**I look young but I am actually 29!** I will treat your pets like my own! I currently offer Boarding, House Sitting, Walks, and Drop In Visits. See below for requirements. Requirements for Boarding: Able to be crated for short periods of time MUST be confirmed cat-safe: I can't take large dogs that have never been around cats Up-to-date on vaccines dog-friendly *If your dog is not a good fit for boarding, I am happy to take care of him or her at your house!* Services: --Focused walks for reactive dogs --Conditioning for new walking equipment (head halters, muzzles, etc) --Focused walks for any dog! --Drop in services for ALL kinds of animals --Boarding --House sitting Grooming: --Baths, brushing, deshedding, nail trims --I do not shave or cut hair 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 and 3 years (current position) as a PhD candidate in a lab 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.