Christina B.
Issaquah, WA
Experienced Veterinary Professional
Pet care experience
EDIT: (As of 11/18/22) I am currently undergoing a job transition and am uncertain of my schedule going forward. I will be available for overnights but don’t yet know my availability for daily walks and visits. I will update my schedule as soon as I know more. I am a veterinary professional with 5 of experience in veterinary care and 15 years of professional experience working with dogs and cats in the roles of grooming assistant, veterinary assistant, dog trainer, adoption counselor, and veterinary practice manager. From 2010 to 1017, I owned a successful professional pet sitting and dog training business in both Connecticut and Florida. I have also volunteered with multiple rescues throughout the United States, primarily photographing and providing consultation for training difficult-to-place dogs to get them into loving homes. I am a positive reinforcement based trainer and use only positive training techniques with client's pets. I am currently working towards CPDT dog training certification. I have extensive experience with, and a deep love for, both dogs and cats, as well as exotic and farm animals. I currently live in Issaquah, WA with my fiance and our very active Border Collie, with whom I have competed in bikejoring and dock diving. I am fully vaccinated for COVID. I am happy to answer any questions you may have!
Reviews
Christina is a very patient caregiver who treats all animals like they are her own. She gives everyone in her care the highest quality of attention.
About Christina B.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I use only positive reinforcement based training methods. I am soft spoken and gentle with the animals I work with. I use many of the fear-free handling methods I learned in veterinary care and pay close attention to ensure that the animal I am handling is comfortable with me. As a matter of safety, I will not let dogs off-leash in an unfenced or unsecured area. I have personal experience handing dog aggressive dogs and am hyper-aware of my surroundings when walking or working with client's animals.
Information Christina B. would like to know about your pet
I am open to caring for any breed of dog, though herding breeds do have a special place in my heart. Medically needy animals are also always welcome. I am comfortable administering insulin and pills, even to tough-to-pill animals. I am also experienced with separation anxiety and phobic animals who need a little extra patience before they warm up to their sitter.
A typical day
My favorite dog activities are playing fetch and bikejoring! Bikejoring is when you use a special leash attachment and sledding harness to allow a dog to pull a bicycle. It's an incredibly fun activity and teaches your dog important skills like impulse control and listening to directions. Because bikejoring isn't always a safe activity for every dog or in every environment, I will only be bikejoring with dogs I feel comfortable with, in environments that are safe (no busy streets) for both of us. Bikejoring activities will only be utilized with each pet owner's express permission. I love bringing dogs for long walks, but because of some physical limitations I currently have, am sometimes limited to shorter walks depending on the day. On those days, I prefer to focus on training sessions, which tend to tire dogs out more quickly and thoroughly, with the added benefit of teaching your dog some new skills!
Services
Christina can watch in your home
Availability
EDIT: (As of 11/18/22) I am currently undergoing a job transition and am uncertain of my schedule going forward. I will be available for overnights but don’t yet know my availability for daily walks and visits. I will update my schedule as soon as I know more
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About Christina B.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I use only positive reinforcement based training methods. I am soft spoken and gentle with the animals I work with. I use many of the fear-free handling methods I learned in veterinary care and pay close attention to ensure that the animal I am handling is comfortable with me. As a matter of safety, I will not let dogs off-leash in an unfenced or unsecured area. I have personal experience handing dog aggressive dogs and am hyper-aware of my surroundings when walking or working with client's animals.
Information Christina B. would like to know about your pet
I am open to caring for any breed of dog, though herding breeds do have a special place in my heart. Medically needy animals are also always welcome. I am comfortable administering insulin and pills, even to tough-to-pill animals. I am also experienced with separation anxiety and phobic animals who need a little extra patience before they warm up to their sitter.
A typical day
My favorite dog activities are playing fetch and bikejoring! Bikejoring is when you use a special leash attachment and sledding harness to allow a dog to pull a bicycle. It's an incredibly fun activity and teaches your dog important skills like impulse control and listening to directions. Because bikejoring isn't always a safe activity for every dog or in every environment, I will only be bikejoring with dogs I feel comfortable with, in environments that are safe (no busy streets) for both of us. Bikejoring activities will only be utilized with each pet owner's express permission. I love bringing dogs for long walks, but because of some physical limitations I currently have, am sometimes limited to shorter walks depending on the day. On those days, I prefer to focus on training sessions, which tend to tire dogs out more quickly and thoroughly, with the added benefit of teaching your dog some new skills!
Location
Issaquah, WA
Pets
Christina B.
Issaquah, WA