Melissa D.
Wayland, MA
Melissa D. 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.
Authentic care you can trust
Pet care experience
I’ve been around dogs my whole life and understand their needs at this point. Their body language tells a story and their Alfa mentality sets the structure. I use that insight to train many of the dogs I work with naturally. My dog is a fully trained service animal at this point. I’d love to share this gift with others.
Reviews
Melissa is so great with Captain, our dog! She’s so communicative, sends through updates and photos so we never worry when Captain is with her. Our dog had a hot spot the first time he stayed with her and she was great with him and took amazing care of him. Would highly recommend Melissa!
Our one year old Labradoodle had a great time with Melissa while we were on vacation. He was there for almost 2 weeks and she made him feel comfortable and welcome. She asked about our training goals and spent time every day helping him learn. The dogs respond well to her gentle demeanor. From the daily videos she sent I can tell she is a natural. Thanks very much, Melissa!
Melissa was amazing! She made the dog (and me) feel so comfortable with his time there. She provided updates and made sure he had everything he needed. He had a great time and i could see how comfortable he was when i went to pick him up, his tail wouldn’t stop wagging!
We felt like our pup was in really good hands with Melissa. Great communicator, knowledgeable and helpful! Thank you!
About Melissa D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I live on a quiet road with friendly neighbors, many of whom have their own dogs that walk the neighborhood. I live around a lot of nature and parks where dogs can walk on a long leash or if trained for recall can walk free off leash. I would keep all client dogs on leash unless specified by the owner and even then I would need to get to know the pup first before feeing comfortable off leash unless it’s within an enclosed park. On walks I like to carry a collapsible water bowl and always take my running pack. Hydration is number one importance for man and dog. It’s always fun to see their contentment of water after a long walk. During walks I will likely start working with the dogs on “walking nice” as I call it. Basically training them to walk with me instead of pulling if that is something your dog does. I have learned it’s important for the human to lead and this is seen in everyday leash walks with the dog as well. It’s a fun bonding moment where the dog learns to trust the human. I can also accommodate if this is not something that is desired for your dog.
Home
Information Melissa D. would like to know about your pet
It’s important to understand the personality and mentality of a dog before taking over care for them. If they are more nervous or shy then that will be good information to know in advance so that I know it’s not situational. Understanding what makes your dog comfortable will help me as I help adjust them to a new space. Routines are important for animals so that information will be helpful. I request all my clients to fill out a brief google form prior to their pups stay so I can make sure to provide the best care. The form asks for your contact information as well as any notes to save on file for your pup and their recent updated vaccinations sheet so we make sure all dogs that pass through the space have updated social vaccines ?? https://forms.gle/e5pPNhmQPpvwDcpXA
A typical day
I love to get my dogs out of the house and in nature where they can used their noses to smell all the animals around them to stimulate their brain. I also love to work with them on small training tactics to make sure that with all the outside stimulation that they are still focused on me as their leader. This is important for long-term bonding with the dog. I enjoy taking my dogs on hikes in the woods as well, going for runs, hopping on a kayak or canoe and enjoying a warm day, etc. Whatever outdoor activities we can comfortably enjoy together, I am willing to do.
Services
Melissa can host
Melissa can watch in your home
Availability
I run my own business and set my own hours and schedule. I love going for morning walks and think it would be a perfect fit to my routine to walk a few dogs in the morning or throughout the day. I stay home most evenings so dog sitting or boarding is easy for me.
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About Melissa D.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I live on a quiet road with friendly neighbors, many of whom have their own dogs that walk the neighborhood. I live around a lot of nature and parks where dogs can walk on a long leash or if trained for recall can walk free off leash. I would keep all client dogs on leash unless specified by the owner and even then I would need to get to know the pup first before feeing comfortable off leash unless it’s within an enclosed park. On walks I like to carry a collapsible water bowl and always take my running pack. Hydration is number one importance for man and dog. It’s always fun to see their contentment of water after a long walk. During walks I will likely start working with the dogs on “walking nice” as I call it. Basically training them to walk with me instead of pulling if that is something your dog does. I have learned it’s important for the human to lead and this is seen in everyday leash walks with the dog as well. It’s a fun bonding moment where the dog learns to trust the human. I can also accommodate if this is not something that is desired for your dog.
Home
Information Melissa D. would like to know about your pet
It’s important to understand the personality and mentality of a dog before taking over care for them. If they are more nervous or shy then that will be good information to know in advance so that I know it’s not situational. Understanding what makes your dog comfortable will help me as I help adjust them to a new space. Routines are important for animals so that information will be helpful. I request all my clients to fill out a brief google form prior to their pups stay so I can make sure to provide the best care. The form asks for your contact information as well as any notes to save on file for your pup and their recent updated vaccinations sheet so we make sure all dogs that pass through the space have updated social vaccines ?? https://forms.gle/e5pPNhmQPpvwDcpXA
A typical day
I love to get my dogs out of the house and in nature where they can used their noses to smell all the animals around them to stimulate their brain. I also love to work with them on small training tactics to make sure that with all the outside stimulation that they are still focused on me as their leader. This is important for long-term bonding with the dog. I enjoy taking my dogs on hikes in the woods as well, going for runs, hopping on a kayak or canoe and enjoying a warm day, etc. Whatever outdoor activities we can comfortably enjoy together, I am willing to do.
Location
Wayland, MA
Pets
Melissa D.
Wayland, MA