5.0

**I do not board dogs that have no experience with cats. Must be 100% cat safe.** I will treat your pets like my own! I currently offer Boarding, Walks, and Drop-In Visits. See below for requirements. Requirements for Boarding: --Able to be crated for 4-6 hours (If adult) --My availability for puppies will depend on my schedule at the time of the booking --MUST be confirmed cat-safe: I can't take large dogs that have never been around cats --Up-to-date on vaccines (rabies, DH2P, bordetella) --For safety, dogs in my care will sleep in a (very large) crate in my bedroom at night. I do not allow dogs to sleep in my bed. Consideration for drop-in care: --For dogs: My policy is no more than 8-10 hours between potty breaks. If you will be out of town, I will offer a quick midday visit for $10 for a quick potty break, and 2 30 minutes visits in the morning and right before bed at my normal rate as a minimum. --Cats must be indoors at all times during the stay, unless I am taking them out on a leash Additional Fees: $30/day if your pet: --Requires "constant care" (cannot be left alone for at least 4-6 hours) ----Availability for constant care will vary depending on my schedule at the time --Needs special care that is time consuming Services: --Focused walks for reactive dogs (see below for details) --Conditioning for new walking equipment (head halters, muzzles, etc) --Drop in services for ALL kinds of animals (reptiles/herps, small mammals, rodents, birds, horses/other farm animals) --Boarding Cancellation Policy: For cancellations within 3 days of the beginnings date of the service, a cancellation fee may be applied. The fee will be equivalent to 50% of the cost for the first week of service. The choice to apply this fee will be at my discretion. My life has always been about animals. I have owned dogs with a range of temperaments and am experienced with training both manners and correcting behavioral problems using fear-free techniques. I worked for 2 years as a veterinary assistant in a mixed-animal practice prior to being accepted to a PhD program in veterinary medicine studying the genetics of equine and canine behavior and disease at the University of Minnesota. Growing up, I always had dogs, cats, reptiles & amphibians, fish, small mammals (rabbits, rodents, ferrets, hedgehogs), and horses. As a young adult, I gained experience with common farm animals including chickens, sheep, goats, and turkeys. Due to my experience in vet med, I am able to administer medications (including injections) and provide senior care or care for animals with special needs. I have worked with dog-aggressive and dog-reactive dogs extensively and am experienced handling them. In addition, I have studied under a veterinary behavior specialist and have a solid foundation in canine behavior. Because of these experiences, I am able to train puppies and work with adult dogs in need of an education as well. I offer a focused-walk service. The purpose of a focused walk is to stimulate your dog mentally and promote good behavior. Your dog will spend the half hour walk doing on-and-off training exercises to teach leash manners, attention-span, and obedience. The frequency and length of exercises depends on your dog's age and current training level. I also offer these types of walks for reactive dogs, where counter-conditioning is the main focus. Counter-conditioning is the practice of associating something a dog is afraid of (other dogs, cars, etc) with something positive (usually food or play). Over time, counter-conditioning can improve your dog's reactivity and get him or her feeling more comfortable when faced with the sight of another dog, a car, or any other animals, people, or things he or she may be reactive towards.