Maxwell C.
White Post, VA
I grew up with a dog breeder gramma
Pet care experience
Growing up on a 200 acre farm with 3 medium sized dogs multiple cats has taught me a lot of valuable lessons... do teach your dogs to stay close to you, don't push that too hard if they won't listen... do feed your dogs in the morning, don't wait until night time so ghat they decide to come back to the house with a dead beaver in tow. I have been the sole dog walker in my family for years and have fed them and bathed them many times. And as far as cats go, just don't let them outside without a leash unless you know they'll come back, and make sure you set up a meeting to meet an unknown one ahead of time. They're little people in fur suits, more so than dogs, and need to be treated as such IN REGARDS TO RATES, I offer a nice discount after an initial walk/sit, FYI. Rover won't let me post that but it's something we can discuss at a meet and greet.
About Maxwell C.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I provide an environment of structure infused with loving empathy; the world's weird to be a human right now, and it was already weird being a dog in this world. I try to be as empathetic towards that aspect of a dog's life as I can while still maintaining alpha status. I generally run a tight but playful ship. When they're with me, they're with me and I'm the pack leader and they stay close. In the (yours or mine) house, they are free to do as they like within established ground rules. I never smack dogs hard but will give a light, intention filled bat across the back of the head and on the nose with my hand when a behavior has been repeated or an overly aggressive, dangerous/harmful behavior is taking place. This is followed by much loving after an apology has been given to me either with paw or eyes. I like to offer one raw meal a day, usually just some standard meat from a place like Gore in Stephens City, but occasionally throw in some cooked squash and blueberries or something, I keep it varied. The dogs absolutely love it, it's actually cheaper long term than grain pellets, and it's generally healthier as long as you don't overdo it; dogs' systems these days are evolved for a grains based diet and so unless they've eaten raw from the puppy stage, switching over to strictly raw immediately is not only uncomfortable and unfamiliar for them but potentially life threatening. Assuming the pet is well equipped for the weather, we will spend very little time inside. I don't care if it's cold, that's what coats and hats are for! These animals are semi-nomadic beings; they don't generally thrive being cooped up in a cave all day, and neither do I! When we are inside, much cuddles and scratches are standard procedure (I have a knack for initiating the one footed tap dance of pleasure via the coveted unreachable spot at the base of the ribs), and various trainings can be incorporated as well if that's something you are interested in! Ultimately, how I care for your pet is up to you. I'm flexible with how we work together and how you want to see your animal treated. This is your family member and I believe it's integral that I am as similar to a member of their family as possible. For me, fun and structure are a priority; I've seen it work many times, and it's what works for me as a human as well!
Home
Information Maxwell C. would like to know about your pet
What activities do and don't work for them? How do they get along with other dogs within and without their household? Can I walk them without a leash? What food do they typically eat if not grain based? Can your dog get wet in a natural body of water if I clean them after? Do they have any specific fear based triggers I should be aware of? What, if anything, is something the typical dog owner might not think about with your dog that I need to be aware of?
A typical day
My own farm is a special place to walk! We have creeks, horses to look at, big wide open fields... If I'm coming to you then blandy and the museum of the shenandoah valley are my go to's, but I love taking dogs that can on actual hikes over in the shenandoah when possible
Services
Maxwell can host
Maxwell can watch in your home
Availability
Currently I am finding part time work (if you hire me I'll stop looking and have more time on my hands wink wink) and getting my reiki business up and running, so I'm generally available on the weekends as needed, and evenings after about 3, however this is subject to change.
About Maxwell C.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I provide an environment of structure infused with loving empathy; the world's weird to be a human right now, and it was already weird being a dog in this world. I try to be as empathetic towards that aspect of a dog's life as I can while still maintaining alpha status. I generally run a tight but playful ship. When they're with me, they're with me and I'm the pack leader and they stay close. In the (yours or mine) house, they are free to do as they like within established ground rules. I never smack dogs hard but will give a light, intention filled bat across the back of the head and on the nose with my hand when a behavior has been repeated or an overly aggressive, dangerous/harmful behavior is taking place. This is followed by much loving after an apology has been given to me either with paw or eyes. I like to offer one raw meal a day, usually just some standard meat from a place like Gore in Stephens City, but occasionally throw in some cooked squash and blueberries or something, I keep it varied. The dogs absolutely love it, it's actually cheaper long term than grain pellets, and it's generally healthier as long as you don't overdo it; dogs' systems these days are evolved for a grains based diet and so unless they've eaten raw from the puppy stage, switching over to strictly raw immediately is not only uncomfortable and unfamiliar for them but potentially life threatening. Assuming the pet is well equipped for the weather, we will spend very little time inside. I don't care if it's cold, that's what coats and hats are for! These animals are semi-nomadic beings; they don't generally thrive being cooped up in a cave all day, and neither do I! When we are inside, much cuddles and scratches are standard procedure (I have a knack for initiating the one footed tap dance of pleasure via the coveted unreachable spot at the base of the ribs), and various trainings can be incorporated as well if that's something you are interested in! Ultimately, how I care for your pet is up to you. I'm flexible with how we work together and how you want to see your animal treated. This is your family member and I believe it's integral that I am as similar to a member of their family as possible. For me, fun and structure are a priority; I've seen it work many times, and it's what works for me as a human as well!
Home
Information Maxwell C. would like to know about your pet
What activities do and don't work for them? How do they get along with other dogs within and without their household? Can I walk them without a leash? What food do they typically eat if not grain based? Can your dog get wet in a natural body of water if I clean them after? Do they have any specific fear based triggers I should be aware of? What, if anything, is something the typical dog owner might not think about with your dog that I need to be aware of?
A typical day
My own farm is a special place to walk! We have creeks, horses to look at, big wide open fields... If I'm coming to you then blandy and the museum of the shenandoah valley are my go to's, but I love taking dogs that can on actual hikes over in the shenandoah when possible
Location
White Post, VA
Pets
Maxwell C.
White Post, VA