAABC and Absolute Dogs. I have experience with dogs of all ages and sizes and a plethora of breeds and have a significant amount of experience with special needs dogs. I compete in Rally Obedience with my dog Elsie. She has earned titles in Rally Obedience (RL3) and Tricks (ETD & TKP) and has her Canine Good Citizenship (CGC) title. For fun, we also participate in agility and competition obedience training. At the moment, she is learning to bowl with a children's bowling set, play soccer with a mini goal, and jump through my arms when I make a hoop shape with them. My husband and I are currently raising our puppy, Rhubarb Pi "Ruby" (DOB 10/2021) and are enjoying the roller coaster of joys and pains that come with adolescence. My hope is that Ruby will continue to grow and enjoy learning and will follow in her big sister's footsteps. I grew up with dogs, cats, guinea pigs, turtles, goats, hamsters, rabbits, and fish. My childhood home was a regular zoo. My very first word was my dog's name! I have lived with dogs of all shapes and sizes, from a chihuahua mix to a German shepherd. I especially enjoy building relationships with special needs dogs. I had a dog-reactive dog with epilepsy, liver disease, and noise sensitivity and a dog with clinical separation anxiety. I also have a deaf cat. In the past, I had a deaf dog with clinical social phobias. ** I will not accept bookings in homes where there is a pet snake ** ** Smoke-free homes only, please **
Reviews
Julie is always amazing with my dogs. They love her and I know she loves them!
Julie is the answer to your pet sitting needs! She is also our trainer and I recommend her for that as well- all positive, kind, honest. She stays in great communication which I appreciate. I never had any concern about my pup's care. Completely comfortable with Julie in my home and she likely spent more time with my pup than I do. She had important observations on how I can help my pup (20 months old) be the best girl she can be. 5 stars x 100!
I will recommend her. Thank you. Bill
Julie is an excellent animal sitter & dog trainer. I was impressed by how organized and through she was having an important animal information sheet I had to fill out. She asked a lot of personnel questions about my pet. She did know my dog from dog training classes when he was a pup. It was a relief going away knowing my pets were comfortable in their own home & Julie was giving them excellent care.
About Julie W.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have a lot of experience with dogs and dog behavior concerns. I'm happy to work with you and your dog to give your dog the best and least stressful experience they can have in your absence.
Information Julie W. would like to know about your pet
Please advise me of any special needs your dog may have. Does your dog take medication? Does your dog have any allergies? Does your dog have any specific fears or reactivity to other dogs, cats, children, cars, bikes, strangers, etc..?
A typical day
I can provide training during my stays for an additional cost -- inquire for details. I love photographing animals. I'll send you photos throughout my stay with your pets. I'm also happy to bring your mail and/or newspaper, water your plants, and feed your fish.
Services
Julie can watch in your home
Availability
As mentioned above, I am a dog trainer. I am available to be at home with your dogs between classes and lessons. Generally, I'm not away more than 4 hours at a time and never more than 6 hours.
About Julie W.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have a lot of experience with dogs and dog behavior concerns. I'm happy to work with you and your dog to give your dog the best and least stressful experience they can have in your absence.
Information Julie W. would like to know about your pet
Please advise me of any special needs your dog may have. Does your dog take medication? Does your dog have any allergies? Does your dog have any specific fears or reactivity to other dogs, cats, children, cars, bikes, strangers, etc..?
A typical day
I can provide training during my stays for an additional cost -- inquire for details. I love photographing animals. I'll send you photos throughout my stay with your pets. I'm also happy to bring your mail and/or newspaper, water your plants, and feed your fish.
Location
Richmond, VA
Pets
Julie W.
Brookland Park, VA