Nicole W.
Midtown Phillips, MN
Can't see a dog without SQUEALING!
Pet care experience
I LOVE dogs. I respect them. We have an energetic and exciting bond, dogs and I. While I no longer have a dog in my home, I previously provided medical foster care with the Animal Humane Society, watching over dogs recovering from surgery and disease. I fell in love with and adopted a dog for whom I cared after he underwent heartworm treatment. This beautiful German Shepherd//Siberian Husky mix who had shriveled to 32 pounds. I nursed him back to health and together we worked all the way up to Canine Good Citizen Award, the top honor in obedience training. Because of this, I know how to teach dogs awesome tricks, but also importantly I challenge dogs to work for their treats, and also hold them accountable for behavior without expecting them to understand how to behave in a human environment. Let's make sure to talk about your specific commands so that I can help reinforce your hard work in training your companion! But seriously, I also LOVE TO PLAY WITH THEM. I will spend LOTS of time tugging the other end of that rope.
Reviews
I recently moved into a condo from a suburban single-family home where my neighbors would help out if I needed to let me dog out when I would be home a little late. Nicole has taken Pucca for daily midday walks to get used to all of the new sights, sounds in and out of the building (including the elevator) as well as reassure here in spite of the fact that she can no longer look out the front window and watch when I leave (sad face). Nicole has been great with communicating and updates (reassuring me as much as my dog, haha). I like how easy everything is with Rover and the detailed "Rover card" with map, photos, etc. Once Pucca is settled in I will continue to solicit Nicole on occasions for days when I can't get home right away. Thanks Nicole!
Nicole is so easy to trust with my dog Sylvie! She is an energetic and fun person in general, so I know she's getting good fun walk time in. But she also clearly knows how to handle and take care of dogs, which takes any element of worry or concern away. Getting scheduled and taking care of logistical details was easy and I got to enjoy several adorable pictures of my very happy pup on their adventure together. I know she actually paid attention to and interacted with Sylvie, and that just makes me so glad to know she's having fun while I'm away! I'm pleased to hire Nicole as our regular walker, and you should too!
Nicole came to visit Oscar 3 times over the last week while I was at work and did an amazing job! She let him run around, took him on walks, and played with him. When I got back from work he was a happy pup! She provided updates and photos too! Will definitely use Nicole in the future. Oh, she also helped with leash manners. THANKS!
Nicole is the greatest dog lover I have ever known, a fact reinforced nearly every day of the 6 years I have known her. We can be in the middle of a very important conversation full of heartfelt testimonials and she will immediately interrupt to squeal and happily greet a new canine friend. She has a very distinctive dog voice that they seem to love, as if she's talking their language. I don't get it, but I've seen it with my own eyes. Dogs love her. Every time one of our friends or family gets a dog, she immediately buys them The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson. It's how she began to really learn how to develop a good relationship across species and train her first dog to be a great companion, even though he was an abused old shepherd with plenty of bad habits when she got him. Let's just call her a wizard of dog magic. A Hairy Potter? A canine conjurer? Whatever she is, she works a special kind of high pitched magic that only dogs can hear.
About Nicole W.
Communication
Skills
Information Nicole W. would like to know about your pet
I would always be happier to know about your dog before they arrive so that I can provide the best environment! I will need to know about the HUGE issues like allergies, medications, escape tendencies, and other things that will affect your dog's safety, but I would LOVE to know about your dog's specific quirks, favorite toys, their commands, and other details that will help your dog to feel extra loved while in my care. For stays longer than 24 hours, I would really prefer to schedule a Meet and Greet with you and your dog to ensure we're a good match. It is important to me that our stay is as carefree as your getaway, and a prior meeting will get us off to a great start! Basically, let's start a conversation! We can ask each other questions and open up the lines of communication so everyone feels as comfortable as possible. I know your dog is precious to you, and I will do my best to show you that I honor those relationships.
A typical day
I live just above the Midtown Greenway, and only 3 blocks from Powderhorn Park. This means your dog will have the opportunity to go for long walks where they will encounter a lot of people walking, running, biking, and enjoying the outdoors in many ways. If your dog has any social issues, I will take them on a more private excursion. If you are licensed for the dog parks in Minneapolis, I would love to take your dog down to the Minnehaha Falls park where we can hike for hours. Dogs love this dog park for the vast space, friends to romp with, and smells. I love this dog park for the scenic hikes, and the interaction between folks and their dogs. I ride my bike year round, so I am always prepared to be outdoors in the whatever weather comes our way. I believe that exercise is not just a necessity for our pet friends, but the most important factor in creating the behavior we hope to see from our dogs.
Services
Nicole can watch in your home
About Nicole W.
Communication
Skills
Information Nicole W. would like to know about your pet
I would always be happier to know about your dog before they arrive so that I can provide the best environment! I will need to know about the HUGE issues like allergies, medications, escape tendencies, and other things that will affect your dog's safety, but I would LOVE to know about your dog's specific quirks, favorite toys, their commands, and other details that will help your dog to feel extra loved while in my care. For stays longer than 24 hours, I would really prefer to schedule a Meet and Greet with you and your dog to ensure we're a good match. It is important to me that our stay is as carefree as your getaway, and a prior meeting will get us off to a great start! Basically, let's start a conversation! We can ask each other questions and open up the lines of communication so everyone feels as comfortable as possible. I know your dog is precious to you, and I will do my best to show you that I honor those relationships.
A typical day
I live just above the Midtown Greenway, and only 3 blocks from Powderhorn Park. This means your dog will have the opportunity to go for long walks where they will encounter a lot of people walking, running, biking, and enjoying the outdoors in many ways. If your dog has any social issues, I will take them on a more private excursion. If you are licensed for the dog parks in Minneapolis, I would love to take your dog down to the Minnehaha Falls park where we can hike for hours. Dogs love this dog park for the vast space, friends to romp with, and smells. I love this dog park for the scenic hikes, and the interaction between folks and their dogs. I ride my bike year round, so I am always prepared to be outdoors in the whatever weather comes our way. I believe that exercise is not just a necessity for our pet friends, but the most important factor in creating the behavior we hope to see from our dogs.
Location
Minneapolis, MN
Nicole W.
Midtown Phillips, MN