I have been taking care of dogs since my family got our first dog (black lab) when I was 5 years old, I take on a lot of the responsibility for caring for our now two dogs (yellow lab mix and border collie) when I visit my parents, and I fostered a large retriever/pitbull mix for six months during 2018. I have experience with clicker training with my own dogs, my foster dog, and also with dogs at the STL County Pet Adoption Center. I volunteered with the Adoption Center for 3 years and have lots of experience working with new dogs on training and taking them for walks. Volunteering at the shelter and fostering has taught me how to read dogs' body language and what to do when an unfamiliar dog is around. If I am taking care of your dog I will never let them interact with another dog, familiar or unfamiliar, without your explicit instructions or permission because I understand how quickly social situations can get out of hand sometimes. Your dog's safety is my utmost priority when they are in my care. I work as a zookeeper at Turtle Back Zoo part-time Thursday through Sunday and my days off are Monday through Wednesday. My work day usually involves me arriving at work by 8:15am and leaving around 5pm. Depending on the day I may be unable to do lunchtime drop-ins or walks, but will definitely make up for that by spending extra time with your pup(s) before and after work! At this time I am not accepting permanent requests (i.e. walks every single M-F at 9am). I love meeting new dogs and people and am willing to do anything to help make your dogs happy and well cared for. I do prefer clients who live in West Orange but am more than happy to discuss your needs on a one on one basis. Thanks for reading and I look forward to working with you!