Margaret B.
East Palo alto, CA
Services
Margaret can host
Availability
My partner and I have offset work schedules so dogs can get breaks every 4 hours if needed. As a teacher, I have a regular work schedule Monday through Friday with evenings and weekends free. I love that dogs are the start and the end to my days.
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About Margaret B.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have large and small dogs in my pack for your dog to socialize with, but all are crate trained if the social experience isn't your thing. My large back yard is dog friendly for zoomies and games, sniffing and lounging. Inside the house I reinforce good manners through repetition and routine. We have a "no dogs on furniture" rule, but there are many comfy dog beds for lounging. I also have cameras set up to check on them when away from home.
Home
Information Margaret B. would like to know about your pet
I'm happy to take on any special needs dogs as long as I have all the information about them (food, medical, behavior, training goals). Your openness and honesty will help me be the best caretaker I can be. I have no breed or size restrictions. Please make sure your dogs are up-to-date on vaccines (or titered) and use flea and tick control to keep my pack healthy.
A typical day
I keep as regular a routine as possible so things are predictable and comfortable for dogs visiting my home. Dog guests get fresh air and exercise in the morning before crate time while the humans are at work. Walks, obedience training, and playtime are all possibilities. Let me know what your dog needs.
Location
East Palo alto, CA
Pets
Special needs pups are my specialty
Pet care experience
I have special needs dogs (medical and behavioral) so I know how hard it is to find someone you trust. Rest assured, I'm here to keep them happy, healthy and safe so you can relax while you are away. Medication, special diet, mobility issues, blind/deaf dogs, injections, allergies...I've been there. I'm also a part-time dog trainer so I'm happy to help manage any behavioral quirks your dog may have. (Aggression, reactivity, separation anxiety, fear/nervousness, resource guarding, potty training issues). Dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes are welcome. New clients - let's schedule a meet and greet so you can see where they will stay and I can learn about their care and needs. Crate trained dogs are given priority - it's how we ensure everyone's safe when unattended in a new space. I'm happy to help your dog learn to use a crate if it's not part of their regular routine. My journey: In addition to always being surrounded with animals since childhood, I fostered many dogs with rescues working my way up from the easy happy-go-lucky ones to the most challenging cases. I'm a full-time teacher so I'm organized, consistent, and used to being responsible for the well-being of others. My love of animals + the joy I get from being an educator naturally led me to training dogs too! Bring on your biters, your hard to medicate, your separation anxiety crate-breakers and escape artists. I've helped fearful and reactive dogs and managed aggression safely. I've lived through emergency vet visits and staying up all night to give the right care. All dogs who come into my home are treated as if they were my own. That means I go the extra mile. I also take a "never stop learning" approach to life and continually add to my skill set. I've learned from sport dog trainers, and trainers focused on behavioral modification. There are many training philosophies out there, and I'm comfortable following your method of choice while your dog is with me. My dogs have had life changing results using prong and e-collar (ask me how!), but I also have boarding clients who use all positive training.
Reviews
Our dog is always excited to see Margaret and play with her dogs!
Margaret and her partner John were wonderful - especially as my first Rover booking. Both are personable and genuinely care about the dogs they look after. From the start, Margaret was incredibly communicative and sent updates throughout the stay that were detailed and reassuring. My rescue dog is fearful of new people and environments, especially men, so I was nervous - but Margaret immediately understood he needed patience and time. When I picked him up after just a 2-day stay, he was wagging his tail while John was petting him on the head. During the meet and greet, Margaret was thorough and did a thoughtful, controlled introduction with her dogs. It’s also worth mentioning that Margaret has rescue dogs of her own, so it’s clear she has experience caring for dogs who may need some extra support. I felt at ease knowing my dog was in capable and compassionate hands.
Yet again, Margaret provided a safe and comfortable environment for my pups over the weekend. She's patient and clear with them as they settle into a new environment and was very skilled at working with the more nervous of my two dogs. I received regular updates and pics, and was pleased to hear that they had fun playing with the resident dogs! They came home tired, happy and fulfilled and I will definitely be booking Margaret again to care for my dogs!
Margaret always goes above and beyond when she is caring for Enzo….he is a unique pup with allergies and Margaret is great about updating me on his skin condition and taking the extra time to provide a bath when he needed it to calm his skin. It makes me feel at ease when I am away knowing someone cares for Enzo as I would. Thank you Margaret!
About Margaret B.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have large and small dogs in my pack for your dog to socialize with, but all are crate trained if the social experience isn't your thing. My large back yard is dog friendly for zoomies and games, sniffing and lounging. Inside the house I reinforce good manners through repetition and routine. We have a "no dogs on furniture" rule, but there are many comfy dog beds for lounging. I also have cameras set up to check on them when away from home.
Home
Information Margaret B. would like to know about your pet
I'm happy to take on any special needs dogs as long as I have all the information about them (food, medical, behavior, training goals). Your openness and honesty will help me be the best caretaker I can be. I have no breed or size restrictions. Please make sure your dogs are up-to-date on vaccines (or titered) and use flea and tick control to keep my pack healthy.
A typical day
I keep as regular a routine as possible so things are predictable and comfortable for dogs visiting my home. Dog guests get fresh air and exercise in the morning before crate time while the humans are at work. Walks, obedience training, and playtime are all possibilities. Let me know what your dog needs.
Margaret B.
East Palo alto, CA