Lydia G.
Leesburg, VA
Experience training & showing dogs!
Pet care experience
I've taken care of numerous types of animals since childhood. I grew up on a horse farm, and trained and showed horses on a national level, and even worked with breeding stallions. After graduating from college, I pivoted my love to dogs, where I competed in obedience and AKC dog shows with a Golden Retriever. I've even trained one of my chickens to do tricks! My dog show experience makes me well equipped to work with intact dogs, and keep them safe. My priority is keeping your dog safe and happy, while getting exercise and mental stimulation. I practice basic obedience on every walk. When I bathe a dog, I only use a cold forced-air blow dryer made specifically for dogs. I care a lot about making sure coats are not damaged, and that a dog has a positive experience during a bath, brush, and blowout. All of my brushes are state of the art show dog quality and do not cause coat damage! My doggy daycare rates may seem high, but they do include positive training and/or practicing obedience. I am happy to talk to you about how we can work together to help your dog pass the Canine Good Citizen test!!
Reviews
Lydia was a great caregiver for our dog! We have a mini labradoodle who enjoyed her backyard, walks, and love. It’s so obvious that Lydiais an animal lover and wonderful caregiver. Thank you!
Lydia was AMAZING with Toby. This was my second time leaving Toby with her. He just LOVES it there. She takes care of him very well and spends a lot of time walking him and playing with him in the backyard. He is always supervised even when he is in the backyard. Thank you Lydia for taking care of Toby as your own.
Amazing sitter! I would trust her family to watch my doggies anytime!
Lydia was excellent with Toby. He was very very happy to be in her home. She sent me pictures of Toby enjoying running in the backyard and constant update of her activities with Toby. She has also been training him on issues that we discussed with her. She is good that we have rebooked her next week. She is definitely very very good with dogs and her experience shows that in looking after Toby. Thanks!!
About Lydia G.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have a fenced in yard, two pet cats, and five chickens (that live outside). I do meet and greets to ensure your dog will be comfortable with our pets and children (5 & 6). At night, your pet will sleep safely in a crate, which is covered in a large towel to help them feel safer and more at ease (a trick I picked up while showing dogs). Dogs that are not comfortable in a crate will have a cozy x-pen with dog bed at night. I do not go to dog parks, unless the owner requests, but will happily take your pet on hikes, walks, and downtown to work on obedience with distractions. At your home, I am happy to come for visits or even stay overnight. I enjoy long walks, brushing your dog, and keeping their minds active with fun training exercises and toys. I will treat your home like it is my own. I am experienced with administering topical and oral medications. I believe that dogs need to be active, both physically and mentally. If your pet has arthritis, I have a number of low impact games to play with them. Your pet will be loved like it is part of the family. I look forward to sharing pictures with you.
Home
Information Lydia G. would like to know about your pet
Please let me know if your dog has any special needs, behavioral issues, or medical needs ahead of time. My goal is to make every visit a positive experience for your pet. I know dog first aid, but am not trained in CPR (although I know a lot about it).
A typical day
Dogs need mental and physical stimulation, so each walk includes basic obedience work using positive reinforcement. I love to walk to historic downtown Leesburg, where your dog will enjoy the sites and sounds and be able to practice loose leash walking with distractions. I play games with your dog, and am happy to brush or groom them if requested. I love hiking! If you’d like, your dog can be taken on a hike where I will use either a 6’ lead or a 20’ training lead.
Services
Lydia can host
Lydia can watch in your home
Availability
I am a stay at home parent, and my kids are in school during the day. This gives me a lot of time to be with your beloved furbaby!
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About Lydia G.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have a fenced in yard, two pet cats, and five chickens (that live outside). I do meet and greets to ensure your dog will be comfortable with our pets and children (5 & 6). At night, your pet will sleep safely in a crate, which is covered in a large towel to help them feel safer and more at ease (a trick I picked up while showing dogs). Dogs that are not comfortable in a crate will have a cozy x-pen with dog bed at night. I do not go to dog parks, unless the owner requests, but will happily take your pet on hikes, walks, and downtown to work on obedience with distractions. At your home, I am happy to come for visits or even stay overnight. I enjoy long walks, brushing your dog, and keeping their minds active with fun training exercises and toys. I will treat your home like it is my own. I am experienced with administering topical and oral medications. I believe that dogs need to be active, both physically and mentally. If your pet has arthritis, I have a number of low impact games to play with them. Your pet will be loved like it is part of the family. I look forward to sharing pictures with you.
Home
Information Lydia G. would like to know about your pet
Please let me know if your dog has any special needs, behavioral issues, or medical needs ahead of time. My goal is to make every visit a positive experience for your pet. I know dog first aid, but am not trained in CPR (although I know a lot about it).
A typical day
Dogs need mental and physical stimulation, so each walk includes basic obedience work using positive reinforcement. I love to walk to historic downtown Leesburg, where your dog will enjoy the sites and sounds and be able to practice loose leash walking with distractions. I play games with your dog, and am happy to brush or groom them if requested. I love hiking! If you’d like, your dog can be taken on a hike where I will use either a 6’ lead or a 20’ training lead.
Location
Leesburg, VA
Pets
Lydia G.
Leesburg, VA