Mark N.
OTTAWA, ON
Pet Vacation - Active, Fun, Loving
Pet care experience
Pets deserve vacation too! So with your dog's stay, they get a big home, treats and bones, a fenced-in back yard, adventures to many parks to see squirrels, groundhogs and rabbits, and many new dog and human friends to bond with. This is luxury for your dog. I've loved dogs since I was a little boy and have raised many from puppyhood to seniors. I've doggy-sat dogs with special dietary needs, insecurity, and first time away and understand the importance of establishing a routine, even when they're away from home. I am often asked to work with reactive dogs and dogs that do not walk loose on leash, and I don't have an issue with these dogs. I'm an active outdoorsman who loves taking dogs outdoors and I have several trails nearby that I visit, including Hog's Back Park, Vincent Macey, and the Arboretum. I've completed the Karen Pryor clicker training course (Foundations) and although I don't offer training, I do work with dogs to maintain their current skills while you're away. I have split custody with my current dog, a 4 year-old Shepard mix. He is a ball of energy who loves to go running and play with other dogs. Depending on how the dogs get along, he may be staying with me during part of your pet's stay. I'm happy to provide at least two thirty minute walks a day and more if your dog needs it. I'm an avid runner and am happy to have dogs on the run with me if your dog is a runner. I'm happy to provide regular pictures, video, Facetime with your pet while you are away and keep you updated regularly on how they are doing. In cases of emergency, if you have a preferred vet, I will take your pet to a place they - and you - are comfortable with. I've owned three mixed breed dogs and two golden retrievers. They've all been trained to be fantastic dogs, each with their own quirks. I can work with dogs of all sizes.
Reviews
Mark is wonderful, so happy he is able to walk with our dog! He has really helped us out. Thank you for all you do!
Pepper had an excellent time yet again with Mark!
Mark took care of our active Jack Russell terrier and foodie tabby cat for 22 nights, and we could not be happier with the level of care they received, as shown in the frequent detailed updates and photos he sent us. He seemed genuinely sorry to see them go home! We will definitely ask Mark to pet sit for us again in the future.
So glad we found Mark! Cannot say enough positive things about him!
About Mark N.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have a fenced back yard so your pet can spend time outside and I have dog bowls, beds, a crate, and toys, although I've found it's usually best if you bring items your dog is familiar with so it has a sense of home. For dogs that pull hard, I prefer using a gentle leader while they stay with me, rather than allowing them to pull too hard. It's better for me and for the dog. However I am also able to work with the tools that you prefer for your pet, whether that's a prong collar, corrective collar, anti-pull harness, etc.
Home
Information Mark N. would like to know about your pet
The more I know about your pet, their daily routine and habits, the better. - Is your dog crate trained or are they left out when you are out of the house? - Do they have any destructive habits / items when left unattended? - When do they take their walks? - How long are their walks? - Do they need additional exercise or a higher volume / more vigorous exercise - Do they have dietary restrictions? - Do they eat once or twice a day? At what time? - How frequently do they go outside? - Do they bark at strange dogs? Want to chase cats or squirrels? Pull hard on the leash? Jump up on people? - If your dog pulls hard on the lead during walks, I like to use a gentle lead to make it easier on the dog's body and me. Are you comfortable with this? I can provide literature on gentle leads if you aren't familiar. - I like to give dogs occasional bones (generally bully sticks) and dried liver treats. Please let me know if your dog has food allergies or if you prefer they don't have bones.
A typical day
I'm a distance runner and skate skier and love taking dogs out with me on adventures if they are the right fit for that type of exercise. All dogs should get to explore and I'll happily take your dog to new places across the city according to their needs and habits.
Services
Mark can host
Mark can watch in your home
Availability
I'm an outdoor fitness instructor and writer with plenty of time to care for your pets and offer them the attention they need, whether puppies with a need for regular outside time, or seniors who want someone close by. I'm rarely away from home for more than three hours.
About Mark N.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have a fenced back yard so your pet can spend time outside and I have dog bowls, beds, a crate, and toys, although I've found it's usually best if you bring items your dog is familiar with so it has a sense of home. For dogs that pull hard, I prefer using a gentle leader while they stay with me, rather than allowing them to pull too hard. It's better for me and for the dog. However I am also able to work with the tools that you prefer for your pet, whether that's a prong collar, corrective collar, anti-pull harness, etc.
Home
Information Mark N. would like to know about your pet
The more I know about your pet, their daily routine and habits, the better. - Is your dog crate trained or are they left out when you are out of the house? - Do they have any destructive habits / items when left unattended? - When do they take their walks? - How long are their walks? - Do they need additional exercise or a higher volume / more vigorous exercise - Do they have dietary restrictions? - Do they eat once or twice a day? At what time? - How frequently do they go outside? - Do they bark at strange dogs? Want to chase cats or squirrels? Pull hard on the leash? Jump up on people? - If your dog pulls hard on the lead during walks, I like to use a gentle lead to make it easier on the dog's body and me. Are you comfortable with this? I can provide literature on gentle leads if you aren't familiar. - I like to give dogs occasional bones (generally bully sticks) and dried liver treats. Please let me know if your dog has food allergies or if you prefer they don't have bones.
A typical day
I'm a distance runner and skate skier and love taking dogs out with me on adventures if they are the right fit for that type of exercise. All dogs should get to explore and I'll happily take your dog to new places across the city according to their needs and habits.
Location
OTTAWA, ON
Mark N.
OTTAWA, ON