Margaret B.
Lacey, WA
Service Dog Trainer-in-Training
Pet care experience
- I have always been an animal person. There has never been a time where I have been without a family cat, a dog, or both in the house. In addition to that, since the age of 8 I have cared for small pets that were solely my responsibility. I have owned birds, rodents, and reptiles of multiple kinds and I am comfortable with the care that these animals require. I have experience caring for backyard chickens. - I am a dog trainer with four years of experience. I am comfortable working with dogs at any skill level and hope to leave them better trained than I met them. - I have experience with dogs of all ages. I have a soft spot for puppies under 8 months and senior dogs. Potty training is a joy to me!
Reviews
Thank you so much for taking care of our pups!!!
Reliable, dependable, and very caring!
Margaret was a wonderful petsitter for our week out of state. She travels with her own sweet dog and she makes sure that your own dog(s) and hers get along to make for a smooth stay. Margaret was good with communication and follow-through. She sent pictures and videos of our multiple pets. While we were away, our older dog had an unfortunate pet emergency. She was observant to health concerns that we hadn't noticed and was in immediate consultation with us. She took our dog to the vet appointment and stayed with her, even through an unforeseen euthanasia. As a family far from our beloved pets, we were struggling with this. I will forever appreciate the care that Margaret gave our sweet girl when she stayed by her side and facetimed us so we could say our goodbyes. Overall Margaret did an excellent job. I would hire her again!
Reliable, communicative, caring; couldn’t ask for a better sitter!
About Margaret B.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
- My client dogs are not allowed off leash unless in a fenced in area. Fenced areas are checked for security and the area scanned for potential hazards before dogs are allowed off leash. Client dogs are not left unsupervised outdoors in any situation. - I carry emergency equipment on all walks, including: a can of Pet Corrector, citronella pet deterrent, a slip lead, whistles, treats, a water bowl, and a clicker. - For flight risk dogs, I use a double ended leash for extra security. All collars and harnesses are double-checked for security and sizing before leaving the house. - Client dogs are not permitted to greet strange people or dogs in any circumstances. - Doors are opened carefully and doublechecked that they are shut. - I am comfortable delivering oral medications even to difficult animals (provided they are not a bite risk). - Pets are always monitored with toys, chews or treats that may be a choking hazard. I am trained in dislodging objects from a pet’s throat safely in emergencies.
Information Margaret B. would like to know about your pet
- My own dog is trained as my service dog and will accompany me on overnight visits. New clients will need to follow a parallel walking protocol under my direction to safely introduce your dog/s to mine. - Be sure to mention any favorite toys, treats, or games your pet has. Include information about their daily routine and any activities you normally do with them. - Let me know if you have any specific behavior you would like me to work on, or anything you are currently working on yourself along with commands your dog already knows. Every dog’s language is different!
A typical day
- I am able to provide up to three walks per day, as well as plenty of outside time. I have chuck-its for playing fetch and I’m not afraid to get dirty playing with them! Repeat client dogs with whom I’ve become comfortable may join my dog and I on long walks in many of the public parks around Lacey and Olympia. New clients or dogs I am not as familiar with will stick near home for their walks for safety. - I can provide multiple training sessions throughout the day. Please let me know what you’d like your pet to work on—if you don’t, we will practice learning some fun tricks! - I provide ample mental enrichment options. I am happy to fill Kong/food toys, provide shredding opportunities, or play hide-and-seek games to keep dogs entertained when walks aren’t an option or aren’t enough. - Rest is equally as important as exercise! Crate trained dogs will have kennel-up time with a chew, others will have time stationed on their bed or another comfy spot to relax between activities.
Services
Margaret can watch in your home
Availability
- My schedule is very open! Drop-ins and walks can be scheduled same-day. Overnight visits or tandem walks with my dog must be scheduled at least one week ahead of time to allow ample time to introduce my dog to yours.
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About Margaret B.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
- My client dogs are not allowed off leash unless in a fenced in area. Fenced areas are checked for security and the area scanned for potential hazards before dogs are allowed off leash. Client dogs are not left unsupervised outdoors in any situation. - I carry emergency equipment on all walks, including: a can of Pet Corrector, citronella pet deterrent, a slip lead, whistles, treats, a water bowl, and a clicker. - For flight risk dogs, I use a double ended leash for extra security. All collars and harnesses are double-checked for security and sizing before leaving the house. - Client dogs are not permitted to greet strange people or dogs in any circumstances. - Doors are opened carefully and doublechecked that they are shut. - I am comfortable delivering oral medications even to difficult animals (provided they are not a bite risk). - Pets are always monitored with toys, chews or treats that may be a choking hazard. I am trained in dislodging objects from a pet’s throat safely in emergencies.
Information Margaret B. would like to know about your pet
- My own dog is trained as my service dog and will accompany me on overnight visits. New clients will need to follow a parallel walking protocol under my direction to safely introduce your dog/s to mine. - Be sure to mention any favorite toys, treats, or games your pet has. Include information about their daily routine and any activities you normally do with them. - Let me know if you have any specific behavior you would like me to work on, or anything you are currently working on yourself along with commands your dog already knows. Every dog’s language is different!
A typical day
- I am able to provide up to three walks per day, as well as plenty of outside time. I have chuck-its for playing fetch and I’m not afraid to get dirty playing with them! Repeat client dogs with whom I’ve become comfortable may join my dog and I on long walks in many of the public parks around Lacey and Olympia. New clients or dogs I am not as familiar with will stick near home for their walks for safety. - I can provide multiple training sessions throughout the day. Please let me know what you’d like your pet to work on—if you don’t, we will practice learning some fun tricks! - I provide ample mental enrichment options. I am happy to fill Kong/food toys, provide shredding opportunities, or play hide-and-seek games to keep dogs entertained when walks aren’t an option or aren’t enough. - Rest is equally as important as exercise! Crate trained dogs will have kennel-up time with a chew, others will have time stationed on their bed or another comfy spot to relax between activities.
Location
Lacey, WA
Pets
Margaret B.
Lacey, WA