Matthew M.
Huntington Woods, MI
All dogs are good dogs:)
Pet care experience
PLEASE READ FULL BIO:) Hi! I'm so happy to introduce myself:). My name is Matt and I've been a dog dad for about 10 years now and have been around dogs my entire life:). I've been walking dogs and dog sitting for 3+ years! I've had my current dog, Toby, for five years and have tons of experience with all types of dogs! Large, small, old, young, relaxed, stubborn, aggressive, high energy, and so much more! I absolutely love being a dog walker/sitter and cannot wait to meet your pup:). I started by simply help my friends with their dogs, walking them, dog sitting and even training them too. Animals are such an important and positive part of my life, and I could not imagine my live without this incredible career. Being able to walk dogs has been so rewarding and I absolutely love what I do! I truly believe that all doggos are good doggos and deserve to be loved like they're our children. I make sure to give the same amount of love and attention to all dogs I walk and sit as I do to my very own pup:). I treat all dogs with the love I have for my own! The bond I build with each individual dog is definitely my favorite part of this work. Each dog has such a different & lovely personality and I end up getting to learn about each one and build a loving special relationship with each one! I believe dogs need to be treated with support and kindness so I choose to interact with each clients dogs with a positive reinforcement mindset. So you can rest easy knowing your dog is in good hands with me! My dog, Toby, and I are almost always either long boarding around town, lost in the woods or adventuring around Detroit. I'm very patient when it comes to dog care, dogs who are "difficult" to walk, strong willed, "poorly behaved", nippy, "aggressive" etc. are all dogs I have heaps of experience with and love working with! I've had a lot of experience with dogs in general and love all kinds! Will gladly answer any questions you have and will keep an open line of great communication while spending time with your dog! I cannot stress enough that I believe all dogs are good dogs and just need & deserve lots of quality care! I have completely shifted my career to take on dog care full time! I've taken a leave from prior work to spend more time in my community. I volunteer a lot but have very open availability:). Whatever you need I can most likely make work, so just ask for what you need and we can figure some arrangement out:). As for Toby, my dog, he is a very friendly dog! He usually goes on most of the walks I do with other dogs unless noted by the client! I would never surprise your dog or mine with a walk with a strange new dog so no worries about any potential clashing. I make sure to be fully attentive when walking a client's dog and make sure they have all my focus and love while we are together. I give lots of praise and support when we walk while making sure they aren't getting into anything they shouldn't be! In regards to dog sitting. I prefer to take the clients dog back to my home. Although my home is an apartment, it is very dog friendly with a great/large fenced in yard for dogs to enjoy. My dog is almost always in the car with me wherever I go and I'd most likely do the same with your dog if I'm dog sitting! Again, any questions, just ask:). Dog walking and pet sitting is my full time job! Currently I have openings for a few more dogs to walk throughout the week so as for my daily and weekly routine, it is the main part of my routine. As for pet sitting I get booked up rather quickly so please ask asap! I live in a dog friendly apartment. I too have a dog who gets along great with other dogs! If your dog is not great with other dogs, my dog always stays with my father and never has to be in my home while I am watching your pup. My apartment does have a large fenced in yard for dogs to run around and play in! And when your dog is at my home they will get treated with just as much love as I give my own dog:). I will make sure to stick to the same rules you have for your dog at your home. For example, crated when not home or not allowed on furniture, feeding times, walking schedules etc. I do prefer to have the clients dog always stay at my home though!
Reviews
I cannot recommend Matthew highly enough. He formed an immediate bond with my 110 pound Lab/Pit and seems to enjoy the walks as much as Colonel. . Matthew understands dog behavior and practices positive reinforcement techniques. He is dependable and very professional. He, obviously, wants to create the best possible experience for my dog.
I have three sheepdogs who are literally like my second set of children.. We will not go on vacation unless one of my own children can watch them, unless of course it’s Matt. He went to high school with my kids and has become like a member of our family. Matt is a hard worker, honest, dedicated, and beyond reliable. I feel completely at ease when he’s watching our dogs, and would highly recommend him!
When it comes to finding a dog sitter, that is something I take very seriously. The thought of a stranger babysitting your furry baby is nerve racking to say the least. I always tried my very best to ask friends and family for referrals. I have known Matt for over 10 years now, and I was so excited when he started his dog walking company! I would trust Matt with my life, and being the dog fanatic I know he is, I knew he would be great with my puppy, Ziggy. Ziggy is very shy, and Matt is doing an incredible job working with him to get him out of his shell. Matt is very reliable, trust worthy, and is a hard worker. He always shows up on time, and I know I can count on him when I need him. He even takes Ziggy safely to and from his grooming appointments. Ziggy loves Matt! I highly recommend Matt to anyone.
Matthew is the best caregiver and friend my pup has ever had. I actually think my dog is a little depressed when we come home 😅 - Matthew follows my instructions to the letter and I always feel confident that my little Finnegan is having the time of his life when he gets his visits from him.
About Matthew M.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Safety is the number one priority! Make sure they are constantly monitored and never have anything that could cause potential harm! When on walks, or out and about, I never have a clients pet interact with any other dogs or humans that they don't know. Risk mitigation! Second is comfort, consistency and joy! I treat all dogs like they're my own dog! With the utmost positive love and affection. Making sure we stick to any schedule they may be on or any trainings they are working on. I try to make sure that the dog has the most enriching and nurturing experience!
Home
Information Matthew M. would like to know about your pet
There are a few things I'd love to know before hand: How you have trained your dog. (what commands they know, how to redirect them,how you would like me to interact with them on the leash, i.e. total freedom, in a heel, etc.) What treats I can use to reward them on walks or while sitting. How best to enter your home. If they do well with strangers, other dogs, etc. Any health issues (bad hips, skin sensitivities, etc.) Vet info. To be clear, I will always do positive reinforcement dog interactions. I think its the best/most ethical way to interact. So a lot of redirection and distractions to avoid negative experiences, situations and tendencies. I will always will steer clear of any other interactions while on a walk. I do not want strangers or their dogs interacting with any of my clients dogs unless otherwise specified by you! My goal is to have an incredibly positive experience for the pup I'm taking care of and limiting risk is one of the most important components of creating a positive space!
A typical day
A typical day with any dog I'm dog sitting will have a variation of different looks. They will either come with me in the car (depending on if they do well in cars or not) while I go on some errands/walks with other dogs and go for various walks throughout the day with me too! If they do not do well in the car, I leave them at my apartment for short spans of time and frequently come back to check on them to take them out and give them love. They will not be home for more than a few hours alone at any time. We will make sure to do a few potty breaks every few hours! I love to play games with the dogs I watch/walk. I know some dogs can play all day and I have no problem with that! keeping a dog entertained with things like kongs, lick-a-mats, or constructive "brain games"/puzzles are all things I am equipped with to keep them learning, having fun and stimulated! I spend quality time with each dog outside rain or shine and have no problem bathing them and cleaning them all up when they get muddy! I love to bring the dogs to places like Belle Isle and other fun outdoor spots to get some extra fun play time! But mainly, I find that training is the most rewarding and stimulating form of interactions with pups. So I do like to help train the doggos while they are in my care! I think training is one of the best ways to play with a dog. It's stimulating, enjoyable and beneficial to everyone! So I also do that as a "fun activity". If you would like me to help with specific training topics and activities I'd love to help! I also long-board (type of skateboarding) with my dog all the time! My dog just runs next to me while I long-board for more intense/additional exercise. If you're interested in that for your dog, it helps burn way more energy, feel free to ask me more about that! The dogs I long-board absolutely love it and are happy and exhausted afterwards!
Services
Matthew can host
Matthew can watch in your home
Availability
Pet care is my full time job:). I do dog walking, sitting and work with a trainer every day of the week! It's my career.
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About Matthew M.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Safety is the number one priority! Make sure they are constantly monitored and never have anything that could cause potential harm! When on walks, or out and about, I never have a clients pet interact with any other dogs or humans that they don't know. Risk mitigation! Second is comfort, consistency and joy! I treat all dogs like they're my own dog! With the utmost positive love and affection. Making sure we stick to any schedule they may be on or any trainings they are working on. I try to make sure that the dog has the most enriching and nurturing experience!
Home
Information Matthew M. would like to know about your pet
There are a few things I'd love to know before hand: How you have trained your dog. (what commands they know, how to redirect them,how you would like me to interact with them on the leash, i.e. total freedom, in a heel, etc.) What treats I can use to reward them on walks or while sitting. How best to enter your home. If they do well with strangers, other dogs, etc. Any health issues (bad hips, skin sensitivities, etc.) Vet info. To be clear, I will always do positive reinforcement dog interactions. I think its the best/most ethical way to interact. So a lot of redirection and distractions to avoid negative experiences, situations and tendencies. I will always will steer clear of any other interactions while on a walk. I do not want strangers or their dogs interacting with any of my clients dogs unless otherwise specified by you! My goal is to have an incredibly positive experience for the pup I'm taking care of and limiting risk is one of the most important components of creating a positive space!
A typical day
A typical day with any dog I'm dog sitting will have a variation of different looks. They will either come with me in the car (depending on if they do well in cars or not) while I go on some errands/walks with other dogs and go for various walks throughout the day with me too! If they do not do well in the car, I leave them at my apartment for short spans of time and frequently come back to check on them to take them out and give them love. They will not be home for more than a few hours alone at any time. We will make sure to do a few potty breaks every few hours! I love to play games with the dogs I watch/walk. I know some dogs can play all day and I have no problem with that! keeping a dog entertained with things like kongs, lick-a-mats, or constructive "brain games"/puzzles are all things I am equipped with to keep them learning, having fun and stimulated! I spend quality time with each dog outside rain or shine and have no problem bathing them and cleaning them all up when they get muddy! I love to bring the dogs to places like Belle Isle and other fun outdoor spots to get some extra fun play time! But mainly, I find that training is the most rewarding and stimulating form of interactions with pups. So I do like to help train the doggos while they are in my care! I think training is one of the best ways to play with a dog. It's stimulating, enjoyable and beneficial to everyone! So I also do that as a "fun activity". If you would like me to help with specific training topics and activities I'd love to help! I also long-board (type of skateboarding) with my dog all the time! My dog just runs next to me while I long-board for more intense/additional exercise. If you're interested in that for your dog, it helps burn way more energy, feel free to ask me more about that! The dogs I long-board absolutely love it and are happy and exhausted afterwards!
Location
Huntington Woods, MI
Pets
Matthew M.
Huntington Woods, MI