Mark W.
Glen Gardner, NJ
Mark W. has Star Sitter status
The Star Sitter program highlights responsive sitters who deliver highly rated care and have a history of listing accurate availability and preferences, making it easier for pet parents to find the best care for their pets.
I speak dog fluently.
Pet care experience
My steady level energy around dogs is my best asset. They're your family, so you know them best. I use my experience and instincts only to supplement your knowledge of your furry family member. I have raised puppies, cared for elderly animals, and walked along all stages of their lives. The pet rescue I volunteer with exposed me to a fantastic animal behaviorist a few years ago, and I've continually expanded my understanding of animal behavior since, both in the subtle cues and recurring patterns that help provide insight into personality and preferences with each one. I'll always err on the side of double-checking with you and over-communicating rather than under. I care for dogs because they mean the world to me and I'm good at it. If you're interested in hiring someone who is unabashedly more comfortable around dogs than around most people, then I'm your guy.
Reviews
Thank you Mark for taking good care of D&D!
Mark is truly the best! He sends us updates and we know our dog is in great hands!
Mark is great with Jasper! Always on time and takes his time making sure Jasper is well cared for while also keeping me updated. Pictures are great!
Mark is awesome. Great communication, thorough and very much loves dogs.
About Mark W.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have a female dog who adores other dogs, especially to play with at dog parks. She was socialized heavily from when she was just a couple months old, and I'm proud of her ability to "read the room" and adapt to another dog's temperment. She's moderately active, and takes snuggling seriously. She's a lovable mush.
Information Mark W. would like to know about your pet
Let me know if your dog has any special needs or behaviors I should account for ahead of time. What motivates them? What do they dislike? What do they expect, and where?
A typical day
I try to think of a dog's day as being anchored around transition times, working with--not against--their energy levels and needs. Behavior is communication, and that goes both ways for pets and caregivers. For instance, a dog that loves the dog park may need some alone time after all the socializing, and a calm quiet car ride straight home may help signal that it's okay to start transitioning. Others may get zoomies later at night and need dinner at a specific time every day to keep a settled tummy. No matter the individual dog, I make sure that I communicate to them that they have my attention. I love to walk dogs and get into a rhythm. I wear a shoulder harness to make sure they are securely attached, and the paved path at Spruce Run is one of my favorite go-to locations but I can adapt to other settings. When we walk in-town, I carry a walking stick with reflective material that I use to cross intersections. Safety safety safety--at all times.
Services
Mark can watch in your home
Availability
It's my main employment focus, so I'm currently looking to fill repeat mid-mornings and mid-afternoons through the summer, but I am available occasionally for mornings and nights.
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | |||||
3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 |
24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
31 |
About Mark W.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have a female dog who adores other dogs, especially to play with at dog parks. She was socialized heavily from when she was just a couple months old, and I'm proud of her ability to "read the room" and adapt to another dog's temperment. She's moderately active, and takes snuggling seriously. She's a lovable mush.
Information Mark W. would like to know about your pet
Let me know if your dog has any special needs or behaviors I should account for ahead of time. What motivates them? What do they dislike? What do they expect, and where?
A typical day
I try to think of a dog's day as being anchored around transition times, working with--not against--their energy levels and needs. Behavior is communication, and that goes both ways for pets and caregivers. For instance, a dog that loves the dog park may need some alone time after all the socializing, and a calm quiet car ride straight home may help signal that it's okay to start transitioning. Others may get zoomies later at night and need dinner at a specific time every day to keep a settled tummy. No matter the individual dog, I make sure that I communicate to them that they have my attention. I love to walk dogs and get into a rhythm. I wear a shoulder harness to make sure they are securely attached, and the paved path at Spruce Run is one of my favorite go-to locations but I can adapt to other settings. When we walk in-town, I carry a walking stick with reflective material that I use to cross intersections. Safety safety safety--at all times.
Location
Glen Gardner, NJ
Pets
Mark W.
Glen Gardner, NJ