Before sitting for a dog, it's important for me to know a little about the size, breed, temperament as well as: - habits (when do they eat? how frequently do they need to go out?); - any quirks or fear triggers (do loud noises frighten them? what tends to sooth them?); - any commands you use, and behavior you want me to watch out for or reward; - what they love! (do they respond best to treats or play?) For walking, knowing some of the above helps--but especially commands and temperament toward strangers, children, and dogs. I'm open to many breeds! Most of my experience is with medium- to-large dogs, in particular retrievers and working dogs. I grew up around huskies, malamutes, and shepherds--a Belgian Groenendael/retriever mix and a sprightly English Shepherd--so I've got a soft spot there. But I'm just as smitten with my friend's clever rat terrier--so all dogs welcome!

We'll take a walk through the canine cosmopolitan world of Center City parks--Seger, Cianfrani, Hawthorne, Washington Square. We can practice sits and stays as we make our way through city streets--and otherwise keep to side-streets, away from major thoroughfares. If it makes sense location- and time-wise, we might explore the Schuylkill River Trail and its smorgasbord of scents. If house sitting, I like to practice some basic commands, and a game of fetch, dug, or hide-and-seek are all on the table! OH and scratches and belly-rubs--all day every day.